Operation Associate –Bulk

About the job

The role focuses on managing import and export operations for raw sugar, grains and molasses across Asia. The key priority is to handle shipments accurately from contract execution through to final delivery, making sure documents, payment terms, customs requirements, system updates and counterpart communication are managed correctly and on time. The person must keep execution moving within agreed deadlines, avoid unnecessary delays or additional costs, and help ensure clients receive a reliable and smooth service. The role requires strong knowledge of Asia import and export requirements, agricultural commodities documents, trade rules and payment terms, including Letters of Credit.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of import and export shipments for raw sugar, grains, molasses and other agricultural soft commodities, including bulk vessel and tanker vessel execution across Asia, even when the origin is outside Asia.
• Review each contract at execution stage, checking Incoterms, shipment period, payment terms, documentary requirements, notices, quality and weight terms, and any operational points linked to SAL, GAFTA or FOSFA rules.
• Build the shipment timeline from the start and align with traders, suppliers, clients, freight team, vessel agents, brokers, surveyors, finance and other operations teams on deadlines, responsibilities and required actions.
• Coordinate import and export requirements across Asia, including customs clearance, permits, certificates, inspections, local regulatory requirements and logistics arrangements.
• Prepare for loading by confirming vessel nomination, vessel declaration, loading readiness, required notices, surveyor attendance, document requirements, cargo quality, quantity and weight arrangements.
• Follow loading closely, keep updates clear and timely, and react quickly if there are delays, document issues, quality or weight differences, operational changes or possible demurrage exposure.
• Track the voyage from departure to arrival, monitor ETA changes, share updates with relevant parties and flag risks early where timelines, costs or client commitments may be affected.
• Prepare for discharge by checking customs status, berth planning, discharge readiness, delivery arrangements, surveyor requirements and any documents needed before cargo release.
• Follow discharge through to completion, including final outturn, quality, weight, delivery status, claims or differences, and any action needed to protect the company's position.
• Prepare, check and chase shipping, customs, warehouse, delivery, certificate and payment-related documents so they are accurate, complete and available on time to avoid demurrage, storage, penalties, payment delays or client service issues.
• Handle payment requirements, including Letters of Credit, bank collection and other agreed structures; review instructions carefully and coordinate amendments when needed to avoid discrepancies or late payment.
• Issue invoices to clients, arrange supplier and service provider payments, including surveyor, freight and related shipment costs, and follow up with finance teams on incoming and outgoing payments until settlement is completed.
• Find fast, practical solutions when issues arise, escalate serious risks with clear facts and proposed next steps, and keep execution moving to reduce cost, risk and disruption for the company and the client.
• Keep shipment records, system updates and shared folders accurate and traceable, then close the file properly once final documents, invoices, payments, claims, costs and shipment records are complete. Support teammates with backup cover, share knowledge and contribute to a reliable and efficient operations team.

About You

• Minimum 5 years of experience handling operations for agricultural products in soft commodities trade.
• Strong experience in import and export operations for raw sugar, grains, molasses or similar agricultural commodities, including bulk and break-bulk shipments.
• Experience with bulk and tanker vessel shipment execution across Asia, including origins outside Asia.
• Strong knowledge of import and export requirements across Asia, including customs processes, permits, certificates, inspections, international seaports and local logistics requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of SAL, GAFTA and FOSFA rules and how they apply to shipment execution, documents, notices, quality, weight, laytime and claims.
• Experience with laytime processing and an understanding of how delays, demurrage and operational costs are calculated and controlled.
• Strong knowledge of shipping and trade documents, including bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, quality and weight certificates, insurance documents and warehouse documents.
• Strong knowledge of payment terms used in commodity trade, including Letters of Credit, LC negotiation, UCP 600 rules, bank collection and related bank document requirements.
• Strong knowledge of shipping terms and Incoterms 2020.
• Experience working in an international commercial business, with sound knowledge of contract execution and operational risk control.
• Basic accounting knowledge, including quotation, invoicing and payment follow-up experience.
• Business-level fluency in English, both written and verbal, with fluent Thai.
• Advanced communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and communicate clearly with all levels internally and externally.
• Excellent analytical, organisation and time management skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to manage several shipments and deadlines at the same time.
• Self-starter who is resourceful, proactive and able to use initiative to solve problems quickly and practically.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams and digital operations tools.
• Desirable: knowledge of container shipments, truck shipments, stock shipments and Thai local market shipments is a plus.