Logistics Operations Executive

ABOUT LALCO TRADING

LALCO Trading is a Singapore-based global commodity trading company specialising in the sourcing and distribution of essential commodities across key sectors. Our primary business revolves around the global trade and efficient distribution of agriculture products, edible oils, frozen meat, industrial scrap, minerals & mining materials, and pharmaceuticals. We partner with suppliers and buyers across the world to ensure reliable supply chains and high standards of trade excellence.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Logistics Operations Executive to join our team at our Great World City office. This role is central to ensuring the smooth execution of our order fulfilment and logistics operations, working closely with 3PL providers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders to maintain operational efficiency in a fast-paced commodity trading environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Commodity Trade Logistics

• Manage end-to-end logistics for physical commodity trades, covering contract handover, shipment planning, booking or nomination, loading, transit, discharge and final delivery.
• Review purchase and sales contracts and translate delivery terms into operational actions, timelines, cost responsibilities and documentary requirements.
• Apply Incoterms 2020 in daily operations and identify the responsibilities, costs and transfer-of-risk points applicable to each trade.
• Coordinate bulk, breakbulk and/or container shipments with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, vessel agents, surveyors, warehouses, insurers and other service providers.
• Maintain shipment schedules and trackers; monitor key milestones, laycan or cut-off dates where relevant, estimated arrival dates, free-time exposure and delivery commitments.
• Manage operational exceptions such as delays, demurrage or detention exposure, quantity or quality discrepancies, damaged cargo, short or over shipments and document discrepancies; escalate promptly with proposed solutions.

1. Shipping Documentation and Controls

• Prepare, issue, collect and verify trade and shipping documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, weight and quality certificates, insurance documents and permits where applicable.
• Check that documents are consistent with the contract, letter of credit or payment terms, Incoterms, customs requirements and counterparty instructions before release or submission.
• Coordinate import, export, transhipment and customs formalities with appointed service providers and ensure required declarations, licences and supporting documents are obtained on time.
• Maintain a complete, accurate and audit-ready electronic file for every shipment, including approvals, instructions, correspondence, documents, incidents and closure evidence.
• Follow the company's approved controls for counterparties, commodities, vessels, ports and jurisdictions, and immediately escalate sanctions, compliance or fraud red flags without overriding an alert or approval condition.

1. Build and Improve Logistics Workflows

• Design, document and implement practical logistics workflows, standard operating procedures, checklists, templates and escalation routes suitable for a growing commodity trading firm.
• Establish clear hand-offs between Trading, Trade Finance, Logistics, Compliance, Finance and external service providers from pre-trade review through shipment closure.
• Set up shipment trackers, document-control standards, approval records, service-provider records and management reporting, using available systems and disciplined interim tools where necessary.
• Identify operational gaps and recurring causes of delay, cost leakage or errors; recommend and implement proportionate controls and process improvements.

1. Start-up Collaboration

• Work independently in a lean team, take ownership beyond narrow role boundaries and respond effectively to changing trade priorities.
• Provide concise shipment updates, exception reports and cost information to management and relevant stakeholders.
• Support the selection, onboarding and performance review of freight forwarders, agents, warehouses, surveyors and other logistics providers.
• Actively participate in system development and IT projects, including defining logistics requirements, validating process workflows, supporting user acceptance testing and assisting with system implementation and enhancements.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the superior from time to time, in support of the company's evolving business needs.

MUST-HAVE REQUIREMENTS

• Practical working knowledge of Incoterms 2020 is mandatory, with the ability to apply the terms accurately to real commodity shipments and explain operational implications to colleagues.
• At least 3 years of relevant logistics or operations experience in a physical commodities trading firm.
• Hands-on experience coordinating international shipments and checking commodity trade and shipping documents.
• Demonstrated ability to create, document and implement logistics workflows, SOPs, checklists or operational controls.
• Strong Microsoft Excel capability and confidence working with shipment trackers, document repositories and ERP or CTRM systems.
• Good written and spoken English, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage several time-sensitive shipments simultaneously.

KEY START-UP DELIVERABLES

• Establish and obtain internal agreement on the end-to-end logistics workflow, ownership, control points and escalation process for commodity shipments.
• Implement a standard shipment tracker, pre-shipment checklist, document checklist and shipment-closure record that provide timely management visibility.
• Create a controlled set of logistics SOPs, templates and work instructions that can scale as transaction volumes, commodities and routes expand.
• Develop an approved logistics service-provider record and a practical method for monitoring service quality, recurring issues and material cost leakage.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with both bulk and containerised commodity shipments, including exposure to demurrage, detention, laycan, survey and cargo-claim matters.
• Familiarity with letters of credit, documentary collections, marine cargo insurance, customs or trade permits, and sanctions-sensitive shipping controls.
• Experience helping to establish or improve operations in a start-up, new trading desk or rapidly growing organisation.

EDUCATION AND CORE COMPETENCIES

• Diploma or degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, International Trade, Business Administration or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• Commercially aware, organised and solutions-oriented, with sound judgement and a strong sense of accountability.
• Able to communicate firmly and professionally with traders, counterparties and service providers while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.

POSITION DETAILS

Job Title : Logistics Operations Executive

Employment Type : Permanent (Full-Time)

Work Location : Great World City Office Tower, Singapore

Salary Range : SGD 3,000 – 4,500 per month (commensurate with experience)

Work Arrangement: On-site

job

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person