Trade Operator (Containerized Cargo)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD.

is seeking an experienced trade operations professional to manage end-to-end containerised cargo shipments, from booking to delivery, while reviewing contracts and coordinating with shipping lines and freight forwarders. You will prepare documents including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists and Certificates of Origin, ensure customs clearance, support trade finance processes, and collaborate with commercial, logistics, and finance teams to drive

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Maritime Studies, International Trade, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in trade operations, container shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or international trade.
• Hands-on experience with containerized cargo movements and coordination with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Strong knowledge of international shipping documentation, Incoterms, customs procedures, and trade finance processes.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel; ERP or trade platforms are a plus.
• Excellent organization, communication, and problem-solving abilities to manage multiple shipments.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end execution of containerized cargo shipments from booking to final delivery.
• Review and administer sales and purchase contracts to ensure compliance with terms.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, suppliers, customers, ports, and depots.
• Arrange container bookings, monitor vessel schedules, and resolve delays.
• Prepare and verify shipping documents, including Bills of Lading, invoices, and packing lists.
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure cargo tracking, customs clearance, and on-time deliveries.
• Support trade finance activities such as letters of credit and invoicing when required.
• Maintain shipment records and ensure adherence to regulations and company procedures.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and support business growth.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Detail-oriented

Education

Diploma or Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Maritime Studies, International Trade, or related discipline

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Trade management systems

Job description

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end execution of containerized cargo shipments, ensuring smooth coordination from booking to final delivery.
• Review and administer sales and purchase contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed commercial terms.
• Coordinate with shipping lines, freight forwarders, suppliers, customers, ports, depots, customs brokers, and logistics service providers to facilitate timely cargo movements.
• Arrange container bookings, monitor vessel schedules, and proactively resolve shipment delays or operational issues.
• Prepare, review, and verify shipping and trade documentation, including Bills of Lading, Commercial Invoices, Packing Lists, Certificates of Origin, and other import/export documentation.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external parties to ensure accurate cargo tracking, customs clearance, and on-time deliveries.
• Support trade finance processes, including Letters of Credit, invoicing, payment follow-up, and document presentation where required.
• Maintain accurate shipment records and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, international trade regulations, and company procedures.
• Work closely with commercial, logistics, and finance teams to improve operational efficiency and support business growth.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Maritime Studies, International Trade, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in trade operations, container shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or international trade.
• Hands‑on experience handling containerized cargo movements and coordinating with shipping lines and freight forwarders.
• Good understanding of international shipping documentation, Incoterms, customs procedures, and trade finance processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel; experience with ERP systems, shipping platforms, or trade management systems is advantageous.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously.
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and able to perform effectively in a fast‑paced international trading environment.