Trader, Freight (Handysize)

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

The Freight Platform is an independent profit center with a dual mandate of both supporting the in-house dry-bulk, freight needs of the other commodity platforms, and acting as a proprietary freight trader/operator. 

As part of the Freight Commercial Handysize Team, you will play a crucial role being a part of the Global Freight Team, segmented by vessel size with region specific responsibilities. The Freight Trader role demands a keen ability to navigate and interpret complex market dynamics. The primary challenge lies in being “on call” 24/7 in order to complete time-sensitive projects, attend trainings, or to respond to emergencies. This requires someone who is able to work in a fast-paced trading-floor environment. Effective communication and collaboration with the Global, Regional, and Local teams are essential to ensure timely and strategic decision-making in a highly competitive freight market.

Occasional domestic and/or international travel to meet clients and attend shipping conventions is required (approximately three to four times per year).

Main Responsibilities:

As part of the Singapore Freight Commercial Handysize Team, you will be the Freight Trader for the SEA & ANZ regions, with responsibilities across pricing, positioning, business development, and contract execution. This role involves interaction with both internal and external cargo customers, whilst also commercially manages the period fleet, optimizing the regional program. With a focus on expanding our reach and access with industrial cargo clients, you will play a key role in these areas:

• Accurately price, sell, and manage freight risks for internal clients
• Develop 3rd party relationships on cargo and owning side, to complement and expand base internal cargo flow
• Optimize regional position through arbitrage of derivative hedges and physical positions; cargoes (internal/external), contracts, and period vessels

1. Pricing of Freight and Rate Negotiation:
   • Participate in external markets, spot and forward, to identify ‘replacement’ market prices
   • Utilize in-house research and data analytics to identify market ‘mispricing’ and relative value trading opportunities
   • Use the price forecast as the basis for generating firm freight rates to provide to internal commodity traders for completion of CNF sales and market research as well as for the basis of external trading on cargoes, contracts, and period vessels
   • Identify and trade arbitrage and hedging opportunities in the freight derivatives and futures market, and assess the opportunity of applying a period ship or new period ship fixture against a freight sale
2. Position Management:
   • Orchestrate and execute the optimization and profitable arbitrage of the regional book, interacting with the other Regional Traders to find the net best employment for period vessels
   • Work in tandem with the regional offices including Vancouver and Geneva to optimize trading strategy of LDC physical cargo/tonnage book
   • Liaise with the internal commodity teams to anticipate demand while ensuring smooth internal shipment program
3. Business Development:
   • Expand third party network with a particular focus on accessing industrial cargo clients and bypassing operators/traders’ intermediaries
   • Seek for both spot, medium and long-term opportunities, including COAs and joint ventures
4. Freight Contract Execution:
   • Work closely with Freight Operations to stay on top of the itineraries, stowplans, and voyage execution PnLs. Ensure all documentary and administrative requirements are complete in a timely manner
   • Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and/or to determine the need for changes; consult the Senior Trader on unusual price strategy, policy and operational issues if necessary/applicable
   • Adhere to the Corporate and/or Platform Risk, Credit, Compliance, and Ethics guidelines
5. Other Scope:
   • Research and evaluate trading partners based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, reliability, production, distribution capabilities, reputation, and history
   • Undertake and complete training on:
     • Time charter and Voyage charter parties; FFA contract negotiation and execution; Vessel bunkering hedging and execution; Internal freight Accounting practices; Internal freight IT systems
   • Internal Client Management:
     • Organize and attend regular meetings with internal Commodity Traders to discuss market outlook, upcoming programs, target business, and any execution/trading issues that require attention. Ensure the relevant commodity market themes and perspectives are effectively communicated for a broader Freight awareness

Experiences:

• At least 2-5 years of relevant working experiences in shipping industry
• Experience in drybulk shipping and Handysize are preferred; open to Supramax
• Genuine interest in global shipping and commodity markets
• Knowledge of Supply & Demand factors, pricing trends, regulations affecting commodity trade
• Experience and/or interest in analyzing balance sheets and working with researchers/data analysts
• Experience in working with teams in different geographical locations
• Experience working with other commercial teams to design trading strategies is a plus
• Experience in arbitraging freight positions on spot and forward markets
• Experience in performing advanced freight calculations
• Experience in negotiating time charter and voyage charter party terms
• Ability to manage data and summarize large quantity of data into key/actionable insights
• Ability to analyze trends, data, and numbers to draw meaningful conclusions and write comprehensive reports
• Know how to communicate/explain complex ideas in a simple way
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with an attentive approach to analysis to ensure accurate assumptions and conclusions
• Strong analytical skills with a keen eye for details
• Good business acumen and commercial awareness
• Ability to understand the business needs, potential issues, and propose innovative ideas/solutions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability and willingness to interact effectively with all levels of employees & management
• Interpersonal skills, ability to forge relationships with colleagues and external parties
• Ability to handle/prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work within a complex and international environment
• Independent self-starter who takes initiative, and has a proactive attitude toward problems and issues
• Self-motivated, assertive, and problem-solver
• High emotional intelligence

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Excel
• Experience with BI tools for analytics is a plus
• Python programming skills and command on SQL and Data Visualization tools are a plus
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, with a solid understanding of data management best practices
• Good Business Intelligence awareness

Languages:

• English (Fluent)
• Additional language in ASEAN is an added advantage

Academics:

• Degree in Business/Economics/Engineering/Finance/Trade/Maritime Studies or related field of study

Additional Information for the job

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

We offer

• A workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity
• Regular events that foster team engagement
• Access to Training and Development
• Hybrid work arrangement offered (availability varies by role).
• Comprehensive insurance coverage and flexible benefits