Commercial Oil Operator

Location Zurich
Discipline: Commodities
Job type: Permanent
Contact name: Oliver Gold

Contact email: oliver.gold@venturesearch.com
Job ref: 3656
Published: about 5 hours ago

We are supporting a leading international energy trading company with an established presence across global oil, products, and logistics markets.
The firm’s Zurich office serves as a key hub for physical trading, operations, and risk management, covering refined products across EMEA and beyond.

They are now looking to hire an experienced Commercial Oil Operator with a focus on Middle Distillates (gasoil, diesel, jet, etc.) to join their growing operations team.

Overview

The successful candidate will take full operational ownership of physical oil cargoes across international trade routes, ensuring smooth execution from contract to final delivery.
Working closely with traders, charterers, finance, and risk teams, this individual will manage all aspects of commercial execution, including shipping, documentation, and contractual obligations.

This is a fast-paced, front-line role requiring strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Manage end-to-end operations for physical oil cargoes, primarily middle distillates (gasoil, jet).

  • Liaise with counterparties, terminals, shipowners, and inspection companies to ensure seamless execution of contracts.

  • Prepare and review contract confirmations, LC documentation, and shipping instructions.

  • Monitor vessel movements, laytime, demurrage, and delivery schedules to minimize exposure and optimize margins.

  • Coordinate closely with traders to provide operational insight and market intelligence.

  • Handle hedging operations, blending requirements, and quality/quantity reconciliations.

  • Maintain accurate records for compliance, invoicing, and internal reporting.

  • Proactively troubleshoot operational or logistical issues to ensure minimal disruption.

Requirements

  • 3–7 years’ experience in oil operations, ideally within a trading house or refinery environment.

  • Strong knowledge of middle distillate products (gasoil, jet).

  • Solid understanding of chartering, demurrage, blending, and logistics processes.

  • Experience handling international shipping documents (L/Cs, B/Ls, cargo insurance, etc.).

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office; exposure to CTRM systems (e.g., Endur, Allegro, Navitas) advantageous.

  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with strong commercial awareness and initiative.

  • Based in, or open to relocation to, Zurich.