Oil Tanker Operator
Trafigura · Houston
Main Purpose
As an Oil Tanker Operator in Trafigura, you will have the opportunity to join a team that manages one of the world’s largest Time Charter fleets, handling all aspects of Time Charter vessel operations for the company.
Your main responsibility is to ensure proper operation of TC vessels and maximize performance, following global standards and international regulations at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake voyage planning to meet international regulations and respond to vessel operational issues
- Optimize bunker procurement and consumption strategies
- Review and coordinate stowage planning, cargo handling operations, and real-time issue resolution
- Coordinate agency appointments and provide voyage orders to vessels
- Supervise vessel performance throughout all voyages, including speed and consumption analysis
- Coordinate weather routing services and performance optimization initiatives
- Manage hold / tank cleaning optimization
- Handle vessel questionnaires, certificates, LOIs and all relevant supporting documentation
- Maintain and update company software systems with required operational data
- Collaborate with internal and external counterparties to ensure smooth management of ongoing operations, including pre- and post-fixture activities
- Ensure compliance with Global Regulatory Requirements
- Prepare operational reports and performance analysis
- Ensure compliance with Trafigura's global policies and procedures at all times
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 4 years of experience managing vessels' operations
- Strong understanding of Charter party terms and conditions (Time Charter, Voyage Charter)
- Strong understanding of BIMCO standard forms and clauses
- Knowledge of laytime and demurrage calculations
- P&L understanding and variance analysis
- Demonstrated experience with cargo operations – Preparation for Loading, discharge
- Proven experience with bunker operations - Planning, quality specifications, sampling procedures
- Knowledge of shipping regulatory frameworks
- Solid understanding of shipping management software (IMOS, Danaos, etc.)
- English proficiency (written and verbal)
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong business knowledge and commercial approach
- Ability to work in a multinational, exciting, fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external partners
- Data analysis and visualization - Dashboards, critical metrics, trend analysis
- Report writing and presentation skills
- Automation tool development (desirable)
- Understanding of AI/ML applications in shipping operations (desirable)
Attributes for Success
Operational Excellence
- Diligent – Maintains accuracy in voyage documentation, charter party terms, and regulatory compliance across multiple concurrent vessel operations
- Efficient and process-driven – Optimizes workflows for bunker procurement, stowage planning, and performance monitoring to minimize operational delays
- Proactive problem-solver – Anticipates vessel operational issues and implements preventive measures before they impact voyage schedules or costs
Analytical & Data-Driven
- Analytical attitude – Interprets speed/consumption data, P&L variances, and performance metrics to identify optimization opportunities
- Innovative and improvement-focused – Develops automation solutions and applies emerging technologies (AI/ML) to enhance operational efficiency
- Data visualization proficiency – Creates dashboards and trend analysis reports that translate complex operational data into actionable insights
Communication & Collaboration
- Collaborative teammate – Works seamlessly across Chartering, Cargo Operations, and external partners (brokers, ship owners, service providers) to ensure coordinated vessel management
- Communicative and articulate – Delivers clear voyage orders, operational reports, and stakeholder updates in high-pressure, time-sensitive situations
- Reliable point of contact – Serves as the trusted operational liaison between internal departments and external counterparties throughout the vessel lifecycle
Adaptability & Resilience
- Dynamic and agile – Thrives in a fast-paced, multinational trading environment where priorities shift rapidly based on market conditions and operational demands
- Calm under pressure – Makes sound decisions during real-time operational challenges, including weather routing adjustments, cargo handling issues, and regulatory compliance matters
- Commercially aware – Balances operational requirements with business objectives, understanding the P&L impact of operational decisions
Department Overview
The Shipping Operations department is part of the broader Energy and Operations division which executes on physical trades, a long-term business where strategic investments in storage and logistics capabilities around the world are central to our business model.
The role involves interaction with internal departments such as Chartering and Cargo Operations and external partners such as Brokers, Ship-owning and Service Companies.
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.