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Bunker Trader - Job Opportunity at PERTAMINA INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION PTE. LTD.

Singapore, Singapore
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 27, 2025
On-site
SGD 12,000 - 13,000 per month

Benefits

Competitive monthly compensation package ranging SGD 12,000-13,000 positioning in upper-mid market tier for Singapore trading roles
Opportunity to work with major regional energy player providing career stability and industry credibility
Exposure to international markets particularly Japan and Korea enhancing cross-cultural business expertise
Access to sophisticated trading infrastructure and risk management systems within established energy conglomerate

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic development and implementation of comprehensive bunker trading policies and operational frameworks that directly impact PIMD's market positioning and competitive advantage in the Asia-Pacific energy trading sector
Execute end-to-end bunker trading operations management encompassing supplier relationship management, logistics coordination, customer pricing strategies, and sales performance optimization to drive revenue growth and market share expansion
Implement sophisticated risk management protocols and continuously monitor trading book exposure to protect company assets against volatile market movements while maximizing profit opportunities in dynamic commodity markets
Oversee critical financial operations including credit facility management and cross-departmental coordination with Finance and Legal teams to ensure optimal cash flow management, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Management

Experience

3 years of trading experience

Required Skills

Fluency in Japanese or Korean to liaise with Japan/Korea market Trading experience Risk management capabilities Financial management skills Contract management abilities
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The bunker fuel trading industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by IMO 2020 sulfur regulations requiring low-sulfur fuel oils, creating new trading opportunities and complexity in fuel specifications and pricing strategies. This regulatory environment demands traders with sophisticated understanding of fuel quality specifications and compliance requirements. Asia-Pacific bunker markets are consolidating around major hub ports like Singapore, with increased digitalization of trading processes and real-time market data integration becoming critical competitive advantages. The shift toward digital trading platforms and automated risk management systems is reshaping traditional relationship-based trading approaches. Growing emphasis on sustainable shipping fuels and alternative marine energy sources is beginning to impact traditional bunker trading, with early adopters positioning for future green fuel trading opportunities including ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels in marine applications.

Salary Evaluation

The offered SGD 12,000-13,000 monthly compensation (approximately SGD 144,000-156,000 annually) represents competitive mid-tier positioning within Singapore's commodity trading market. This range aligns well with regional trading roles requiring 3+ years experience, though senior bunker traders at major international firms can command SGD 180,000-250,000+ annually with performance bonuses.

Role Significance

Typically manages or coordinates with 3-5 direct team members including junior traders, operations specialists, and administrative support, while interfacing regularly with 10-15 professionals across Finance, Legal, Operations, and Logistics departments in matrix-style collaboration.
This represents a mid-level trading position with significant autonomy and decision-making authority over trading strategies, risk management, and cross-functional coordination. The role combines hands-on trading execution with strategic policy development, indicating substantial trust and responsibility within the organization's trading operations.

Key Projects

Implementation of new bunker fuel grade trading programs in response to evolving marine fuel regulations and customer demand patterns Development of integrated risk management frameworks combining physical and financial hedging strategies for volatile commodity exposures Expansion of trading relationships and market penetration strategies in Japan and Korea markets leveraging language capabilities and cultural understanding

Success Factors

Deep understanding of marine fuel specifications, quality requirements, and regulatory compliance frameworks including IMO regulations and port-specific requirements across Asia-Pacific markets Advanced analytical skills for real-time market assessment, price discovery, and risk evaluation in volatile commodity markets with multiple variables affecting pricing and availability Strong relationship management capabilities to maintain supplier partnerships, develop customer loyalty, and navigate complex contract negotiations in relationship-driven Asian business environments Cultural competency and language skills enabling effective communication and trust-building with Japanese and Korean counterparties in markets where relationship quality directly impacts trading opportunities

Market Demand

High demand driven by Singapore's position as the world's largest bunkering hub and increasing complexity in marine fuel regulations requiring specialized expertise. The requirement for Japanese/Korean language skills further enhances market value given the significant trading volumes between Singapore and Northeast Asian markets.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Japanese or Korean language proficiency is absolutely essential for this role as it enables direct relationship building and cultural navigation in markets where personal trust and communication quality directly impact trading success and long-term business development opportunities Proven trading experience with demonstrated understanding of commodity markets, risk management principles, and P&L responsibility is fundamental for managing complex bunker trading operations and protecting company assets in volatile market conditions Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities are crucial for real-time market assessment, pricing strategies, and risk evaluation in fast-moving commodity markets where timing and accuracy directly impact profitability

Beneficial Skills

Advanced knowledge of marine fuel specifications and IMO regulations would provide competitive advantage in navigating increasingly complex regulatory environment and serving sophisticated shipping industry customers Experience with financial derivatives and hedging strategies would enhance risk management capabilities and enable more sophisticated trading strategies in volatile commodity markets Understanding of shipping industry logistics and supply chain management would improve customer relationship management and enable more comprehensive service offerings to shipping company clients

Unique Aspects

Direct exposure to state-owned enterprise trading operations providing insights into government-backed energy trading strategies and long-term market development approaches
Specific focus on Japan-Korea market development leveraging language requirements and cultural competency for relationship-driven business development in these sophisticated markets
Integration with major refining and supply chain operations providing upstream visibility and potential supply advantages in bunker fuel sourcing and logistics coordination
Opportunity to influence policy development and strategic direction within a major regional energy player's international expansion efforts

Career Growth

Progression to senior trading roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated performance, while advancement to management positions generally requires 5-7 years of progressive responsibility and proven track record in P&L management.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Bunker Trader or Trading Manager positions with expanded geographic responsibility and larger trading books Regional Trading Head roles overseeing multiple commodity lines or geographic markets within energy trading organizations Business Development Manager positions focusing on new market expansion or product development in marine fuels sector

Company Overview

PERTAMINA INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION PTE. LTD.

PERTAMINA International Marketing and Distribution represents the international arm of Indonesia's state-owned energy giant PT Pertamina, one of Southeast Asia's largest integrated oil and gas companies with extensive refining, marketing, and trading operations across the region.

As a subsidiary of a major national oil company, PIMD holds significant market presence in Asian energy trading with substantial financial backing, established infrastructure, and government relationships that provide competitive advantages in regional markets and long-term business stability.
Singapore operations serve as a strategic hub for Asian market penetration, particularly targeting high-growth markets in Northeast Asia including Japan and Korea where energy import dependence creates substantial trading opportunities for established players with proper relationships and expertise.
Combines Indonesian state enterprise stability and long-term orientation with Singapore's international business environment, typically featuring structured decision-making processes, emphasis on relationship building, and focus on risk management within established operational frameworks.
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