The world is going electric, and PLS is at the forefront of the charge.
Our collaborative, inclusive culture is a cornerstone of PLS. Humble, down-to-earth and genuinely invested in each other, we are one team united by a common purpose and driven to do great work together.
Being such a fast-moving company in clean energy transition means there is no shortage of challenge or opportunity. Whether it is taking on new projects, developing new skills or stepping into bigger roles, PLS is a place where careers move and where your potential has room to grow.
We're not a big corporate, and we don't want to be. At PLS you own your work, you're backed by people who care about doing a good job, and there's room to innovate and make things happen.
Positioned to be a major force for change, this is a great time to join us as we play a critical role in addressing the global energy crisis. If you want to be part of an organsation that is all about great people shaping the next era of battery minerals, we would love to hear from you.
The future is lithium, make it yours.
What PLS offers
- Annual short-term incentive bonus recognising individual and business performance
- PLS employee share scheme
- 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
- Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options
- Health and wellbeing allowanceNovated leasing through salary sacrifice
- Paid community leave
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program and Company Chaplains
- Monthly employee recognition awards
- Access to PLS' KidsCo School Holiday Program
The opportunity
Reporting to the Group Manager Sales and Shipping,
the Principal Chartering and Freight will lead the development and execution of PLS' ocean freight strategy. This role will secure cost-effective and reliable shipping for product delivery to customers globally across dry bulk and containerised freight, while guiding freight procurement, operational execution, market analysis and key external relationships.
This is a permanent full-time role based at our Perth Corporate office, noting we are currently located in West Perth, but will be moving to the CBD (QV1 building) in 2027.
Key responsibilities
- Lead ocean freight procurement and contracting across spot and term markets, securing competitive rates, terms and reliable capacity.
- Deliver shipping commitments in line with contracted timelines and obligations, including third-party offtake requirements.
- Freight cost management and market analysis to inform chartering decisions and recommendations to senior management.
- Manage relationships with shipowners, brokers, freight forwarders, port authorities and shipping agents to support dependable execution.
- Monitor freight markets, risks and regulatory developments that may affect shipping strategy, cost or service reliability.
- Integrate ESG, emissions reduction and decarbonisation considerations into chartering decisions in line with evolving environmental regulation.
- Work closely with commercial,
operational and external stakeholders to support secure, compliant and efficient product delivery.
About you
- Bachelor's degree in business, logistics, supply chain, maritime studies or equivalent professional experience.
- At least 10 years’ chartering experience within dry bulk commodities, including responsibility for developing, implementing and executing freight strategy.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate with counterparties and achieve commercially sound outcomes in fast-moving market conditions and under time pressure.
- Strong knowledge of international shipping regulations and statutory safety requirements for dry bulk operations, including IMO requirements.
- Well-developed analytical capability, including financial modelling, freight cost analysis and interpretation of market data.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across commercial, operational and external teams.
- A clear commitment to safety, environmental performance and responsible shipping practices.
- Experience in spodumene or mineral concentrate logistics, freight derivatives such as FFAs or freight options, and freight-rate or market data platforms will be highly regarded.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills are desirable.
Supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce
PLS is an Equal Chance Employer committed to creating a workplace that values, respects and supports diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and the future we’re building. We foster an setting where everyone feels safe, included and able to contri
📌 Principal Frieght (Perth)
🏢 PLS
📍 Perth