Commodity Trader

2 weeks ago

Malaysia Trade Ventures Malaysia Full time $1,500,000 - $2,500,000 per year

Role & responsibilities

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

  • 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.