Crude Oil Operator

Job Description

Crude Oil Operator

Location - London

Role Overview:

This role is responsible for managing contracts and logistics to optimise commercial outcomes. The ideal candidate will ensure that all contractual and group assurance obligations are fulfilled, oversee the smooth operation of the entire front-to-back process, and ensure timely collection, entry, and forwarding of critical data and information.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daily Operations Management:

Oversee daily operations for deals generated by the trading team, including cargo nominations, contract drafting and review, payment processing, documentation, insurance, surveys, and agency appointments.

• Contract Management:

Prepare, revise, and develop crude oil and natural gas marketing and trading contracts, using existing templates or drafting/customizing as needed. Negotiate contracts with counter parties, review and gain approval for terms, and manage the contract approval process.

• Collaboration & Coordination:

Work closely with the commercial team to monitor and ensure compliance with key contract terms. Liaise with internal teams (Commercial, Shipping, Credit, Finance) to align with deal recaps, maximize value, and mitigate risks.

• Freight & Voyage Oversight:

Oversee freight optimization, issue voyage instructions, track vessel positions, and monitor voyage progress to ensure efficiency and timeliness.

• Financial & Settlement Management:

Ensure smooth and timely execution of cargo settlements, trade finance, and billing activities. Manage claims against Buyers, Sellers, Ship Owners, and Terminals as per contract terms.

• Demurrage & Risk Management:

Support demurrage management, ensuring timely processing and strict adherence to time bar clauses, and minimize contractual exposures.

• Relationship Building:

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external partners, including third parties (Buyers, Sellers, Ship Owners, Terminals) and other companies within the broader group.

• Data Management & Compliance:

Ensure accurate updates in the trading operations system for reporting and analysis, maintain electronic records of contracts and operations, and provide documentation for audits when needed.

• Policy Adherence:

Comply with group policies and procedures at all times.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Skills & Competencies:
• Proficiency in Mandarin is advantageous.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of contractual agreements.
• Ability to optimize cargo flows and systems.
• High attention to detail, with a proactive and independent approach to work.
• Flexible, open-minded, and capable of prioritizing and organizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships based on influence and professional competence.

Experience:

• Prior experience in North Sea, WAF, or Med Crude operations is required.
• Solid working knowledge of energy trading and shipping environments.
• Familiarity with oil majors’ GT&C terms is essential.
• Blending experience is a plus.