Trading Operations Manager

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

Manager Trading Operations is responsible for all commercial, logistical and administrative support to specific product portfolio marketing activity, to ensure that all obligations arising from the contract and charter party are met and carried out professionally.

Jobholder is expected to defend the P&L and look out for opportunities to maximize margins through effective planning and asset utilization, preventing unnecessary downtime/demurrage or improving blend margins.

COMMUNICATION & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• External            Vendors, Inspectors, Agents, Brokers, Counterparties, Superintendents 
• Internal             Trading, Shipping, Finance, Insurance teams  

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY (AREA & NATURE) 

• Expenses/Cost:  Related to physical execution of contracts                                 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Constantly analyse and evaluate the challenges and constraints of end-to-end supply chain and support department manager in developing and operationalizing a plan to eliminate or minimize their impact
• Focus on transport economics, min/max load balances and inventory optimization, by using analytical models and tools
• Organize, manage, track and balance physical product movements based on the supply and demand plan
• Ensure that all obligations arising from the contract and charter party are executed flawlessly, in compliance with governmental and industrial regulations as well as company’s guidelines
• Optimize deal execution within deal limits, in terms of both cost minimization and margin maximization
• Assess the risks pertaining to the execution and mitigate them in coordination with involved parties
• Daily external interface with contractual counterparties, terminal operators, vessel owners/brokers and contracted vendors such as cargo surveyors or port agents
• Daily internal interface with Cargo/Freight Traders, Shipping & Maritime, Manufacturing, Product Optimizers, Claims, Contracts, Demurrage, Legal and Trade Finance
• Manage product quality parameters/specifications to both ensure compliance with contractual terms as well as maximize profitability
• Manage cargo operations including off-spec issues, cargo readiness, scheduling, load & discharge, STS transfers, blending and volume/date-range optimization
• Ensure that any necessary financial security is in place prior to transfer of title to customers
• Appoint independent cargo surveyors, expeditors, ship-to-ship service providers and ships agents
• Appoint independent inspectors and expeditors and be able to investigate matters relating to product quality
• Schedule and manage movement of refined products, and components that involve different complexities
• Handle complex loadings and blending of products in line with trader’s requirements, internal processes and blending facilities availability
• Ensure that all necessary operational information is passed on time and documentary requirements are met
• Deal with contractual problems ensuring that they are managed professionally and optimally for the trading business
• Ensure that all operational data is updated into trading systems in timely and accurate manner, facilitating up-to-date and accurate information flow
• Support post-deal activities like settlements, customs clearance, demurrage, claims etc.
• Keep adequate records to meet the company’s legal and fiscal obligations, as well as making any required regulatory filings (Customs, etc.)
• Provide guidance for necessary cargo invoicing work, diversion payments, and clearances of accruals
• Be responsible for daily updating/ monthly reconciling of inventory at terminals and adhering to end of month processes
• Generate Inventory, forecast and schedule reports
• Manage a solid networking foundation amongst key internal and external contacts, including but not limited to suppliers, customers, and logistical service providers
• Provide back-up coverage to other team members as outlined by line manager for coverage planning
• Support KYC of 3rd party service providers including storage companies, independent inspectors, shipping agents etc.
• Carry out any other reasonable and lawful request directed by the Management
• Maintain and ensure confidentiality at all times
• Represent the company in a positive and professional manner
• Adhere to the company’s rules, regulations, procedures and policies at all times

JOB SPECIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, BEHAVIOURS)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Commercial, Logistics, Economics or related field Master’s degree in related field is an advantage

Experience

• 6+ years in commodities trading business          
• 3+ years in trading operations within the same product portfolio, preferably with experience in the same role

Knowledge

• Comprehensive in Supply Chain (Products, Logistics, Processing)          
• Advanced in Legal & Contracts (Law, Incoterms, Tax, Regulation)
• Advanced in Finance (Credit, Cost Control, Treasury)    
• Practical in Trading

Abilities

• Proactive planning & organizing
• Analytical
• Attention to details       
• Customer focus
• Negotiation     
• T eamwork
• Communication (oral and written)          
• Collaboration
• Work under pressure    
• Manage multiple priorities
• Problem solving

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Physical Effort: Minimal
• Work Environment: Office
• Working schedule: As per the company’s policy