Overview
Commodity Trading Operator Jobs in Lusail, Qatar at UCC Holding
Title: Commodity Trading Operator
Company: UCC Holding
Location: Lusail, Qatar
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking an experienced Commodity Trading Operator to join our trading and logistics operations team. This role is central to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of physical energy trades across our crude oil and refined products portfolio. The successful candidate will manage end-to-end operational execution of trades from pre-fixture through post-fixture, coordinating vessel operations, terminal logistics, quality/quantity verification, and commercial risk mitigation across both spot and time charter activities.
This is a high-accountability position that requires deep expertise in petroleum logistics, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to operate independently while maintaining flawless coordination across multiple concurrent transactions in a fast-paced, international trading environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
A. CRUDE OIL & REFINED PRODUCTS OPERATIONS
- Coordinate operations from origination through completion of crude oil and refined products trades (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, fuel oil), working closely with traders, counterparties, and internal teams
- Manage the full cargo lifecycle: from trade nomination and contract review, through quality and quantity verification, to final delivery and settlement
- Review and validate all commercial contracts to ensure operational feasibility and alignment with internal risk limits and company procedures
- Monitor and reconcile inventory across multiple storage and terminal facilities; verify compliance with contractual storage terms and tank allocation requirements
- Identify and implement opportunities to optimize costs, minimize exposure, and enhance profitability across the cargo lifecycle
B. VESSEL & SHIPPING COORDINATION
- Nominate and clear vessels for loading and discharge operations in accordance with contract terms, SPA, and charter party provisions
- Issue voyage orders and documentary instructions to vessels, shipowners, and agents; coordinate vessel schedules with port logistics and terminal availability
- Manage both spot charter and time charter vessel operations; optimize rotations, loading plans, and voyage economics for chartered tonnage
- Coordinate with external partners (shipowners, brokers, port agents, surveyors) on voyage planning, bunkering strategy, and port performance
- Monitor vessel performance metrics (speed, consumption, laytime, demurrage exposure) and escalate issues in real-time to traders and chartering teams
- Oversee pre-fixture activities (vessel availability, technical inspection, vetting compliance) and post-fixture activities (discharge planning, redelivery coordination)
C. TERMINAL & CARGO OPERATIONS
- Coordinate loading and discharge operations at terminals; ensure strict compliance with terminal operating procedures, safety protocols, and contractual slot management
- Prepare comprehensive stowage and discharge plans in coordination with vessel and terminal teams; monitor real-time execution of cargo handling
- Appoint independent inspection companies and cargo superintendents for quality and quantity verification; ensure timely collection of all Q&Q certificates and analytical results
- Review and approve critical shipping documentation: bills of lading, certificates of origin, weight/quantity certificates, health & safety documentation, and quality specifications
- Manage customs, regulatory, and sanctions compliance; alert traders to any documentation gaps or regulatory constraints that may affect trade execution
D. COMMERCIAL RISK & CLAIMS MANAGEMENT
- Validate all pricing, freight calculations, demurrage exposure, and P&L impact; maintain accurate pricing records and reconcile with traders and finance teams
- Manage and mitigate operational risks; anticipate potential quality/quantity shortfalls, transportation incidents, and contractual compliance issues
- Handle claims management (demurrage, quality, quantity, damage, loss-in-transit); prepare documentation, negotiate with carriers/insurers, and coordinate recovery efforts
- Coordinate with insurance and underwriting teams on casualty reporting, coverage assessment, and claim settlement
- Advise traders on operational constraints and commercial alternatives to protect margin and reduce exposure throughout the transaction
E. SYSTEMS, DOCUMENTATION & REPORTING
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate operational records: trade documentation, contract files, shipping records, quality certificates, and incident logs
- Enter and maintain all transaction data in ETRM and operational management systems with precision; ensure timely and accurate daily/end-of-month reporting
- Produce operational reports, performance dashboards, and KPI tracking; identify trends and opportunities for continuous process improvement
- Support treasury and trade finance functions with accurate cost capture, invoice verification, and payment tracking
F. STAKEHOLDER LIAISON & TEAM COORDINATION
- Serve as primary operational liaison to traders and internal stakeholders; provide clear, timely updates on cargo status, vessel positions, and commercial risks
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with external partners: counterparties, shipowners, agents, inspectors, terminal operators, and service providers
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Trading, Chartering, Finance, Legal, Trade Finance,and Compliance teams to ensure smooth transaction execution
- Escalate issues proactively and propose solutions to minimize operational delays and commercial impact
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 7 years of relevant professional experience in an international oil & gas trading house, and refinery
- Proven track record in managing crude oil and/or refined products operations across a complex global supply chain
- Deep technical knowledge of petroleum product specifications, quality parameters, and refining economics
- Strong understanding of shipping operations, vessel management, time charter and voyage charter terms, charter parties (BIMCO standard forms), and laytime/demurrage calculations
- Solid command of contract structures, commercial terms, Incoterms, letter of credit, and trade finance documentation
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; fluency with ETRM systems (IMOS, SAP, ASPECT or equivalent) is essential
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken; additional language capabilities (Arabic, French, or Spanish) are a plus
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent transactions under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, or related field
- Hands-on experience managing crude and products storage terminals, tank inventory systems, and SMA/CMA procedures
- Exposure to African or Middle Eastern crude and products markets; familiarity with Middle Distillates (Diesel, Jet, Heating Oil) and heavy fuel oil (HFO) trading
- Chartering experience or knowledge of ship economics, voyage calculations, and bunker procurement
- Demonstrated experience with data analysis, dashboard development, and process automation
- Prior exposure to biofuels, sustainability, or alternative energy trading
KEY COMPETENCIES & ATTRIBUTES
Operational Excellence
Meticulous attention to detail; maintains accuracy across complex transaction documentation, pricing, and regulatory compliance. Diligent in voyage planning, stowage coordination, and contract management. Process-driven and efficient; continuously seeks opportunities to streamline workflows and reduce operational delays.
Commercial Awareness & Strategic Thinking
Understands P&L impact of operational decisions; balances efficiency with cost optimization. Strong commercial instincts; identifies trade-offs and advises traders on feasibility and risk. Proactive problem-solver; anticipates operational issues and implements preventive measures before they cascade.
Communication & Relationship Management
Clear and articulate communicator; provides timely, accurate updates to traders, counterparties, and external partners. Excellent negotiation and persuasion skills; manages conflicts and resolves disputes professionally. Team player; collaborative mindset and strong sense of ownership.
Adaptability & Resilience
Thrives in a fast-paced, multinational environment where priorities shift rapidly. Calm under pressure; makes sound decisions during real-time operational challenges, vessel delays, quality issues, or market volatility. Flexible and responsive; manages ambiguity and adapts to changing requirements.
Compliance & Risk Awareness
Strong compliance mindset; ensures adherence to regulatory frameworks, internal policies, and contractual obligations. Alert to regulatory changes, sanctions, and customs constraints. Proactive in identifying and escalating operational risks.