Trade Operations Specialist (3-6 Month Contract)

Company Overview

Biofront Commodities is a leading global supplier and trader of waste-derived feedstocks used for advanced biofuels production. Their portfolio includes Used Cooking Oil (UCO), Tyre Pyrolysis Oil (TPO), and Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), which are supplied to bio-refineries worldwide for manufacturing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Renewable Diesel (RD). With presence in six countries and a workforce exceeding 250 employees, the company has traded over $500 million worth of bio-products to date.

Role Summary

The Trade Operations Specialist will manage the comprehensive lifecycle of physical commodity transactions, collaborating closely with traders, suppliers, shipping agents, terminals, finance, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth trade execution. This is a contract position based in Singapore, with immediate availability preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational process of physical commodity trades from contract confirmation through settlement.
• Coordinate various shipment methods including bulk vessels, flexitanks, isotanks, road tankers, and containers.
• Monitor and manage loading schedules, delivery timelines, nominations, laycans, documentation deadlines, and contractual commitments.
• Engage with suppliers, customers, terminals, inspectors, shipping agents, freight companies, and internal teams to facilitate trades.
• Prepare and review key shipping and trade documents such as bills of lading, certificates of origin, sustainability certificates, inspection reports, invoices, and customs paperwork.
• Track shipments actively, addressing delays, discrepancies in documentation, and operational challenges proactively.
• Calculate and oversee quantities, pricing modifications, demurrage, detention, laytime, and other operational costs.
• Collaborate closely with finance for invoicing, payment processing, letters of credit, trade finance documentation, and reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date trade records with regular status updates provided to traders and management.
• Ensure compliance with contractual terms, regulatory policies, customs requirements, and sustainability criteria.
• Support operational reporting, process enhancements, and provide ad hoc assistance to trading teams.

Qualifications and Experience

• Between 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in physical commodity trade operations, shipping logistics, or supply chain management.
• Background in oils, biofuels, renewable feedstocks, petroleum products, chemicals, or agricultural commodity markets is advantageous.
• In-depth knowledge of international trade documentation and Incoterms.
• Experience handling bulk vessel, tank, flexitank, isotank, or containerized shipment operations.
• Strong numerical and analytical capabilities with effective problem-solving skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to handle multiple shipments and deadlines concurrently.
• Confident in communicating with a variety of international stakeholders and service providers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and general office software.
• Ability to perform independently within a dynamic and fast-paced trading environment.
• Readiness to start work on short notice is considered a plus.