Junior Operations Specialist

About us

Alkagesta is a global commodity trading house specializing in petroleum and steel products, fertilizers, and biofuels. Established in Malta in 2018, the company operates as a multinational enterprise with 17 offices and representations worldwide. Alkagesta maintains partnerships with 28 international banks and conducts trading activities across 48 countries, facilitating approximately 9 million metric tons of commodity flows annually.

The company offers fully integrated trading capabilities — from sourcing and storage to delivery — underpinned by robust risk management, compliance, and governance frameworks.

Alkagesta was founded in 2018 by its management team and remains privately held and governed by senior leadership. Today, the Group employs over 165 professionals and is built on tested systems, experienced governance, and a culture of continuous development.

What role you will play within our team?

• Assisting in the management of operations once a trading deal or chartering agreement is confirmed, ensuring compliance with company policies, practices, and legal guidelines.
• Supporting communication with suppliers, clients, and other external parties to assist in coordinating the physical processes, including loss control, laytime (demurrage), and timely updates to all stakeholders.
• Assisting with vessel/barge scheduling, inventory control, and in/out movement coordination under the guidance of senior staff, while reporting to the finance, accounting, and risk departments.
• Helping to manage and monitor operational costs, working to minimize extra expenses and mitigate potential risks, in line with contractual terms and agreed timings.
• Supporting the nomination and coordination of inspection companies for various operations, ensuring proper documentation and that all relevant internal and external parties are informed.
• Assisting in managing and organizing operational documents such as Bills of Lading, Certificates of Quantity and Quality, Statements of Facts, and other required paperwork.
• Helping to retrieve and report deal terms, conditions, and stock information to maintain accurate records and aid in operational decision-making.
• Assisting in drafting and preparing contracts related to physical cargoes (e.g., crude oil, gasoline, distillates), vessel chartering, and related trading agreements, under the supervision of senior staff.
• Assisting with the resolution of discrepancies or disputes between counterparties, preparing responses for disputes regarding pricing, delivery, and payment terms in collaboration with senior team members.
• Following up on outstanding contracts and amendments, ensuring that all necessary approvals are obtained and that contracts are modified and finalized with supervisor oversight.
• Assisting lead/senior team members with daily operational tasks.

Requirements:

• Fresh graduates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Finance, International Trade, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Fluency in English and Maltese (both written and spoken).
• High attention to detail and accuracy.