Description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION :
We are seeking a Senior Operator to join our Operations Department, reporting into the Head of Operations. The Senior Commodity Physical Operator will manage end-to-end operational execution of Oil & Gas trading and shipping activities. This role will ensure contracts are executed flawlessly – on time, in compliance, and accurately – while optimizing costs and mitigating risks to protect trader P&L.

This senior, high-accountability position requires deep expertise in Oil & Gas shipping and terminal operations. The incumbent will coordinate across traders, counterparties, shipping companies, terminals, and internal teams (Trading, Finance, Chartering). They will maintain comprehensive desk knowledge to provide backup support and assist team members where needed.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Contract Management :
Review contracts submitted by contract desk and verify terms and conditions, including quantity, quality specifications, delivery terms and any other terms directly impacting operations activity.
Read and understand the contractual content, terms and conditions.

Vessel / Cargo Coordination :
Clear and nominate the vessel with compliance, terminal and counterparties as per contract
Ensure strict compliance with terminal slot management, arrival windows, and laycan constraints
Read and understand the fixture provided by Shipping Dept.
Coordinate with shipping and logistics companies to manage the movement of products, transportation schedules, loading, and discharge operations, voyage changes, diversions, delays, to ensure safe and efficient shipping operation, timely delivery and re-optimization in close coordination with Traders whenever required
Prepare and issue comprehensive Documentary Instructions to meet all letter of credit (LC), customs, and contractual requirements
Review, verify, and approve all shipping documents including bills of lading (BLs), certificates of origin (COO), quality & quantity (Q&Q) certificates, weight certificates, and health/safety documentation
Ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements (customs, export/import controls, sanctions, environmental regulations) and alert traders to any compliance risks or documentation gaps
Appoint inspectors, superintendents for Quality and Quantity as per contractual requirements and other measures/analyses requested by traders.
Appoint any service providers required for physical execution of contract.
Ensure no delivery is affected without adequate Trade Finance approval
Storage management (where applicable) by reviewing contract, tracking inventory levels and managing stock reconciliation. Work with storage facilities to ensure proper handling and storage of the products. Manage any SMA or CMA whenever applicable with relevant service providers
Work closely with traders to understand deal terms and ensure that all operational aspects align with trading strategies.
Liaise with counterparties to resolve any issues that arise during the transaction process.

Operational Risk Management, Insurance & claims :
Identify and mitigate operational risks associated with physical oil movement.
Manage potential transportation accidents with transporters and insurers, collect/co-ordinate documents and correspondence as required.
Record vessel in TC/ voyage charter for Charterer’s liability declaration
Manage transit losses with underwriters, whenever applicable
Anticipate, avoid, mitigate and whenever applicable handle any quantity & quality claims.
Handle any operational issues or discrepancies, like quality / quantity claims, other shipping related claims excluding demurrage
Work closely with Demurrage teams to minimize exposure and support claims defense and recovery
Participate in incident investigations, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives

Cost Control & Finance :
Ensure all shipping, terminal, and operational costs are accurately captured and allocated in ETRM
Review and post services, shipping related invoices and invoice claims and operational cost recharge, if any (other than demurrage)
Follow up with treasury for payments
Meet End of Month closing requirements for scope of work
Meet any applicable cut off times

Systems, Process & Performance Management :
Ensure data quality and accuracy in ETRM and operational systems
Ensure correct and timely daily filing of any critical documentation
Update and maintain internal trader/brokers/agents/suppliers/customers’ directory
Contribute to maintenance of operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance reporting. Assist on operational data analysis to identify areas for improvement and cost optimization
Contribute to continuous improvement of Oil & Gas operational processes, playbooks, and controls. Identify opportunities to streamline operations processes and improve efficiency.
Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory changes

Relationship Management & Communication :
Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and externals stakeholders, including traders, Trade Finance, Legal, …, customers, suppliers, and logistics providers

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS :
Bachelor or Master degree or certification in related field or equivalent experience
7 to 10 years of relevant experience gained in an international Oil Trading house in Trading and/or shipping Operations dept
Fluent in English, both written and spoken; French is a plus
Proven track record in managing Oil and/or Gas end-to-end purchase and sales contracts, managing Oil & Gas trading and shipping operations in complex supply chains
Strategic thinking and commercial awareness of contract terms and trading economics
Command of contract structures, specifications, and quality/quantity verification
Advanced planning and logistics coordination across multiple concurrent transactions
Risk identification and mitigation; analytical approach to operational challenges
Proven crisis management and problem-solving under pressure
Strong P&L and cost optimization mindset; ability to identify and drive cost savings
Clear communication and ability to advise traders and managers on operational feasibility, constraints, and solutions
Exposure to trade finance documentation
Proficiency in excel, in data analysis, ETRM systems and good command of IT tools
Exposure to African markets is mandatory
Exposure to biofuels trading and operations is a plus.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES :
Strong attention to detail to the small, specific elements of a task or situation. Has a keen eye for spotting errors, inconsistencies, and subtle differences.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, under high pressure and ability to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity, and rapid change
Strong stakeholder management. Cultivates professional internal and external working relationships
Compliance mindset