Senior Trade Finance Manager

Oil Trading | Dubai, UAE Confidential Search – Ampersand World The Opportunity Our client, a privately held oil trading company based in Dubai, is seeking an experienced and highly autonomous Senior Trade Finance Manager to take ownership of its trade finance activities. Operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment, the company requires a hands-on professional who can independently manage banking relationships, structure financing solutions and support the execution of international oil trading transactions. This is not a corporate role with multiple layers of support. The successful candidate must be comfortable taking responsibility, making decisions and getting things done. Key Responsibilities Independently manage the full trade finance cycle for international oil trading transactions. Structure and negotiate financing arrangements with banks and financial institutions. Manage letters of credit, guarantees, credit facilities and documentary trade finance instruments. Develop and maintain strong relationships with international and regional banks. Work directly with traders and senior management to facilitate transactions and optimise financing solutions. Negotiate banking terms, pricing, collateral arrangements and credit limits. Anticipate financing constraints, manage transactional risks and resolve operational challenges. Coordinate with operations, counterparties and external partners to ensure smooth execution. Strengthen and expand the company’s trade finance capabilities as the business develops. Candidate Profile Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance. Significant exposure to physical oil trading, ideally crude oil and/or refined petroleum products. Previous experience within an oil trading house or a closely related commodity trading environment strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of documentary credits, structured trade finance and transaction financing. Established banking relationships and proven ability to negotiate directly with financial institutions. Demonstrated capacity to operate autonomously, without extensive internal infrastructure. Excellent commercial judgment, negotiation skills and problem-solving abilities. Fluent English and strong international business communication skills. The Personality We Are Looking For We are seeking someone who is: Commercially sharp: understands the economics and urgency of oil trading. Entrepreneurial: sees opportunities where others see obstacles. Independent: takes ownership without waiting for instructions. Resourceful: finds solutions even when resources are limited. Confident and persuasive: knows how to negotiate, challenge and influence. Hands-on: equally comfortable discussing strategy with management and handling complex financing documentation. Why This Opportunity? An opportunity to play a central role in the financing of an international oil trading business, with direct exposure to decision-makers, significant autonomy and the ability to contribute visibly to the company’s development. Location: Dubai, UAE Experience: 10+ years Sector: Physical Oil Trading Environment: Lean, entrepreneurial trading company Compensation: Competitive, depending on experience ⸻ Ampersand World SA Executive Search | Commodities, Energy & Trade Finance Strictly confidential recruitment process.

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in trade finance. Significant exposure to physical oil trading, ideally crude oil and/or refined petroleum products. Previous experience within an oil trading house or a closely related commodity trading environment strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of documentary credits, structured trade finance and transaction financing. Established banking relationships and proven ability to negotiate directly with financial institutions. Demonstrated capacity to operate autonomously, without extensive internal infrastructure. Excellent commercial judgment, negotiation skills and problem-solving abilities. Fluent English and strong international business communication skills.

Independently manage the full trade finance cycle for international oil trading transactions. Structure and negotiate financing arrangements with banks and financial institutions. Manage letters of credit, guarantees, credit facilities and documentary trade finance instruments. Develop and maintain strong relationships with international and regional banks. Work directly with traders and senior management to facilitate transactions and optimise financing solutions. Negotiate banking terms, pricing, collateral arrangements and credit limits. Anticipate financing constraints, manage transactional risks and resolve operational challenges. Coordinate with operations, counterparties and external partners to ensure smooth execution. Strengthen and expand the company’s trade finance capabilities as the business develops.