Our client a global physical trading and structured trade finance firm with a presence in Dubai, Zurich, São Paulo, and Singapore. They specialize in connecting producers and end-users of various commodities including dry-bulk steel raw materials, grains, biofuels, and oilseeds through a fully integrated model encompassing origination, trading, and distribution. With a strong emphasis on global connectivity and market expertise, the firm plays a key role in facilitating the efficient movement of commodities across international markets. Their Singapore office serves as the Asia-Pacific hub, facilitating trading, operations, and finance across key international markets. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, agility, and collaborative environment, our client offers a platform where initiative is rewarded, and individuals can make a real impact.

Role Overview:

As part of the Finance team, the Trade Finance Manager supports financial operations in trading activities across all regions and ensures that our client is financially secure in its transactions. The Manager will also work closely with the Group CFO to identify and implement trade finance facilities necessary to support and optimize trade flows.

The ideal candidate is experienced in managing large trading volumes, thrives under pressure, and brings a solution-oriented mindset to complex financial challenges. This role involves regular engagement with banking partners, commercial traders, and internal teams to structure and deliver cost-effective, innovative trade finance solutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

TRADE FINANCE MANAGER SINGAPORE

Responsibilities:

• Weekly monitoring and mark-to-market valuation of stock positions.
• Ensure timely processing of payments and manage day-to-day cash positions with banking partners.
• Arrange sales risk coverage through insurance or banking instruments where appropriate.
• Handle issuance and negotiation of Letters of Credit, Standby LCs, and Bank Guarantees under various financing structures including borrowing bases, bilateral facilities, and repurchase agreements.
• Negotiate and document facility agreements and trade finance instruments.
• Prepare and dispatch invoices and original documentation for collection under buyer LCs.
• Identify and structure optimal, cost-effective banking solutions for physical trading flows.
• Monitor and mitigate financial and credit risks linked to commodity trading.
• Collaborate closely with trading and operations teams to support new trade structures.
• Acquire and maintain bank lines; establish new banking relationships as needed.
• Participate in training and development of junior team members.
• Evaluate physical trades for risk exposure and facility eligibility.
• Provide regular reporting on credit, exposure, and financial risks.
• Review and approve commercial contracts and tenders with a finance risk lens.
• Maintain strong communication channels across departments to monitor the lifecycle of trades.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in trade finance within a commodity trading company or financial institution.
• Strong knowledge of trade finance instruments and their application in physical trading environments.
• Detail-oriented with an ability to synthesize complex information and see the bigger picture.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to interact effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive and commercially minded; able to match deals with the right banking solutions and negotiate competitive terms.
• Comfortable managing non-standard and complex trade structures, particularly in metals, oil, or energy.
• Capable of challenging trader proposals to enhance structure and reduce risk or cost.
• Calm and effective under pressure, with the ability to work independently.
• Proven problem-solver and innovator with a track record of delivering practical solutions.

Key Stakeholders:

• Internal: CFO, Traders, Operations, Treasury, Compliance, Risk, Finance
• External: Banks, Counterparties, Insurance Providers

Job Position:

• Full time

Language Skills:

• English mandatory

• Additional Asian languages, such as Mandarin, would be highly advantageous