Bunker Trader

Bunker trader is the person dealing in the bunker fuel. Primary role of a bunker trader is to locate customers, negotiating , fixing and closing the deals. A bunker trader should be Working closely with agents at the various ports for the delivery of bunkers to the vessels. A bunker trader trainee is the person who understands the core business from scratch. A bunker trader trainee has to build up his own client portfolio by developing personal and professional skills. A bunker trader trainee is generally trained on site by a professional team of Senior bunker traders.

The ideal profile for a bunker trader trainee includes:

• A confident and strong individual, preferable with experience with sales or telemarketing.
• Strong sales drive, team-spirit with a high level of motivational and supportive skills.
• Creative and open thinker, with the abilities to see and develop market opportunities.
• Strong innovative mind-set and a positive thinker; challenges instead of issues; solutions instead of problems.
• Fluent in English

Responsibilities for the Bunker Trader includes:

• Negotiating between buyers and sellers
• Researching the market keeping an eye on new business opportunities to help expand your network
• Preparing quotes, sales inquiries, invoices and/or confirmations
• Following up with customers to ensure payments are paid in full
• Continuing to develop the existing client base as well as obtaining new clients in the process
• Reports and market analysis
• Assisting senior traders in daily tasks
• Co-operating and supporting colleagues in our other offices
• Responsible for the profits and performance of marine fuels and trading services
• Ensure good operational efficiency through effective cost management while achieving high standards of product quality and productivity during the operations
• Manage all pre- and post-fixture documentation, payments and settlement of claims and disputes
• Accountable for driving sales targets and performance for own accounts
• Help develop a understanding of competitors’ strategies
• Coordinate with the Supply Manager in identifying new opportunities
• Work closely with Supply Manager and trading team on bunker trading and sales initiatives
• Seek, support and help develop new business development initiatives to improve sales and margins
• Provide competitor insights to management

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding the shipping, trading, commodity markets including hedging /price risk management
• Deep understanding of global shipping market, bunker practices, operating standards and global supply options
• Outstanding network of customers
• High level of drive and commercial acumen
• Highly self-motivated and target-oriented personality
• Excellent relationship management and strong negotiation skills
• Able to handle people from different backgrounds and cultures.
• University degree, preferably in Business
• Is hungry for success
• Is willing to travel around the world
• Team player
• Proactive and creative

Areas of Focus

• Act as an important link between the clients and the suppliers
• Collection and distribution of prices from the suppliers
• Building your own client portfolio,
• Visiting and building up excellent customer relations
• Development and surveillance of the total supply chain
• Stock management
• Supplier control and optimization
• Market analysis and KPI follow-up
• Marketing tasks

Bunker Trader Salary

Salary of a bunker trader varies according to the experience at the entry level. Based on a survey average salary for 0 to 1 years experience is 56000 USD. Bunker traders are generally evaluated and rewarded based on their performance. Top performers are able to get big salary very quickly. Average salary for 2 to 3 years of experience in bunker trading is 88000 USD and similarly according to a survey the average salary for 4 to 6 years experience is 109500 USD. Bunker traders also gets bonus and commission. Different companies have their own ways for rewarding success including individual commission paid monthly or quarterly as decided by the management.