LNG Freight Operator, Japanese Speaking, SG

About the Company

JERA Global Markets (JERAGM) is a leading utility-backed seaborne energy trader. A joint venture between majority shareholder JERA Co., Inc. and EDF Trading Ltd, JERAGM's shareholders are among the world's major utilities.

JERAGM operates one of the most exciting energy portfolios in the world which gives it an in-depth understanding of the way local, regional and international energy markets behave. Its indepth knowledge and market insights enable us to capture trading opportunities, optimise portfolios, create value and enhance security of supply for our customers.

Headquartered in Singapore, JERAGM has a global talent pool of more than 400 people across offices located in four strategic locations: Singapore, Japan (Tokyo), the UK (London) and the US (Houston).

JERAGM is strongly capitalised with over US$500 million in paid up capital and a total equity of US$4 billion. JERAGM has an AA- Stable rating from R&I, attributable to a robust business model and solid financial base.

Department

Being a part of the LNG Operations team, the LNG Freight Operations provide commercial, logistical and administrative support to JERAGM and is 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.

The LNG Operations team work closely with traders to maximize the value-add through the application of economics and optimization skills for profitable operations, and minimize the profit leakage from the flexibility and optionality embedded in the LNG contracts and supply programs.

This incumbent will be expected to cover freight operations and be able to operate LNG ships under JERAGM's long term and spot charters.

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Ensure Operations fully complies with the company's internal standards including KYC clearing of new counterparties, sanctions, compliance and Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE), paying special attention to HSSE hazards and risks that may have impact on our license to operate
• Understand shipping emission regulations, calculate and reconcile liabilities with vessel owners annually
• Ensure that all obligations arising from the contracts and charter parties are carried out, and that any necessary requirements are complied with
• Work with Trading and cargo operations teams to check feasibility of trading opportunities and scenarios taking into account constraints that may impact the operated vessel's schedule.
• Monitor the vessel's forward schedules, required speeds and recommend LNG heel and fuel strategies and planning bunkers
• Deal with charterers and vessel owners on a regular basis regarding all pre- and post-deal activities ensuring all necessary operational information is passed on in good time and documentary requirements are met
• Promote good relationships with Owner/Masters to continuously monitor and improve operational efficiency over and above TCP obligations
• Provide guidance to other teams in terms of JERAGM's LNG fleet limitations, escalate operational risks associated with loading, transporting and discharging LNG to aid trading decisions and vessel scheduling.
• Issuing clear instructions to vessel master, work with vessel and owners to overcome issues and to problem solve with innovative and effective solutions.
• Scheduling and issuing Specific Delivery Schedule to Japan stakeholders
• Provide guidance for necessary freight related invoicing work, shipping payments
• Review MSAs, Charter Party Agreements and contracts to identify risks
• Liaise with owners for owners matters such as crew changes, ship inspections, bunkering to avoid schedule delays and minimize idle time
• Record, analyze vessel performance data and prepare claims where applicable to vessel owners
• Liaise closely with Japanese counterparties including JERACO and other Japanese utility companies, shipping agents, buyers and seller's representatives to ensure smooth cargo delivery, negotiate and adjust shipping schedule to accommodate vessel or LNG terminal schedule changes
• Specifically seek to add value by exercising embedded commercial and logistical deal options and by pro-active approach to problem solving
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, counter-parties and service providers e.g.suppliers and customers, regulatory bodies, inspectors and survey companies
• Close out the charter parties accounting for all costs, including demurrage and TCP claims and obtain sign-off from Chartering
• Pro-actively close out operational-related disputes, including COU issues, with external and internal counterparts
• Represent JERAGM, participate and support annual emergency response exercise with vessel owners

Experience required:

• Possess at least a Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• At least 4 years' of LNG shipping and/or LNG Cargo operations related experience
• Must have a good level of fluency in written and spoken Japanese (JLPT N1 or similar level) to liaise with Japanese stakeholders and counterparties, and English on a daily basis
• At least 3 years' of commercial trading operations or similar relevant experience in the Japanese fuel markets or utilities companies so that the candidate understands the regulatory and market landscape in Japan
• Proficient with MS office applications

Person Specification

• Meticulous and able to work independently
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to manage external and internal stakeholders with confidence and professionalism
• Driven, able to think outside the box with an appetite for continuous improvement
• Team player and inclusive, able to work as part of a growing team within a multi-cultural office environment

Role Opportunity

This is a full time role based in Singapore reporting to the LNG Freight Operations manager. This role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop skills and responsibility within a growing and successful LNG business.