Divisional Chief Operating Officer (Oil)

Main Purpose:

Recognising the nuances between the different commodities, Trafigura is building a second layer of support that is closer to the detail of specific commodity processes, in addition to coordinating activity and sharing best practices across departments. The division split is intended to align their processes and systems to best support each individual market that Trafigura operate in (vast differences between for example Gas/Power and Metals). In turn, by stepping away from the day-to-day operations, this will allow Group Chief Operating Officer to focus on the bigger picture and long-term vision of the business.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proven leadership experience as a COO, Head of Operations, or equivalent role in the oil trading, refining, or related industries.
• Proven experience in managing multi-million-dollar operational budgets, project investments, and resource allocation to drive cost efficiency and strategic growth.
• Extensive knowledge of oil trading operations, logistics, risk management, and supply chain management processes.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate operational strategies into tangible results and competitive advantages.
• Demonstrated expertise in process optimisation, continuous improvement methodologies, and operational risk management.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse teams and functions.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the division’s overall performance.
• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the oil trading business, including trade execution, logistics, scheduling, inventory management, and settlement processes.
• Manage the division’s operational risk profile, ensuring compliance with internal controls, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to identify and implement process optimisations, cost savings, and operational synergies across the oil supply chain.
• Collaborate with the trading and operational teams to ensure seamless coordination and execution of operational activities.
• Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Oversee the division’s operational budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation processes to optimize costs and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
• Manage and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous learning, and innovation.
• Represent the division in cross-functional initiatives, projects, and committees related to operational matters, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
• Collaborate with IT, digital, and data analytics teams to identify and implement technology solutions that enhance operational capabilities and drive process automation.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to oil trading, transportation, and handling operations.

Competencies

• Develops and champions operational strategies aligned with Trafigura’s overall business objectives, effectively articulating the vision and inspiring buy-in from diverse teams.
• Provides leadership and develops the team. Where required, can influence and drive transformational change within the Oil division.
• Develops and implements robust risk management frameworks and controls to mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks within the oil division.
• Champions the adoption of technology solutions to enhance operational capabilities, drive automation, and improve data-driven decision-making.
• Exhibits a low-ego approach, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapts quickly to changing priorities. Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

Key Relationships

• Group COO
• Business Leaders
• Functional Heads

Department

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.