Senior Manager – Trade Operations Full Time NEW

We’re hiring.

Torq Commodities is looking for a Senior Manager – Trade Operations to join our Navi Mumbai team.

We’re a Swiss-Headquartered Agri-commodity trading house operating across Africa, Asia, and Europe — moving Oilseeds, Grains, Edible Nuts, and Coffee from origin to destination. The business is scaling fast, and we need a sharp, experienced trade operations professional to help us build the operational backbone for the next phase of growth.

If you have 10+ years in international trade operations, a strong command of shipping, documentation, trade finance, and team leadership — and you thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment — I’d love to hear from you.

📍 Navi Mumbai, India

📩 Apply via the link below or DM me directly.

#Hiring #TradeOperations #Commodities #AgriCommodities #London #CommodityTrading

++++++++

Key Responsibilities

Trade Execution and Contract Management

• Execute and oversee the complete lifecycle of international commodity trades from contract negotiation through final settlement
• Draft, negotiate, and execute sales contracts and purchase agreements in accordance with international trade terms including FOB, CIF, CFR, and DAP Incoterms
• Manage a high volume of international contracts and container movements annually across multiple origin and destination countries
• Coordinate with counterparties, traders, suppliers, and buyers to ensure accurate trade confirmations and timely execution
• Structure and negotiate Contract of Affreightment (COA) agreements with shipping lines and vessel operators
• Develop and maintain comprehensive trade databases ensuring data accuracy and audit readiness

Shipping and Logistics Coordination

• Direct end-to-end shipping operations for bulk commodities and containerised cargo across ocean freight, including vessel chartering, freight negotiation, and carrier partnership management
• Coordinate voyage planning, port operations, and cargo handling with shipping agencies, Custom House Agents (CHAs), freight forwarders, and terminal operators
• Optimise freight routing and carrier selection to achieve cost reductions while maintaining service quality standards
• Manage marine insurance placement, claims handling, and cargo risk assessment in coordination with underwriters and loss adjusters
• Oversee warehouse coordination, inventory reconciliation, and stock management across multiple jurisdictions
• Monitor on-time performance metrics and implement continuous improvement initiatives

Documentation and Compliance Management

• Manage pre-shipment and post-shipment documentation including commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and quality inspection reports
• Coordinate Letter of Credit (LC) issuance, LC amendments, and document negotiation with banks and financial institutions
• Ensure full compliance with UK customs regulations, export controls, international trade regulations, and country-specific import requirements
• Examine bid bonds, bank guarantees, and performance bonds ensuring alignment with contractual obligations
• Maintain compliance with IMO, ISM, ISPS, and other maritime regulatory frameworks applicable to commodity shipping
• Coordinate cargo inspections at load port and discharge port with internationally recognised inspection agencies

Financial Coordination and Payment Management

• Coordinate payment processing to suppliers and funds collection from buyers based on agreed payment terms and LC conditions
• Manage trade finance documentation including LC opening, advising, confirmation, and document presentation timelines
• Process and reconcile all shipment-related expenses including freight charges, port handling fees, inspection costs, insurance premiums, and demurrage/detention charges
• Monitor client receivables and supplier payables ensuring timely settlement and cash flow optimisation
• Liaise with Finance and Accounts to ensure seamless integration between trade operations and financial reporting
• Prepare operational budgets, cost forecasts, and variance analyses for management review

Vendor and Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with shipping lines, vessel operators, freight forwarders, CHAs, transporters, inspection agencies, and warehouse operators
• Negotiate commercial terms and service agreements with vendors to secure competitive rates and service commitments
• Conduct vendor performance evaluations and implement vendor development initiatives
• Coordinate with international counterparties across different time zones and cultural contexts

Team Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of trade operations professionals, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning
• Design and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for trade execution, documentation workflows, and compliance processes
• Establish and monitor KPIs including on-time delivery, cost per transaction, documentation turnaround time, and customer satisfaction
• Drive process automation and digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
• Manage crisis situations and contingency scenarios including cargo delays, quality disputes, and payment complications

Risk Management and Strategic Planning

• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks including freight exposure, detention/demurrage risk, counterparty credit risk, and documentation discrepancies
• Support strategic planning initiatives including market entry assessments, supply chain optimisation, and operational integration projects
• Provide trade operations insights to senior leadership supporting business development and strategic decision-making

Required Experience

• 10–12 years of experience in international trade operations within agri-commodity trading, with at least 5 years in a team leadership role
• Proven track record managing end-to-end trade execution for agri-commodities, ideally across African and Asian origin markets
• Demonstrated experience handling imports to the Indian Sub-Continent, including High Sea Sale Agreements and import formalities, is a strong advantage

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of international trade operations including Incoterms 2020, UCP 600 (Letter of Credit rules), and international payment mechanisms
• Comprehensive understanding of ocean freight operations including vessel chartering (voyage charter, time charter, COA), freight negotiation, and shipping documentation
• Proficiency in commodity markets, pricing mechanisms, and trade execution platforms
• Strong understanding of customs procedures, export controls, import regulations, and trade compliance frameworks
• Experience with marine insurance, cargo claims management, and P&I Club procedures
• Familiarity with trade finance instruments including Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees, SBLC, and documentary collections
• Knowledge of quality inspection protocols, sampling procedures, and internationally recognised testing standards
• Proficiency in ERP systems, trade management platforms, and advanced Microsoft Excel

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• Proven team leadership with the ability to motivate, develop, and retain high-performing professionals
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen to align operational activities with broader business objectives
• Exceptional negotiation skills with a track record of achieving favourable commercial outcomes
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English; cross-cultural communication competence to engage with diverse international stakeholders
• Collaborative working style across Trading, Finance, Legal, and Commercial teams

Personal Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail with a focus on accuracy in documentation and compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced trading environment
• Results-oriented mindset with commitment to operational targets and commercial objectives
• Ethical approach to business with commitment to regulatory compliance and corporate governance

Qualifications

Postgraduate degree in International Trade, International Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline from a recognised institution

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover note outlining your relevant experience.