Vitol Group

Vitol is the leader in the energy sector with a presence across the spectrum, from oil through to power, renewables and carbon credits and has been profitable in every year since its foundation in 1966. Vitol is focused on the sale, purchase and transport of physical energy commodities on a global basis. They are headquartered in Geneva, with key operations also situated in Houston, London, Singapore, Rotterdam and Bahrain with a further 40 offices worldwide. The firm's success is based on a commitment to long term customer and supplier relationships, a global intelligence gathering capability and the depth, breadth and experience of their professionals to take full advantage of market opportunities.

It isn’t ships or terminals or cargoes that create their success: it’s the calibre of their people. Being a global business, they come from all over the world and represent a vibrant mix of different nationalities, educational backgrounds and life experiences. In fact, today, people from around 60 different countries work for the Vitol group, all around the world. They continue to build their reputation as a leading player in the energy markets through their creativity, commitment, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit.

Website: www.vitol.com

Our People

It isn’t ships or terminals or cargoes that create our success: it’s the calibre of our people. Being a global business, they come from all over the world and represent a vibrant mix of different nationalities, educational backgrounds and life experiences. In fact, today, people from around 60 different countries work for the Vitol group, all around the world. They continue to build our reputation as a leading player in the energy markets through their creativity, commitment, professionalism and entrepreneurial spirit. The Financial Operators are responsible for issuance and management of all documents related to a transaction as well as follow up of financial documentation, vessels from loading to delivery. In Rotterdam, the financial operations for Vitol SA are handled. There are various different commodity groups (crude oil, distillates (gasoil, diesel & jet), fuel oil, gasoline, naphtha, LPG, bitumen and thermal coal) with operators reporting to the operations manager in Rotterdam.

As trade finance officer you are responsible for handling Letters of Credit, stand-by letters of credit and guarantees, risk management and risk mitigation. You are the bridge and focal point between financial operations team and our banks where you monitor and ensure a smooth execution of our deals.

The responsibilities are:

• Reviewing, managing, structuring and the processing of documentary credits, stand-by letters of credit, bank guarantees and collections
• Work closely together with the team to resolve issues, standardize processes, undertake initiative for process and system improvements to foster a culture of collaboration
• Document examination: reviewing trade documents for compliance with letters of credit and applicable rules and conditions
• Actively support financial ops and the team by sharing knowledge to enhance their skills and performance
• Liaise with financial ops, banks and internal stakeholders such as legal and credit, establish and maintain relations
• Handling of bilateral OTC - Over The Counter - margining activities
• Identify, flag, mitigate and monitor risks
• Prepare reports, process and analyse data, run annual audit files.
• Booking of costs related to trade finance instruments
• Stays updated on changes in trade finance regulations, best practices and industry guidelines, including UCP, URDG, ISP98 etc.

• Minimum 5 years of Trade Finance experience in a trading company. Trade Finance experience in a bank (ideally in commodities) is also acceptable
• Strong hands-on expertise with documentary credits (Letters of Credit / LCs), standby letters of credit (SBLCs) and bank guarantees
• Solid knowledge of key trade finance rules/standards, including UCP 600, ISP 98, URDG 758, ISBP)
• Good operational understanding of commodity trading logistics and documentation such as contracts, general terms & conditions (GTCs), incoterms, vessel movements/shipping processes, etc
• Advanced Excel skills
• Working familiarity with SWIFT messages/systems
• Experience with energy and metal commodities is a plus
• Excellent English, written and spoken
• Stays informed on current events (markets/geopolitics/news impacting trade)

Personal Competences:

• Problem solver, out of the box-thinker
• Very good organizational skills
• Communication: strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Working proactively and independently
• Able to work under pressure
• Excellent analytical skills, high attention to detail and risk assessment
• You enjoy collaborating with multiple stakeholders across various seniority levels within an international organization
• Self-awareness, driving personal development and proactively take action to achieve goals

Personal Characteristics      

• Capability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple and potentially conflicting priorities
• Peer Relationships and stakeholder management: Ability to build and maintain effective relationships
• Result Oriented: Strong orientation towards problems solving and results
• Diligent and hard working
• Readiness to work outside normal office hours when required
• Team player with a positive attitude, an open non-political style and a high level of personal integrity
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively during high-pressure situations, such as market fluctuations or a hostile political environment.
• Balanced and Calm Under Pressure: The ability to manage stakeholders, competing priorities and remain calm when resolving issues.

Our Offer       

• A central role in the company’s trade finance operations, with new challenges every day
• An international company with offices in Singapore, London, Geneva, Houston and the possibility to work abroad
• A flat and approachable organization
• An excellent working atmosphere: Friday drinks and frequent team events and social gatherings
• A competitive compensation and benefits package (Bonus, Pension & Health Insurance)
• Bespoke inhouse training focused on developing skills and substantive knowledge with scope for external training where needed and appropriate.

• Vitol is an international company with offices across all continents 
• You will work in a flat and approachable organization
• We are a great place to work. We have an excellent working atmosphere and we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package