Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist

Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist

Type:
Full-time | Hybrid

About the Opportunity - A fast-growing global trading platform is seeking a seasoned operator-executor hybrid — someone equally at home managing vessel logistics as they are navigating the fine print of trade contracts. You’ll be joining a lean but ambitious team building a business capable of competing with the industry’s most established players. If you thrive where operations meet commercial strategy
, this role is for you!

As the Senior Trade Execution & Vessel Operations Specialist
, you’ll be responsible for end-to-end commercial execution of bulk grain and veg oil shipments
, managing both vessel operations and trade documentation from contract to delivery.

• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of chartered bulk and tanker vessels (from nomination to final discharge).
• Manage import/export documentation
  , Letters of Credit, and compliance with GAFTA, NAEGA, NOPA, FOSFA and Incoterms
  .
• Coordinate closely with chartering, trading, and logistics teams to ensure on-time and on-spec delivery.
• Lead communication with shipowners, agents, surveyors, and port operators globally.
• Prepare, issue, and reconcile all shipment documentation — including BLs, phytosanitary, COO, COA, and certificates of quality.
• Manage laytime, demurrage, and despatch calculations
  , ensuring financial accuracy and minimising exposure.
• Monitor vessel performance, optimise voyage planning, and troubleshoot issues in real time.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine processes as the business scales, embedding operational discipline and efficiency.
• Contribute to the company’s growth strategy in vegetable oils
  , including expanding tanker shipment operations.

You are an agile, hands-on operator who understands the complexities of global commodity trade execution and vessel logistics
. You’ve probably worked for one of the majors — or with them — and are ready to take ownership in a more entrepreneurial environment.

You bring:

• 7+ years of experience in bulk vessel shipment execution
  , preferably in grains, oilseeds, or veg oils.
• Solid exposure to tanker operations (veg oils or liquid bulk).
• Proven ability to manage chartered vessels
  , import/export flows, and trade documentation.
• Deep familiarity with GAFTA, NAEGA, FOSFA, NOPA
  , and Incoterms (or the ability to ramp up fast).
• Strong understanding of letters of credit
  , demurrage claims
  , and commercial finance flows
  .
• Excellent communication skills across multicultural teams and time zones.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (Portuguese a plus).
• A bias for action, problem-solving, and collaboration.

• You’ll help shape a next-generation trading organisation — agile, ethical, and global from the start.
• You’ll work across both trade execution and vessel operations
  , gaining exposure to the full commercial chain.
• You’ll join at a pivotal time, when each operational improvement has a direct impact on business growth.
• The role offers strong visibility, autonomy, and potential for regional leadership as the platform continues to expand.

This is a world-class position!

We’d love to hear from you.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Business Development, Management, and Strategy/Planning

• Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• International Trade and Development