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 AfricaDeep operational understanding of trade contracts, Incoterms, sales contracts, supply agreements, and dispute mechanismsStrong 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.(ref : iimjobs.com)