Managing Director

Set the course – and lead the next leg of Navi Merchants’ journey

Full P&L. Clear mandate. Strong ownership.

We’re looking for a CEO to lead Navi Merchants – the dry cargo shipping company within Copenhagen Merchants Group. The company is entering its next phase of growth, including the arrival of six new eco-friendly coaster vessels and a clear ambition to expand further in both the coaster and mini-bulker segments.

Alongside this, Navi Merchants operates in the competitive market for deep-sea dry cargo vessels and is an active commercial partner to other parts of Copenhagen Merchants Group. We also co-own and contribute to the management of a vessel pool (Handy to Ultramax), allowing us to offer flexible tonnage and meet a wide range of customer needs – both within and beyond the group.

You’ll also work closely with our digital market intelligence platform, CM Navigator, which supports data-driven decisions across trading, chartering and operations.

This role is not just about steering the ship. It’s about shaping it – commercially, culturally, and structurally.

You’ll build and lead a strong team across Chartering, Operations and Market Intelligence, supported by a dedicated commercial setup and the backing of engaged ownership. In close partnership with the owner, you’ll define the path to further profitable growth – while staying true to the CM culture: entrepreneurial, flat, collaborative, and distinctly human.

What you’ll be doing

• Take full P&L responsibility for Navi Merchants and its strategic growth
• Develop and lead the commercial team – including growing the team
• Develop the commercial platform and tonnage strategy – owned, T/C, and partnerships
• Drive synergies across CM Group (early cargo access, post-fixing optimization, etc.)
• Position Navi Merchants externally – as a relevant and agile dry cargo operator
• Lead with energy, clarity, and collaboration – and shape a commercial culture with edge
• Work closely with the owner and the CM Group leadership team
• Ensure smooth coordination with CM Holding functions and the rest of the CM Group entities

Who we’re looking for

You’re a commercially driven leader in dry cargo shipping – and you know how to develop and form a team or a full organization.

You don’t need a title to lead, but you know how to turn ambition into alignment and movement.

You bring experience, but also curiosity, drive, and the will to build – through people as much as decisions.

So, what’s in your bag?

• 10+ years of industry experience – ideally across chartering, operations and fleet strategy, – and with a solid understanding of logistics as a key part of delivering commercial results
• Previous P&L leadership experience (CEO, MD, BU Head, Partner or similar)
• Proven track record with commercial growth – and preferably with organic scaling
• Experience from a commercially successful operator, with insight into owned + T/C tonnage
• Strong communicator, natural collaborator, and someone who others want to follow
• Fluent in English – Danish is a strong plus
• Comfortable navigating in a special, flat, Nordic-style organization – with few (no) titles and many opinions

What We Offer

This is a chance to set the direction for one of Northern Europe’s most exciting dry cargo shipping platforms. You’ll work closely with a committed ownership and be given real freedom to shape your own team, strategy, and commercial setup. We’ve made the investments – now we’re looking for the right person to turn that into long-term value.

Expect high expectations, but also high trust, strong support, and a unique culture where people (and results) matter. We’re based in Nordhavn, in an office that impresses most guests – and yes, wearing shorts is perfectly fine when the sun’s out … also for a MD.

Interested?

We’ve teamed up with Heidrick & Struggles to run (almost) the full process – so even though you apply through our website, all correspondence will be with their team.

They’ll make sure the right Octo-profiles move forward – and that everyone hears back (even if it’s a no). If things progress, you’ll meet the owner and the team at Navi Merchants soon after.

Apply by uploading your CV and feel free to add a brief motivation or even a short video introduction (max. 1 minute).

For questions, feel free to reach out to: Janus Skræp Christiansen, Senior Associate, Heidrick & Struggles, +45 2349 9534

P.S.

We’re heading into summer mode, so don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of radio silence around weeks 29–31. But rest assured: we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re back at full steam – sunburnt, maybe, but ready.

Check us out at www.navimerchants.com or www.copmer.com