Head of Operations – Commodity Trading

Key Partners is supporting a growing commodity trading company with a close-knit team in its search for a Head of Operations
.

This is an opportunity for an experienced, hands-on professional to lead a team and oversee the execution of physical commodity trades across multiple markets.

• Guiding the Operations team, balancing workloads and ensuring trades progress smoothly from booking through delivery and settlement.
• Coordinating the parties involved in each transaction, including traders, counter parties, shipping partners, inspectors and internal support teams.
• Checking that trade terms are translated accurately into execution plans, systems and the documents needed for shipment and payment.
• Anticipating and resolving delivery issues, documentation discrepancies, claims and unexpected costs before they affect the wider business.
• Improving workflows and controls as the company develops its activities across new products and markets.

• At least 10 years of experience in physical commodity trading operations
  , with substantial hands-on responsibility for trade execution.
• Proven experience managing an Operations team or coordinating a complex international operations function.
• Strong knowledge of bulk logistics, shipping documentation, Incoterms and commodity trade contracts.
• Good understanding of documentary payment processes and their operational implications.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, operational risks, claims and discrepancies.
• A practical, organized and collaborative leadership style, with strong attention to detail and sound judgement.
• Fluent English. French and other languages are an advantage.