Job Summary

Manage the chartering of international marine equipment (tankers and barges) for the Corporation.  Manage the physical and financial exposure of the CITGO Freight book (i.e. physical freight shorts, B1 hedges, and B2 FFA trades) to ensure the Marine Freight P&L is optimized and profitable. Understand when to put on risk, and when to avoid risk. The Freight Trader acts as a commodities trading role, but also a support role for CITGO seaborne activities. Coordinate with internal customers on their marine equipment requirements, provide economics of transportation costs, and sell freight services where applicable, while also sharing market intelligence. Be knowledgeable and have a strong understanding of the maritime industry and how it functions from beginning (Chartering) to end of process (Demurrage).  Be familiar with products tanker markets and crude tanker markets throughout the world and be willing to cover multiple desks if needed. Directly responsible for negotiating and chartering marine equipment for assigned area and monitoring the work of Vessel Operations Coordinators, throughout each voyage providing guidance where needed.  Build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers, transport operators, and customers that will drive P&L growth. Develop good working relationships within the industry and grow a positive reputation for CITGO in the marketplace.

Minimum Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the Maritime Industry
• Excellent negotiation, organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to analyze market trends and pricing structures
• Familiar with hedging strategy and instruments
• Excellent problem solving and decision making skills with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Proficiency in logistics software and tracking systems
• Financial acumen, particularly in pricing and profitability analysis
• Knowledge of customs regulations and trade compliance
• Ability to make presentations to Upper Management
• Ability to conduct multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Good Computer skills, knowledge of SAP, Power Point, Excel and Power BI a plus
• Represent CITGO with integrity, trust, and CITGO key values
• The minimum number of years of job-related experience required by this job is:  8 years marine related experience (can include Maritime University experience) with Bachelor’s degree.
  **Note Requirement for College Degree waived if candidate has a Master Mariner License plus 8 years marine related shore side experience or 12+ years marine related experience

Job Duties

1. Freight Trading: Negotiate and finalize transportation contracts with shipping companies, logistics providers, and partners to source freight at the best rates possible to satisfy all CITGO water transportation requirements.  Manage the reduction of overall transportation costs and ensure reliable service to the Corporation through the efficient control of marine transportation equipment.

Job Duties II

1. Support various supply groups with their current and future transportation needs. Sell freight services where/when applicable and manage that exposure accordingly. This will ensure that transportation being provided conforms to the strategic objectives of the supply function.
   1. Collaborate with supply traders, pilots and schedulers to determine supply programs and refinery unit runs to ascertain frequency and parcel volumes to be transported, thus avoiding demurrage, dead freight cost, and ensuring proper timing of marine transportation.
   2. Furnish Traders and Upper Management with accurate estimates of freight costs and vessels availability, enabling Traders and Management to include various freight costs in contract evaluations and economics.
2. Evaluate the acceptance for company-chartered vessels to call at other facilities.  Ensure that vessel loading and delivering cargoes are safe and meet company requirements, directly reducing the potential for casualties and pollution risks.