Main Purpose:
Coordinating and overseeing the efficient movement, operation, and management of barges and towboats to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective transportation of cargo through waterways, particularly in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brasil and Bolivia. The position requires both administrative coordination from an office setting and field presence through visits to vessels and facilities to maintain operational excellence in the company's waterway transportation system.
Key Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Operational coordination of vessel movements, loading/unloading, and convoy formations.
- Resource management of both company-owned and third-party marine assets
Safety and compliance oversight on third parties through inspections and documentation.
- Cost control for fluvial operations and related services.
- Communication facilitation between different departments and external partners.
- Performance monitoring and continuous improvement of fluvial operations.
- Coordinate and supervise the movement of barges and tugboats on the waterways of Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Bolivia.
- Monitor the location and condition of vessels.
- Coordinate availability of vessels for maintenance and crew necessities.
- Supervise loading/unloading processes to minimize detention times.
- Maintain direct communication with captains and crews.
- Evaluate navigability conditions on different river sections.
- Conduct incident investigations and follow up for closure.
- Weekend guards, once a month.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- Fluvial Operations: Comprehensive understanding of inland waterway navigation, barge operations, and towboat management.
- Regulatory Framework: Knowledge of fluvial regulations in Paraguay and Argentina, including documentation requirements and permits.
- Logistics Management: Understanding of supply chain operations and cargo movement principles.
- Safety Protocols: Knowledge of HSEC (Health, Safety, Environment, and Community) standards in fluvial operations.
- Technical Understanding: Basic knowledge of vessel mechanics, fuel systems, and maintenance requirements.
- Cost Management: Understanding of budgeting and cost control principles for fluvial operations.
Skills:
- Coordination: Advanced ability to orchestrate multiple moving parts of complex logistics operations.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Spanish and English.
- Digital Proficiency: Competence with fluvial software, WhatsApp, reporting tools, and MS Office applications.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly address operational challenges and develop alternative solutions.
- Planning: Strong scheduling and resource allocation capabilities.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.
- Negotiation: Skills in working with third-party providers and managing service agreements.
- Report Writing: Ability to create clear, concise operational reports and documentation.
Abilities:
- Multitasking: Capacity to manage numerous concurrent tasks and priorities
- Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to changing conditions, weather events, and operational requirements
- Decision-Making: Confidence in making time-sensitive operational decisions
- Attention to Detail: Precision in monitoring measurements, documentation, and compliance requirements
- Interpersonal Relations: Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including crews, inspectors, and management
- Stress Management: Capacity to remain composed and effective during high-pressure situations
- Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and meet operational deadlines
- Leadership: Capacity to guide teams and influence decisions across departments
- Physical Capabilities: Ability to visit vessels and facilities, sometimes in challenging conditions
- Availability: Willingness to be on call during weekends and respond to operational emergencies
Additional Qualifications:
- Experience: Background in fluvial operations, logistics, or related field
- Education: Degree in fluvial studies, logistics, business administration, or equivalent experience
- Certifications: Any relevant fluvial or safety certifications would be advantageous
- Language: Fluency in Spanish required; English proficiency highly valuable
Key Relationships:
- Internal – Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Ships Crew teams to ensure smooth operations and adherence to safety standards.
- External – Interact with mooring suppliers, property security, and external agencies to successfully implement operational strategies and maintain seamless coordination.
Skills Required
- Background in fluvial operations, logistics, or related field
- Degree in fluvial studies, logistics, business administration, or equivalent experience
- Fluency in Spanish
- English proficiency
- Knowledge of fluvial regulations in Paraguay and Argentina (documentation and permits)
- Knowledge of HSEC (Health, Safety, Environment, and Community) standards in fluvial operations
- Competence with fluvial software, WhatsApp, reporting tools, and MS Office applications
- Ability to conduct vessel inspections, visit vessels and facilities (fieldwork)
- Availability for on-call response and weekend guard duty (once a month)
- Experience with cost control, budgeting, and negotiations with third-party providers
- Relevant fluvial or safety certifications
- Strong coordination, communication, planning, analytical, and report-writing skills
What We Do
Trafigura is a leading commodities group, owned by its employees and founded over 30 years ago. At the heart of global supply, Trafigura connects vital resources to power and build the world. We deploy infrastructure, market expertise and our worldwide logistics network to move oil and petroleum products, metals and minerals, gas and power from where they are produced to where they are needed, forming strong relationships that make supply chains more efficient, secure and sustainable. We invest in renewable energy projects and technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, including through H2Energy Europe and joint venture Nala Renewables. The Trafigura Group also comprises industrial assets and operating businesses including multi-metals producer Nyrstar, fuel storage and distribution company Puma Energy, and our Impala Terminals joint venture. The Group employs over 12,000 people, of which over 1,400 are shareholders and is active in 156 countries.









