Commodity Trader

Description:

We are seeking a highly experienced, commercially strong Senior Trader to lead end-to-end commodity trading operations across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, with a particular focus on edible oils, grains, soft Agri-products, and broader agricultural supply chains.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on trader with deep exposure to African markets, strong P&L ownership, and the capability to open new markets, expand trade flows, develop new corridors, and build commercial partnerships. Petrochemical trading or market knowledge is an added advantage but not a core requirement.

This role blends strategic leadership with practical, daily trading execution, suitable for a seasoned trader who can manage complexity, create commercial opportunities, and scale a trading book across frontier markets.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Global Trading & Commercial Execution:

- Lead full trading cycles for agri-commodities including edible oils (sunflower), grains, sesame, rice, and other soft commodities.

- Structure trades (FOB, CFR/CNF, DDP, CPT) and negotiate commercial terms with suppliers, buyers, and logistics partners.

- Manage pricing, hedging proxies, shipment planning, documentation, inspections, and delivery execution.

- Ensure strong cost management, landed cost visibility, and margin protection.

2. Market Expansion & Opening New Trade Flows:(Critical requirement):

- Identify and open new markets, new distribution channels, and new trade corridors across Asia, Middle East, and Africa.

- Develop commercial opportunities in frontier markets: Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Djibouti, West Africa, and surrounding regions.

- Build long-term off-take relationships with industrial users, distributors, government entities, and FMCG sectors.

- Map demand clusters and develop structured trade routes that enhance scale and profitability.

3. Sourcing Strategy & Supplier Development:

- Source edible oils and Agri-products from Asia, Central Asia, MENA, and global origins.

- Build and manage supplier portfolios ensuring competitive pricing, quality, and timely delivery.

- Expand origin access, diversify supply base, and strengthen product availability for strategic destinations.

4. Trade Finance, Risk & Market Intelligence:

- Manage Letters of Credit (LCs), CAD, DP, bank negotiations, and collateral structures.

- Monitor commodity price trends, FX exposure, freight markets, geopolitical risks, and liquidity constraints.

- Develop strategies to mitigate FX volatility and local currency shortages in challenging markets.

- Ensure adherence to internal controls, risk frameworks, and compliance policies.

5. African Distribution & On-Ground Execution:

- Oversee last-mile distribution across African hubs including warehousing, customs, and transportation.

- Resolve on-ground operational challenges in high-risk or underdeveloped environments.

- Strengthen local networks and ensure product arrival aligns with contractual and market expectations.

6. Leadership, Collaboration & Reporting:

- Serve as the senior point of contact for the commodities desk.

- Mentor junior traders and build capability within the team.

- Collaborate with finance, logistics, documentation, and management to ensure alignment.

- Provide P&L snapshots, commercial updates, and forward views to leadership.

Preferred candidate profile:

- 12-15+ years of proven success in commodities trading (agri-commodities strongly preferred).

- Strong exposure to edible oils, grains, pulses, soft crops, and related Agri-products.

- Experience trading into and within Africa especially Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, East/West African corridors.

- Established relationships with suppliers, buyers, brokers, and distributors across Asia, MEA, and Africa

- Deep operational understanding of trade contracts, Incoterms, sales contracts, supply agreements, and dispute mechanisms

- Strong commercial negotiation skills with full trading book ownership and P&L responsibility.

- Ability to navigate difficult markets with complex FX, liquidity, and regulatory environments.

Value-Add (Not Mandatory):

- Petrochemical product exposure or understanding of petrochemical-linked trade flows.

- Experience with sesame, sugar, or other niche African-origin commodities.

- English or French language capability.

- Entrepreneurial mindset, resilience, and high integrity.