Operations Executive (Commercial)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking a motivated graduate for vessel operations support with 1–2 years of relevant experience. You will assist with tanker operations, laytime and demurrage, freight and chartering administration, and market research.

The role offers exposure to commercial shipping processes and opportunities to grow within the maritime industry. Collaborating with senior management, you will contribute to strategic projects, manage documentation, and support the chartering team with

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
• Good attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, proactive and eager to learn.
• Strong commercial awareness and interest in global shipping markets.
• Ability to collaborate with operational and commercial teams.
• Professional attitude and accountability for assigned tasks.
• Commitment to building a long-term career in the maritime industry.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tanker voyage operations and monitor vessel movements and schedules.
• Maintain voyage trackers, schedules and databases.
• Liaise with Masters, vessel operators, agents, terminals and counterparties on operations.
• Monitor loading, discharging, shifting and port waiting times.
• Maintain voyage files, reports and records.
• Ensure compliance with procedures and reporting requirements.
• Assist with laytime and demurrage calculations and SOF/NOR review.
• Record timings and maintain demurrage records and claims.
• Prepare freight invoices and verify voyage details.
• Monitor freight market trends and vessel positions.
• Prepare market reports and commercial updates.
• Maintain records of vessel fixtures and chartering activities.
• Gather information on vessel availability and cargo opportunities.
• Organise and maintain electronic records of documents.
• File Bills of Lading and charter parties.
• Support senior management with special projects and due diligence.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numerical skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Multitasking

Commercial awareness

Team collaboration

Proactive learning

Shipping markets

Education

Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies

Business Administration

Finance

Economics

Accountancy

Engineering with shipping interest

Maritime Business

Logistics-related

Maritime & Offshore Management

International Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Diploma in Maritime Business

Maritime & Offshore Management Diploma

Logistics & Supply Chain Diploma

Business Studies Diploma

Accountancy & Finance Diploma

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated graduate with 1-2 years of vessel operations experience, preferably with a shipowner or shipbroking company.

The role offers practical exposure to tanker operations, voyage administration, chartering support and commercial shipping activities. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced professionals and senior management to develop knowledge of vessel operations, freight markets, charter parties and commercial shipping processes.

The candidate will also assist management with market research, business analysis and strategic projects, with opportunities to build a long-term career in the maritime industry.

Key Responsibilities

1. Tanker Operations Support

Assist with daily tanker voyage operations and monitor vessel movements, schedules, port calls and ETA/ETD.

Maintain vessel trackers, voyage schedules and operational databases.

Liaise with Masters, vessel operators, agents, terminals and counterparties on operational matters.

Monitor loading, discharging, shifting and port waiting times.

Maintain voyage files, operational records and reporting documentation.

Ensure compliance with operational procedures and reporting requirements.

2. Laytime & Demurrage Administration

Assist with laytime and demurrage calculations.

Review Statements of Facts (SOF), Notices of Readiness (NOR) and supporting documents.

Record operational timings accurately and maintain demurrage records and outstanding claims.

Follow up with agents and counterparties for outstanding documentation.

3. Freight & Commercial Administration

Prepare freight invoices and supporting documents for review.

Verify cargo quantities, freight rates and voyage details.

Maintain invoice trackers, commercial records and cargo, bunker and voyage databases.

Follow up on outstanding invoices and voyage-related accounts.

4. Chartering & Market Support

Provide administrative and research support to the chartering team.

Monitor freight market trends and vessel positions.

Prepare market reports and commercial updates.

Maintain records of vessel fixtures, chartering activities and market intelligence.

Gather information on vessel availability, cargo opportunities and freight movements.

5. Document Management & E-Filing

Organise and maintain electronic records of vessel, voyage and commercial documents.

File Bills of Lading, cargo documents, invoices, charter parties, SOFs, NORs and operational correspondence.

Ensure documents are accurately recorded and readily accessible.

Maintain proper filing practices in accordance with company procedures.

6. Management & Strategic Project Support

Assist senior management with special projects and business initiatives.

Research shipping markets, industry developments, competitors and emerging trends.

Collect and analyse operational, commercial and market data.

Prepare management reports, presentations and briefing materials.

Support business development research, investment reviews and strategic discussions.

Assist with due diligence and other management assignments as required.

Desired Qualifications

Education

Candidates should possess a degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, such as:

Degree Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in Maritime Studies.

Business Administration, Finance, Economics or Accountancy.

Engineering with an interest in shipping and commercial operations.

Maritime Business or Logistics-related disciplines.

Diploma Qualifications

Maritime Business.

Maritime & Offshore Management.

International Logistics & Supply Chain Management.

Business Studies.

Accountancy & Finance.

Other relevant business, logistics or engineering disciplines.

Graduates from recognised local universities and polytechnics are encouraged to apply.

Desired Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.

Good attention to detail and accuracy.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office applications.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Self-motivated, proactive and eager to learn.

Strong commercial awareness and interest in global shipping markets.

Ability to collaborate with operational and commercial teams.

Professional attitude and accountability for assigned tasks.

Commitment to building a long-term career in the maritime industry.