Head of Operations — Petroleum & Petrochemical Trading

The OpportunityOur client is a well-established Singapore-headquartered trading house in petroleum and petrochemical products, with a multi-decade track record andphysical flows spanning Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. The business combines physical trading, structured logistics, financial hedging,and technical support to counterparties.They are appointing a Head of Operations to lead the execution engine behind the trade. The client's identity will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates.The RoleReporting to the CEO, you will own the full physical and documentary lifecycle of every trade — from contract confirmation through vessel movement,customs clearance, delivery, and settlement. This is a hands-on leadership role with direct accountability for operational risk, cost, and counterpartyexperience, with particular weight on North Asia trade lanes.Key ResponsibilitiesTrade Execution & OperationsOwn end-to-end execution of physical cargo movements: contract review, nomination, documentation, inspection, delivery, and settlementManage letters of credit, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and quality/quantity documentation with Finance and trade finance partnersResolve quality claims, quantity discrepancies, demurrage, and contractual disputes with counterpartiesLogistics & Supply ChainDirect chartering, freight negotiation, vessel and barge scheduling, and terminal/storage arrangementsOptimise routing, tankage, and blending logistics to protect marginManage surveyors, agents, terminals, and freight forwardersNorth Asia Market OperationsLead operational delivery into and out of North Asia, with primary focus on ChinaNavigate PRC import/export licensing, customs and bonded logistics regimes, port and terminal practice, and local regulatory requirements affecting petrochemical cargoesBuild and maintain working relationships with terminals, agents, inspection bodies, and counterparty operations teams across the regionRisk, Compliance & ControlsEnforce operational risk controls, sanctions screening, KYC, and trade compliance across all movementsSupport the trading desk on hedging execution and position reconciliationOwn HSE standards across handling and storage operationsLeadership & SystemsLead, structure, and develop the operations teamDrive process standardisation and CTRM/ERP adoption to improve visibility and reduce execution errorReport operational performance, cost, and exposure to the CEORequirementsMinimum 12 years in physical commodity trading operations, including at least 4 years leading a team or departmentDemonstrable operating track record across North Asia trade lanes, with substantive hands-on experience of the China market - PRC customs, import/export licensing, bonded warehousing, and port/terminal practice for petroleum or petrochemical cargoesStrong command of Incoterms, charter party terms, LC mechanics, and international trade documentationProven ability to manage demurrage, claims, and counterparty disputes to commercial resolutionWorking knowledge of hedging instruments and their operational settlement implicationsDegree in Supply Chain, Chemical Engineering, Maritime Studies, Business, or a related disciplineProficiency in written and spoken Mandarin is required, as the role involves daily negotiation and documentation handling with Mandarin-speaking suppliers, terminals, customs agents, and counterparty operations teams in China where English is not the working languageWillingness to travel regionally as requiredWhat's On OfferDirect reporting line to the CEO with genuine decision-making scopeOwnership of the operations function end to end, across trading, logistics, finance, and technical interfacesAn established platform with long-standing counterparty relationships across multiple regionsApplication: All applications are handled in strict confidence. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be briefed on the client's identity atthat stage.Our client is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered on the basis of merit, skills, and experience.[EA Licence No. 11C3030