Job Description

Title

Freight (Panamax) Trader

Location:

Singapore

Business Line:

Freight Trading

Reports To:

Global Director of Trading

External Clients:

Customers / Ship Owners / Brokers

Our client is an established Trading House who connects producers and users of grains, oilseeds, biofuels, and bio-industrial products, through origination, trading, and distribution globally. As a global leader in commodities trading, they excel in sourcing and delivering raw materials worldwide. Known for integrity and innovation, they navigate complex supply chains efficiently, managing risk and maximizing opportunities. Committed to sustainability, they prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility. Through technology and partnerships, they drive industry innovation, contributing to community development and shaping the future of commodities trading. They excel in facilitating the transportation of bulk commodities across international markets and offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment where talented individuals thrive and grow.

Due to expansion, they seek an experienced Freight Trader (Panamax) to join them in Singapore and play a pivotal role in leading their Freight Trading activities, with a focus on Panamax vessels, leveraging their expertise to optimize freight pricing, negotiate contracts, and identify market opportunities. As part of a dynamic global team, you will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to drive business success and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FREIGHT (PANAMAX) TRADER, SINGAPORE

Mission:

Optimise the transportation of bulk commodities across global markets. Leveraging the fleet and strategic time charters, you'll navigate complex supply chains, negotiate freight rates, and execute trades with precision. Your goal is to maximize profitability while minimizing risks, ensuring timely delivery and customer satisfaction. With a keen eye on market trends and a proactive approach to mitigating challenges, you'll uphold their reputation for reliability and excellence in maritime trading. Your expertise and dedication drive their success as they navigate opportunity and deliver value worldwide.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Freight Pricing and Negotiation:

• Communicate effectively with internal and external traders, clients, charterers, vessel owners, and brokers to price freight accurately.
• Utilize Freight Forward Agreement (FFA) tools and analyse external price proposals to determine fair market prices.
• Negotiate freight rates and other contractual terms in Charter Party agreements to maximize value for the company.

Relationship Management:

• Develop and nurture relationships with the trading team, identifying and pursuing trading flows complementary to the existing book.
• Develop and nurture relationships with external traders, clients, charterers, vessel owners, and brokers.
• Anticipate market demands and trends using in-house research and knowledge, positioning tonnage and cargo to extract maximum value.

Market Analysis and Strategy:

• Stay abreast of global Panamax trading routes and market dynamics, both short and long term, to anticipate changes and opportunities.
• Identify and trade arbitrage and hedging opportunities in the physical freight market to optimize trading positions.

Collaboration and Coordination:

• Liaise with internal commodity teams to anticipate demand and ensure smooth internal shipment programs.
• Work closely with freight operations teams across the organization, providing clear instructions to maximize vessel economics.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 10 years of commercial experience in freight trading and chartering, preferably within the dry bulk and Panamax sectors.
• Familiarity with global Panamax trading routes and a strong understanding of hedging practices and trading position management.
• Proficiency in English (both verbal and written), with proficiency in Mandarin considered an advantage.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with ship owners, charterers, and clients.
• Experience in fixing forward Contracts of Affreightment (COAs) is preferred.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Ability to thrive in a multicultural team environment, with a flexible and entrepreneurial work attitude.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, solve problems independently, and take on responsibilities with high motivation.
• Graduate qualification in Business Administration, or relevant subject
• Postgraduate qualifications will be highly regarded.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

The ideal candidate for this role is efficient, well-organized, and detail-oriented, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for problem-solving. Leadership opportunities exist for the right candidate. They should possess excellent communication and negotiation skills, coupled with a proven track record of success in the freight trading industry, working with Panamax vessels. Additionally, they should thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment and demonstrate a high level of motivation and self-motivation.