Trainee Operations Executive

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated Graduate to join our team as a

Trainee Operations Executive

. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in tanker operations, voyage administration, chartering support and commercial shipping activities. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced industry professionals and senior management, developing a strong understanding of vessel operations, freight markets, charter parties, commercial processes and the wider maritime industry. In addition to operational responsibilities, the candidate will occasionally support senior management on special projects involving market research, business analysis and strategic initiatives, providing exposure to broader commercial and corporate aspects of the shipping business. This position is intended for individuals seeking a long-term career in the maritime industry.

Graduates from Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore University of Social Sciences and the local polytechnics are encouraged to apply. Recent Graduates with limited experience but strong academic performance and a keen interest in shipping will be considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Tanker Operations Support

• Assist with day-to-day operational matters relating to tanker vessel voyages.
• Monitor vessel movements, voyage progress, port calls, ETA/ETD and operational status.
• Maintain voyage schedules, vessel trackers and operational databases.
• Follow up with Masters, vessel operators, agents, terminals and counterparties on operational matters.
• Monitor loading, discharging, shifting, waiting time and other port activities.
• Assist in the preparation and maintenance of voyage files and operational records.
• Support compliance with company operational procedures and reporting requirements.

2. Laytime & Demurrage Administration

• Assist with laytime and demurrage calculations under supervision.
• Review Statements of Facts (SOF), Notices of Readiness (NOR) and supporting port documentation.
• Record operational timings accurately within calculation templates and tracking systems.
• Maintain demurrage records, outstanding claims logs and supporting documentation.
• Follow up with agents and counterparties to obtain missing operational documents.

3. Freight & Commercial Administration

• Assist in preparing freight invoices and supporting documentation.
• Verify quantities, freight rates and voyage details prior to submission for review.
• Maintain invoice tracking systems and commercial records.
• Support follow-up of outstanding invoices and voyage-related accounts.
• Assist with maintenance of cargo, bunker and voyage information databases.

4. Chartering & Market Support

• Support chartering personnel with administrative and research tasks.
• Monitor freight market developments and vessel positions.
• Assist in preparing internal market reports and commercial updates.
• Maintain records of vessel fixtures, chartering activities and market intelligence.
• Compile information on vessel availability, cargo opportunities and freight movements.

5. Document Management & E-Filing

• Maintain proper electronic filing of vessel, voyage and commercial documents.
• Organise Bills of Lading, cargo documentation, invoices, charter party documents, SOFs, NORs and operational correspondence.
• Ensure documents are correctly filed and easily retrievable.
• Maintain accurate and organised records in accordance with company procedures.

6. Management & Strategic Project Support

• Support senior management on special projects and business initiatives as required.
• Conduct research on shipping markets, industry developments, competitors and emerging trends.
• Assist in gathering and analysing operational, commercial and market data.
• Prepare management reports, presentations and briefing materials.
• Support data collection for business development opportunities, investment reviews and strategic discussions.
• Assist with due diligence information gathering and management presentations where required.
• Undertake ad hoc assignments and special projects as directed by management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should possess a degree or diploma in a relevant discipline, including:

Singapore Maritime and Maritime-Related Programmes

• Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies) – Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accountancy or related disciplines from recognised universities
• Engineering degrees with an interest in shipping and commercial operations
• Maritime Business or Logistics-related degrees from recognised institutions

Polytechnic Graduates

• Diploma in Maritime Business
• Diploma in Maritime & Offshore Management
• Diploma in International Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Diploma in Business Studies
• Diploma in Accountancy & Finance
• Other relevant business, logistics or engineering diplomas

DESIRE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Good numerical aptitude and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a willingness to learn.
• Commercial curiosity and interest in global shipping markets.
• Ability to work effectively with both operational and commercial teams.
• Professional attitude and willingness to take ownership of assigned tasks.
• Interest in developing a long-term career within the maritime and shipping industry.

About the Norstar Group

Norstar Ship Management Pte Ltd (NSM) is a privately owned, Singapore-headquartered ship management company founded by Chris and Tom Bonehill. NSM specialises in the fully integrated management of hazardous product tankers, gas carriers and bulk carriers worldwide - providing commercial management, technical management, crew management and owner accounting under one roof.

NSM currently manages a fleet of ocean going vessels across multiple flags with approximately shore staff globally and over 2,000 active seafarers. The Group has offices in Singapore, Westport CT(USA), Yangon (Myanmar), Tokyo (Japan), Khobar (Saudi Arabia) and Delhi(India). NSM's client roster includes oil majors and other leading global energy and commodity companies.