Crude Operator/Scheduler

Unipec America Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Unipec America Inc. seeks a Crude Operator/Scheduler to manage end-to-end international crude oil movements, coordinating with traders, terminals, and carriers to ensure timely deliveries and accurate settlements.

The role requires 4+ years of scheduling experience, strong knowledge of Incoterms and trade finance, and proficiency with Excel and ERP systems. Occasional travel may be required; US work authorization is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or related field.
• 4+ years of commodities scheduling experience.
• 2+ years of waterborne scheduling experience.
• Strong understanding of contracts and Incoterms.
• Experience with international trade finance, letters of credit, and payment undertakings.
• Proficient in Excel and ERP systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute crude oil movements, including marine and terminal operations.
• Schedule vessel nominations, terminal transfers, and storage activities.
• Prepare and submit vessel nominations and coordinate with counterparties and internal teams.
• Monitor cargo loading, discharge, transfers, and inventory movements.
• Communicate daily with traders and internal teams to resolve issues.

Skills

Commodities scheduling

Waterborne scheduling

Incoterms knowledge

Trade finance understanding

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Communication skills

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Economics

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Description

The Crude Operator/Scheduler is responsible for the end-to-end international crude oil transactions. Ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely movement of crude oil via marine, terminal, pipeline, and facilities. This role coordinates with traders, counterparties, terminals, inspection companies, vessel agents, brokers, pipeline operators, and internal departments to execute physical movements, maintain inventory accuracy, resolve operational issues, and support the financial settlement of transactions. The Crude Operator plays a critical role in minimizing operational risk while maximizing supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and execute crude oil movements, including marine and terminal operations.
• Schedule vessel nominations, terminal transfers, and storage activities to ensure timely execution of trades.
• Prepare and submit vessel nominations and coordinate with counterparties and internal teams.
• Monitor cargo loading, discharge, transfers, and inventory movements to ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Communicate daily with traders, counterparties, pipeline schedulers, terminals, shipping team to resolve operational issues/matters.
• Verify loading documents including Bills of Lading, Certificate of Origin, Certificate of Quality/Quantity, Cargo Manifest, and other shipping documentation.
• Calculate and confirm final delivered quantities with counterparties and resolve quantity or quality discrepancies.
• Ensure all trade details, nominations, movements and inventory records are accurately recorded in the company’s operations systems.
• Review and approve operational invoices, including freight, shipping claims, inspection, terminal fees, and other logistics-related expenses.
• Support trade settlements by verifying operational data required for invoicing and financial settlement.
• Partner closely with all teams to ensure timely month-end close activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce transportation costs, and optimize logistics performance.
• Provide backup to other operators and coordinate with our internal groups/companies to complete all required tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or related field.
• 4+ years of commodities scheduling experience.
• 2+ years of waterborne scheduling experience.
• Refinery planning and/or operations experience is a plus.
• A strong understanding of contracts, along with solid knowledge of Incoterms.
• Confidence working with international trade finance, previous experience with financial instruments, letters of credit, payment undertaking, and credit risk.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with an ability to build positive relationships and team spirit.
• Excellent at time management, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically clear and concise email communications.
• Ability to work independently.
• Occasional travel may be required.

*This position requires permanent, unconditional authorization to work in the United States as a condition of employment. Eligible candidates are limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) whose work authorization does not expire, is not subject to renewal, and is not contingent upon any pending application, petition, or adjudication by any government agency. The following do not satisfy this requirement:

• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) of any kind, including those issued in connection with a pending application for adjustment of status (I‑485), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, or any other pending immigration proceeding;
• Any nonimmigrant visa status, including but not limited to H‑1B, TN, O‑1, E‑3, H‑1B1, F‑1, J‑1, OPT, STEM OPT, or CPT; or
• Any other work authorization that is temporary, conditional, or subject to change based on a government decision.

The Company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship of any kind, now or in the future.