Cargo Operations Executive

We are seeking a proactive and commercially minded Cargo Operations Executive to support the end-to-end execution of physical cargo movements within a global trading and shipping environment. The role is responsible for coordinating marine cargo operations, ensuring contractual compliance, managing vessel and terminal activities, and maintaining close communication with traders, chartering teams, finance, trade finance, quality, and external counterparties.

Working across spot and term business, you will oversee cargo movements from pre-voyage planning through to post-fixture settlement, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution while minimising operational and commercial risk. The successful candidate will gain exposure to international shipping markets, marine logistics, commodity trading operations, customs processes, trade finance, and vessel chartering activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an operations professional looking to develop a long-term career within commodity trading, bunker trading, shipping, or marine logistics.

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.

This role offers significant exposure to the commercial side of global commodity trading and is ideal for an ambitious shipping or logistics professional seeking a career within cargo operations, trading support, or marine logistics management