Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced leader to oversee our Trade Operations/Execution department. This role involves managing a dedicated team and ensuring the seamless execution of trade processes, documentation, and systems while interfacing with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
Reports to: Managing Director, SG
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead the trade operations/execution department – people, processes, documentation, systems and interface with relevant internal and external counterparts.
- Manage the preparation, review, editing of contracts and addendum to commercial standards and business expectations.
- Issue and manage Letters of Credit for purchases and sales – tracking and resolving any arising issues.
- Coordinate and manage contract/ trade re-cap/ shipment planning & LC execution with Traders, Chartering and Ship Operations teams.
- Oversee daily trade operations and resolve any contract/ shipment and LC related issues.
- Manage and resolve quality-claims (off spec), partial loading (dead freight), non-performance or default (cancellation), delay or postponement, and any other contract related problems – in coordination with trader/s.
- Work with traders to manage tenders (procurement/sales) participation – prepare required documentation and arrange prepayment, earnest money, performance bond as applicable.
- Attend bankers meeting and keep the track of Credit Line usage.
- Develop standardized commodity contracts, processes, and control procedures and authority matrix related to deviations from standard terms and compliance of contract.
- Provide monthly tonnage reports, and other insight reports and analysis for management & traders to monitor and grow the trading business.
- Manage and enhance customer relationships with existing customers and suppliers in coordination with traders.
- Maintain active dialog with customers and suppliers to ensure smooth and accurate execution of commodities contracts.
- Confirm monthly derivative averaging requirements for hedging and pricing declarations.
- Follow exposures for pricing purpose, and reconcile weights and payable contents throughout trades.
- Update the systems in a timely manner with information relating to quantities, pricing, quality, shipments and invoices in accordance with contracts.
- Review and upgrade current processes, and implement best practice new processes.
- Coordinate with IT to upgrade/implement automation of data, processes and workflow.
- Manage the Trade Execution function and lead the team – provide clear direction, develop capabilities, recruit to upgrade skills if/as necessary, implement a succession plan.
- Increase work efficiencies – through process, system and people.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience at Senior Management level.
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized University in the field of logistics/finance or business management is advantageous
- CDCS (Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialist) – preferred.
- Over 10 years’ trade execution experience in bulk commodities, gained in MNCs or fast moving international environments.
- Strong knowledge of UCP, ISBP (International Standard Banking Practice).
- Proven expertise in trading contracts, LCs, other trade documentation.
- Knowledge of business and management principles involving strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective storage; handling, transport and distribution of goods production methods, and coordination of people and resources in relation to commercial operations.
- Proven track record of streamlining and optimizing processes and workflows within trade execution and between trade execution and other departments.
- Strong numeracy and analytical abilities.
- Commercial acumen and business savvy.
- Highly organized and adept at multi-tasking.
- Excellent attention to detail across every activity concurrently.
- Proficiency in trading and other IT systems.
- Must be proficient with computer and appropriate software (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)
- Must also be capable of sitting, standing and walking for extended periods.
- Proficiency in both written and spoken forms of English and Chinese, effectively communicating across diverse audiences.
