Cargo Operations Executive

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Cargo & Vessel Operations

• Coordinate and manage the movement of cargo vessels, ensuring efficient and timely transportation of products across international trade routes.
• Monitor vessel schedules, cargo loading, discharge operations, voyage progress, and key operational milestones.
• Maintain accurate operational records and voyage updates within internal systems and reporting platforms.
• Attend operational and terminal coordination meetings and provide timely operational updates to stakeholders.
• Coordinate vessel nominations, presentations, laycan management, and operational instructions with counterparties, suppliers, terminals, agents, and vessel owners.

Pre-Fixture & Pre-Operation Management

• Review contracts, recap agreements, charter party requirements, cargo specifications, and operational documentation.
• Conduct sanctions screening and compliance checks on vessels, cargoes, counterparties, and transactions.
• Verify cargo insurance requirements, segregation arrangements, stowage plans, technical clearances, and operational readiness.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, including discharge options, indemnities, and charter party requirements.

Cargo Execution & Risk Management

• Issue and manage cargo nominations, documentary instructions, discharge instructions, voyage orders, inspection appointments, and operational notices.
• Monitor cargo quality, quantity, temperature requirements, and operational performance throughout the voyage lifecycle.
• Manage Letters of Indemnity (LOIs), Letters of Protest (LOPs), Letters of Authorisation (LOAs), and other shipping documentation.
• Identify and escalate operational risks, delays, claims exposures, and performance issues as appropriate.

Commercial & Financial Support

• Support demurrage calculations, freight reviews, cost forecasting, and voyage performance analysis.
• Work closely with Trade Finance, Credit, Finance, Hedging, and Trading teams to ensure accurate operational reporting and commercial support.
• Assist with bunker planning, consumption monitoring, emissions reporting, and vessel operating cost management.
• Ensure timely closure of operational transactions and accurate update of shipment records.

Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with company procedures, regulatory requirements, and operational standards.
• Contribute ideas that improve operational efficiency, controls, reporting, and customer service.
• Support knowledge sharing, training, and the development of colleagues across the operations function.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Skills

• Strong coordination and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple cargo movements simultaneously.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately within a fast-paced trading environment.
• Commercial awareness and ability to understand operational impact on trading profitability.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency with shipping, cargo management, and voyage management systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis skills.

Knowledge

• Understanding of international shipping operations, cargo logistics, and marine transportation.
• Working knowledge of Incoterms including FOB, CIF, DES and DAP.
• Understanding of charter parties, laytime, demurrage, voyage execution and vessel performance management.
• Familiarity with sanctions compliance, trade controls, customs requirements, and shipping documentation.
• Knowledge of marine quality control, cargo inspections, letters of indemnity, and claims prevention processes.
• Awareness of maritime regulations and industry standards including SOLAS, MARPOL, OCIMF, FOSFA, and tanker operating practices.

Experience & Expertise

• Previous experience within shipping operations, marine logistics, commodity trading operations, tanker operations, bunker trading, or chartering.
• Demonstrated ability to manage international cargo movements and vessel operations.
• Experience working with traders, vessel owners, brokers, agents, terminals, inspectors, and suppliers.
• Exposure to physical commodity trading environments, particularly energy, bunkering, petroleum products, chemicals, or bulk commodities.
• Ability to operate independently while maintaining strong collaboration with commercial and operational stakeholders.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and operational excellence.