At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a busy trading desk with shipping operations and contract management.
- Company: Reputable global physical trading house based in London.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in international trade and logistics.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities to learn about commodities and shipping.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with growth potential.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a problem-solving attitude; logistics experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32833 £ per year.
Our client, an established and highly regarded physical trading house with a London head office, is looking for an articulate, quick-learning individual to join their Shipping & Trade Support team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment and wants to build a career in the operational and administrative side of international physical trading. Prior experience in logistics or shipping operations is advantageous, but our client is equally open to strong graduates keen to learn the ropes of shipping physical goods across multiple jurisdictions.
The Role
You'll provide day-to-day administrative and operational support to a busy trading desk, covering everything from contract documentation to shipment coordination, freight negotiation, and risk management, all while helping the business deliver excellent customer service and protect trading margins.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain excellent operating efficiency across the shipping team in support of daily commercial activity
- Enter and maintain contracts with suppliers and customers within the company's trading system
- Administer shipping files: transport, storage, delivery, and associated documentation
- Produce contractual and shipping paperwork, liaising closely with freight forwarders
- Negotiate freight rates with warehouses and transport providers
- Provide daily trade support to traders and assist with ad hoc queries
- Check and process supplier and freight invoices for settlement
- Process payments and liaise with accounts to ensure timely funds movement
- Handle documentary presentations through banks, including Letters of Credit
- Stay attuned to commodity market prices and movements
- Support administrative compliance with international regulatory frameworks (e.g. REACH)
What We're Looking For
- Prior experience in a commodities, logistics, or shipping environment is advantageous but not essential
- Excellent written and spoken English, with strong cross-border communication skills
- High levels of accuracy and strong organisational skills
- A natural problem-solver with the tenacity to see issues through to resolution
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset suited to a high-paced setting
- An appreciation of commodity-specific requirements and a solid understanding of INCOTERMS
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Shipping & Trade Support in London
✨Get Involved in Local Logistics Events
Keep an eye out for local logistics conferences and networking events. These are great places to meet professionals in the field, build connections, and hear about entry-level opportunities directly from hiring managers. Plus, they often have guest speakers who can give you inside info on what companies like Insight Commodities are looking for!
✨Join Online Communities and Forums
Dive into online logistics communities, like LinkedIn groups or industry-specific forums. We can learn a ton from discussions about trends, challenges, and latest technologies. Being an active member can put you on the radar of recruiters from companies like Insight Commodities who are looking for fresh talent!
✨Utilise Career Services at Uni
If you’re a recent grad or still in school, don’t overlook your university’s career services. They often have connections with local businesses and might know about entry-level roles at places like Insight Commodities before they hit the job boards. Plus, they can help you polish your interview skills!
✨Keep Your Application Sharp and Ready
When applying for entry-level positions, make sure your application is tailored for each role at Insight Commodities. Highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or part-time jobs that show off your logistics know-how. And remember, applying through our website gives you a better chance of landing that sweet entry-level gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Shipping & Trade Support in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Coursework:When applying for an entry-level position in logistics and supply chain, make sure to mention any related coursework or projects from your studies. This could showcase your understanding of key concepts and give us a glimpse of how you've applied your knowledge practically.
Emphasise Attention to Detail:Logistics relies heavily on precision and attention to detail. In your CV or cover letter, share examples of times when your carefulness made a difference — think about any internships or group projects where these skills were essential. It’s a big plus for us at Insight Commodities!
Show Your Eagerness to Learn:As this is an entry-level position, we want to know you’re keen to develop your skills. In your cover letter, express your motivation to grow in the logistics field and mention any relevant online courses, certifications, or workshops you've completed. We love a proactive candidate!
Use Clear and Structured Documents:Make sure your CV and cover letter are clear and well-organised. Logistics involves a lot of process management, so demonstrating your ability to communicate information succinctly can set you apart. Align your documents to be as straightforward and to-the-point as possible to make a great impression on us at Insight Commodities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Insight Commodities
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental concepts of logistics and supply chain management. We might get questions about inventory management, distribution channels, and transport methods, so be ready to explain these concepts in simple terms. This will show that you’ve got a solid foundation and are keen to learn more!
✨Familiarise with Relevant Software
Get comfortable with logistics management tools like SAP or Oracle Transportation Management. Even if the role is entry-level, showing that you have a basic understanding of these systems can set you apart from other candidates. We can look up tutorials or demos online to help us get a grip on these platforms!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As this is an entry-level role, companies like Insight Commodities are likely looking for potential and passion over extensive experience. Be ready to discuss why you’re excited about starting a career in logistics and how eager you are to learn on the job. Share any relevant coursework or projects from your studies that sparked your interest.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviewers in logistics often ask about how we would handle specific challenges, like inventory shortages or delivery delays. Think about scenarios you’ve encountered (even in projects) and how you would solve them. We want to demonstrate our problem-solving skills and ability to manage stress during these discussions!
