Head of Trading - Proteins & Non-Hedgeable Commodities

Location: East Riding of Yorkshire , Yorkshire & the Humber

This is a significant opportunity for an ambitious Head of Trading or senior hands-on trader seeking progression towards board-level responsibility. Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and delivering global trading strategy, while remaining actively involved in high-value international buying and selling activity across proteins and non-hedgeable commodities.

Our Promise

Thank you for taking an interest in the role advertised. We'd like to confirm that each CV received is read thoroughly by a trained consultant; if your application is shortlisted then you will be contacted via telephone in the first instance.

If we have not contacted you within 5 working days of your application, please understand that the CV received, and the information provided does not meet the requirements of the role.

However, we endeavour to consider all applicants for future opportunities; should you wish to speak to the named consultant about your application, please contact us directly.

• Head of Trading
  - Proteins & Non-Hedgeable Commodities
• Office Based
  - North-East England
• Frequent International Travel
• Performance Bonus negotiable + excellent benefits package
  (Relocation support or visa sponsorship may be available for the right candidate)

Our client is a privately owned international trading group with annual turnover exceeding US $1 billion. Operating across fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture, the business specialises in the global trade of frozen proteins, including fish, meat, poultry and pork, alongside a growing dry commodities category including rice and sugar. Headquartered in the North-East of England, with established offices in China and Spain, the group has ambitious plans to expand its international footprint in strategically important markets.

This is a significant opportunity for an ambitious Head of Trading or senior hands-on trader seeking progression towards board-level responsibility. Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and delivering global trading strategy, while remaining actively involved in high-value international buying and selling activity across proteins and non-hedgeable commodities.

The role requires a proven trading professional with strong market instinct, commercial judgement and relationship-led negotiation skills. Experience in proteins, frozen food, seafood, meat, poultry, pork, agriculture or comparable non-hedgeable commodity markets is essential, as is the ability to make sound trading decisions in markets where margin protection depends on judgement, timing, intelligence and execution.

This will suit a current Head of Trading, Senior Trader, Commercial Trading Lead or trading-led commercial leader who wants to broaden their global influence, lead an experienced team, and progress into a more strategic role with clear visibility at Board level.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading hands-on trading activity across proteins and non-hedgeable commodities, while developing global commercial strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Overseeing international trading activity, personally contributing to key deals and mentoring a high-performing trading team in the UK and overseas.
• Identifying and securing new opportunities across seafood, meat, poultry and wider commodity markets.
• Building and maintaining profitable supplier and customer relationships across international regions.
• Using market insight, competitor intelligence and commercial analysis to guide decisions and manage risk.
• Taking responsibility for commercial performance, margin optimisation, forecasting and P&L delivery.
• Supporting strategic planning, business development and international growth initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with international trading regulations, sustainability standards and company governance.
• Representing the business at trade shows, customer meetings and industry events worldwide.

Candidate profile:

• Degree qualified in Business, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
• Proven success as a hands-on trader, Head of Trading, Senior Trader or trading-led commercial leader within proteins, frozen food, seafood, meat, poultry, pork, agriculture or comparable non-hedgeable commodity markets.
• Strong experience of negotiating profitable deals, managing margins and developing supplier and customer relationships.
• Global experience…