We are currently partnering with an established international trade company in their search for an experienced Head of Operations to join their Singapore team.
This role will oversee a team of 5-7 Operations Executives and take ownership of end-to-end trade operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and cost control across the business.
Key Responsibilities
1. Trade Execution & Logistics
- Manage full trade lifecycle from contract finalization through to cargo delivery
- Oversee vessel operations and track shipment status, ensuring timely updates and documentation
- Coordinate closely with shippers, receivers, port agents, surveyors, and logistics providers
- Monitor port operations to ensure smooth loading and unloading
2. Contract Compliance & Documentation
- Ensure compliance with contract terms, INCOTERMS, quality specifications, and delivery timelines
- Supervise preparation and verification of shipping and banking documents (BL, CI, COA, COQ, LC documentation)
- Liaise with suppliers on amendments and discrepancies during documentation checks
- Work closely with banks on trade finance documentation and settlements
3. Operational Risk & Cost Control
- Identify and manage risks such as demurrage, despatch, delays, and disputes
- Monitor operational costs and drive efficiency to protect trade profitability
- Lead demurrage/despatch negotiations and handle claim settlements
4. Regulatory & ESG Compliance
- Ensure adherence to international trade regulations, customs requirements, and environmental standards
5. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead and mentor the Trade Operations team across shipping, laytime, LC processes, and documentation
- Partner with Trading, Finance, Legal, and Chartering teams to ensure smooth execution
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and service providers
6. Reporting & Systems Management
- Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on trade and operational status
- Oversee and improve trade management systems for better efficiency
- Drive continuous improvement in SOPs and support automation initiatives
Requirements
- Minimum 5+ years in a managerial operations role within bulk commodities trading
- Proven experience managing teams and improving operational workflows
- Strong knowledge of trade execution, shipping logistics, and documentation
- Experience handling LC documentation and working with banks
- Solid understanding of demurrage, laytime, and vessel operations
- Detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills
Contact Kirc Lyndell Jareno at [Confidential Information] for more info or apply via our website.
Ellaine Legaspi Gorospe
Reg No: R1220634
EA License No: 15S7671
