LNG Commercial Cargo Operator London, England
Job description
Shell LNG Operations is responsible for the execution of all deals and trades for Shell LNG Marketing and Trading which encompasses the global LNG business including Conventional LNG and Downstream LNG /Marine LNG , in Europe and the Americas. Shell LNG Ops will also act as a talent pool for Shell LNG Commercial team.
Where you fit in
SLMT (Shell LNG Marketing & Trading) is the Global LNG Trading organization, and the Commercial Cargo Operator sits within STO (Shell Trading Operations) which is the Operations arm of Shell Trading. Shell is a global leader in the LNG business. This is a global business with supply projects in both Atlantic and Asia Pacific basins and customers spread across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South America. The nature of this high-value trade is evolving fast with the mix of long- and short-term contracts changing fast.
Commercial Operations provides end-to-end commercial operations and logistical support to SLMT and is as such responsible on a day-to-day basis for the timely implementation and execution of freight and commercial transactions to ensure that all obligations arising from the LNG contract and charter party are met and carried out professionally. This requires working closely with Traders to maximize the value-add for profitable operations and minimize the profit leakage from the flexibility and optionality embedded in the LNG contracts and Supply programs. Operations are also involved in the development of projects and new contracts.
The LNG operations team is responsible on a day-to-day basis to be able to implement and execute commercial deals and review standard LNG contracts. In addition to cargo operations, this incumbent may be expected to cover freight operations and be able to operate LNG ships under SLMT’s responsibility working closely with the chartering team.
What’s the role?
Key Areas of Responsibility
Ensure that LNG operations fully comply with Shell’s internal standards including compliance and HSSE, paying special attention to HSSE hazards and risks that may have an impact on Shell’s license to operate
Ensure that all commercial and operational obligations arising from the contracts are carried out and that any necessary requirements are complied with
Deal with cargo and freight counterparties and terminals on a regular basis regarding all pre and post-deal activities
Appoint independent inspectors and expeditors and be able to investigate matters relating to LNG quality
Ensure that all operational information is entered timely and accurately into Trading systems.
Provide guidance for necessary cargo invoicing work, diversion payments, and clearances of accruals for both external and internal deals
Liaise with counterparts and support team to ensure smooth operations, avoid delays and minimize demurrage costs
Multi-task on priorities and think on your feet to deal with contractual problems ensuring that they are managed professionally and optimally for the trading business
Specifically seek to add value by exercising embedded commercial and logistical deal options and by a pro-active approach to problem-solving
Support commercial colleagues on the feasibility of proposed contractual arrangements for new projects, new contracts, and spot cargoes
Agree with supply schedules with third parties and calculate cargo pricing understanding the mechanisms and indices employed
Identify and exploit synergies with other parts of Shell Trading
Support short term initiatives to continuously improve the efficiency of all aspects of the commercial operations for the movement of cargoes and port interaction
Engage in highly complicated contract mechanisms for reconciliations involving large datasets to be completed in a timely fashion
Manage relationships with external stakeholders, counterparties, and service providers e.g. suppliers and customers, regulatory bodies, inspectors, and survey companies
Actively engage and support local team when engaging with the freight and cargo operations team across the other hubs to ensure the process alignment, business continuity, and commercial added value to meet current and future business needs
Pro-actively close out operational related disputes with external and internal counterparts or support and guide less experienced team members where necessary
Engage with external parties (outside of Shell) to gather best practices, digital solutions, and exchangeable learnings
Support LNG Ops and SLMT Digitization strategy in close liaison with Project Lead. Drive continuous improvements, automation and commercial value add.
Display visible leadership and commitment to HSSE within the team. Engage with external partners to echo and reinforce our strong focus on HSSE
Whilst key accountability lies with the regional team, the operator is expected to understand contractual constraints globally and collaborate with the cargo and freight operations team in other regions to resolve the issues
The operator will handle global 24/7 trading activities and whilst colleagues are available in other time zones, the operator is expected to respond flexibly to requests outside of normal office hours
What we need from you
Experience in commercial operations (preferably LNG) will be a strong advantage. Applicants possessing entry-level qualifications, and can demonstrate strong potential for development, will also be considered.
A key criterion is to be able to operate within a non-standard environment where the counterparty requires and expects considerable support and at the same time be able to gently introduce standardization and efficiency.
Had experience in Supply Chain in a Trading & Supply organisation and possessing the strong analytical capacity
Ability to apply analytical competencies and critically analyse scenarios to best determine actions and decision making.
Digitalisation driven with the ambition to leverage suitable technologies to unlock new capabilities for commercial operations
Flexibility to adapt wholeheartedly and accommodate team requirements as and when required and deal with conflicting priorities where managing difficult stakeholders must be conducted professionally
Ambassador of continuous improvement and able to identify and implement solutions to ruthlessly eliminate complexity and waste in terms of processes
Effective verbal and written communication skills, adapting to varying audiences to clearly articulate key messages for influence. A high level of fluency in the English language, both written and spoken is required; others such as Spanish be an advantage but not a must.
Deploy a commercial mindset in parallel with critical HSSE elements to achieve a balance of objectives
Display learner mindset and challenge commercial decisions where applicable
Make decisions under time pressure based on available information and resilient under pressure while managing own well-being with consideration for others
Ability to engage, listen and understand diverse perspectives whilst providing effective feedback to peers and management
Take personal accountability and pride to ensure timely delivery of commitments
Ability to identify risk and opportunity in complex operational circumstances
Ability to leverage functional support and provide high-quality options and opinions to commercial stakeholders
Can identify areas of operational and commercial risk in new and existing contracts, with a track record of successfully implementing changes to limit risk or increase optionality
Proven track record of building trust among peers, stakeholders, and external counterparties
If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that not everyone often applies when they don’t feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.
Company Description
Shell started operations in the United Kingdom more than 110 years ago. Since then, we have grown into a leading innovative Oil & Energy company that rewards its employees by investing heavily in their careers and learning. Our people are our greatest asset, and our commitment to your career will see you thrive in a work environment that offers an industry-leading development programme. When your ideas travel, Shell will benefit, and innovation will thrive. Shell has a key role to play in helping meet the UK’s growing energy demand, whilst using innovative technologies to develop cleaner energy. We are the largest FTSE 100 company in the UK by market capitalisation and make a significant contribution to the UK economy. As well as processing 35% of the gas coming into the UK, we serve more than four million customers at our filling stations each week. Shell employs some 6,400 skilled staff as well as many contractors.
An innovative place to work
There’s never been a more exciting time to work at Shell.
Join us and you’ll be adding your talent and imagination to a business with the ambition to shape the future – whether by investing in oil, gas and renewable energy to meet demand, exploring new ways to store energy, or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently, everyone at Shell does their part.
An inclusive place to work
To power progress, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we are nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills, and reach your potential.
We’re creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we’ll take it from there.
We’re closing the gender gap – whether that’s through action on equal pay or by enabling more women to reach senior roles in engineering and technology.
We’re striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application.
A rewarding place to work
Combine our creative, collaborative environment and global operations with an impressive range of benefits and joining Shell becomes an inspired career choice.
We’re huge advocates for career development. We’ll encourage you to try new roles and experience new settings. By pushing people to reach their potential, we frequently help them find skills they never knew they had, or make career moves they never thought possible.
