Commodity Trading Operator

Position Overview

We are looking for a skilled Commodity Trading Operator to join our trading and logistics team, focusing on the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of physical energy trades within our crude oil and refined products portfolio. This role involves comprehensive oversight of trade execution from initiation to completion, coordinating vessel logistics, terminal operations, quality and quantity verification, and managing commercial risks associated with spot and time charter activities. The position demands expertise in petroleum logistics, excellent commercial judgement, and the ability to handle multiple transactions seamlessly in a dynamic international trading environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trade operations for crude oil and refined products including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, and fuel oil, collaborating closely with traders, counterparties, and internal teams.
• Oversee the entire cargo lifecycle, from trade nomination and contract assessment through to quality and quantity checks and final delivery settlement.
• Review commercial contracts to ensure they align with operational capabilities, risk parameters, and company policies.
• Track inventory across several storage and terminal sites, verifying compliance with contractual storage and tank allocation conditions.
• Identify optimization opportunities to reduce costs, limit exposure, and improve profitability throughout cargo handling.
• Manage vessel nominations and clearance for loading and unloading, ensuring compliance with contracts, sales and purchase agreements, and charter party clauses.
• Issue voyage orders and coordinate with vessels, shipowners, agents, terminals, and ports to optimize schedules and loading plans for both spot and time chartered vessels.
• Coordinate with external stakeholders such as shipowners, brokers, surveyors on voyage plan, bunkering strategies, and port operations.
• Monitor vessel metrics like speed, fuel consumption, laytime, and demurrage risk; promptly inform traders and chartering teams of issues.
• Administer pre- and post-fixture processes including vessel inspections, vetting compliance, discharge planning, and redelivery.
• Supervise terminal operations ensuring adherence to safety, contractual, and procedural standards; prepare stowage and discharge plans with relevant teams.
• Engage independent inspectors and cargo superintendents for timely quality and quantity verification, ensuring collection of required certificates.
• Review essential shipping documents such as bills of lading, origin certificates, quantity proof, safety documentation, and quality specifications for accuracy.
• Ensure customs, regulatory, and sanctions compliance, alerting traders to any documentation or regulatory issues affecting trades.
• Manage commercial risk including pricing validation, freight and demurrage calculations, and maintain detailed pricing records alongside finance teams.
• Anticipate and mitigate operational risks, handling claims related to demurrage, quality, losses, and damages; coordinate with insurers and carriers.
• Maintain thorough operational and transaction records in ETRM and management systems, ensure accurate and timely reporting and KPI tracking.
• Support treasury and trade finance operations with cost monitoring, invoice verification, and payment tracking.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners including traders, shipowners, agents, inspectors, and terminal operators.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts among Trading, Chartering, Finance, Legal, Trade Finance, and Compliance to ensure smooth execution.
• Communicate clearly and escalate operational challenges promptly, proposing solutions to minimize delays and commercial impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 7 years’ experience in international oil & gas trading houses or refineries, particularly managing crude oil and refined products operations in global supply chains.
• Deep understanding of petroleum product specifications, quality standards, and refining economics.
• Comprehensive knowledge of shipping operations, vessel management, charter party agreements (including BIMCO forms), laytime, and demurrage calculations.
• Strong grasp of contract details, commercial practices, Incoterms, letters of credit, and trade finance documentation.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel and experience using ETRM systems such as IMOS, SAP, or ASPECT.
• Fluent English communication skills; additional language skills like Arabic, French, or Spanish are beneficial.
• Capable of working autonomously under pressure managing multiple concurrent transactions with meticulous attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or related fields preferred.
• Experience with terminal operations, inventory systems, and tank procedures (SMA/CMA) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with African or Middle Eastern crude markets and middle distillates, heavy fuel oil trading, chartering principles, and ship economics is a plus.
• Skills in data analysis, dashboard creation, and process improvement including automation preferred.
• Exposure to biofuels, sustainability, or alternative energy markets is a positive asset.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational discipline with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Commercial insight to balance cost and operational effectiveness, anticipating trade-offs and possible risks.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced environments, capable of calm and accurate decision-making during disruptions.
• Proactive compliance and risk management mindset, ensuring regulatory adherence and early risk identification.