Executive – Commercial (Marine Fuel Bunkering)

About the role

We are seeking a commercially driven and analytically strong professional to join Lanka Marine Services as an Executive – Commercial. In this role you will support the commercial team across market intelligence, fuel procurement, cargo operations, commercial analytics and stakeholder coordination within the marine fuel bunkering business.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor market developments and competitive movements, consolidate market intelligence and analyse commercial and operational data to generate insights for decision‑making.
• Conduct analysis across the bunkering supply chain to identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times and optimise costs.
• Support descriptive and predictive analytics initiatives to forecast supply trends, identify commercial opportunities and enhance business performance.
• Assist the Manager – Commercial in shipment fixing and commercial negotiations with global oil majors, shipowners and international brokers by providing accurate market data and commercial analysis.
• Coordinate the end‑to‑end oil cargo operational cycle, from stem booking through to final delivery, working closely with marine and shore‑based stakeholders.
• Negotiate and finalise commercial and operational terms relating to fuel oil procurement across international and domestic energy markets.
• Process import/export documentation, including Letters of Credit, marine insurance and Bills of Lading, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with Finance on cargo costing, management accounting and commercial reporting to support financial planning, cost management and margin analysis.
• Coordinate with local fuel suppliers and support onboarding and vetting of new international trading partners, ensuring required documentation, due diligence and approvals are completed.

Required profile

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, finance, economics, supply chain management, logistics, maritime studies or a related discipline.
• Experience in maritime commercial operations, energy trading support, fuel supply chain management, shipping logistics or a related field is an advantage.
• Strong analytical capabilities with proficiency in data analytics, market research and financial costing models.
• Sound understanding of international trade execution, Incoterms, charter party agreements and import/export regulatory frameworks.
• Strong commercial, negotiation and communication skills with ability to engage effectively with international counterparties, brokers, suppliers and cross‑functional teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel; experience with commercial reporting and data analysis tools is a plus.

What we offer

• An exciting opportunity to join a leading marine services business within the John Keells Group and gain exposure to the commercial and operational aspects of the marine fuel bunkering industry.
• The role provides the chance to work closely with international oil majors, shipowners, brokers, suppliers and other maritime stakeholders while developing expertise across fuel procurement, cargo operations, commercial analytics, market intelligence and supply chain management.