Operations & Trade Execution Manager (Commodities)

OPERATIONS & TRADE EXECUTION MANAGER - COMMODITIES Location: Dubai, UAE Experience: Approximately 3–5 years Availability: ASAP Language: English & Russian-speaking (preferred) The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially minded Operations Manager to join a newly established and growing physical commodities trading business in Dubai. The business is at an early stage of its development, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to play an integral role in building its operational infrastructure, establishing effective processes and supporting its continued growth. This is not a traditional position within an established corporate structure. Instead, it will suit an entrepreneurial individual who enjoys building, improving and developing operational functions, rather than simply maintaining existing processes. The successful candidate will work closely with the commercial team and management, taking ownership of day-to-day operations while helping establish the foundations required to support a growing trading business. Key Responsibilities Trade Operations & Execution • Coordinate the operational lifecycle of physical commodity transactions, from contract execution through to delivery and final settlement. • Support the administration and execution of purchase and sales contracts, ensuring contractual obligations and delivery schedules are monitored. • Work closely with traders and commercial teams to ensure transactions are executed efficiently and accurately. • Monitor shipment schedules, cargo movements, delivery timelines and outstanding contractual obligations. • Maintain accurate trade records and transaction documentation. Logistics & Supply Chain • Coordinate with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, shipping agents, warehouses and other third-party service providers. • Manage logistics and transportation arrangements associated with physical commodity movements. • Coordinate shipping and cargo documentation, including bills of lading, certificates of origin, inspection certificates and commercial invoices. • Identify and resolve logistical, documentation and delivery-related challenges. Finance & Documentation • Work closely with finance on invoicing, payment schedules, reconciliations and transaction settlements. • Support trade finance processes, including Letters of Credit and associated banking documentation where applicable. • Ensure accurate documentation and coordination between commercial and finance functions. • Assist with maintaining appropriate operational controls and transaction records. Building the Operational Function • Establish and implement operational processes, procedures and standard operating practices. • Introduce appropriate reporting structures, workflows and internal controls to support the growing business. • Identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical solutions. • Help build the operational infrastructure required to support increased trading volumes and future headcount. • Take ownership of day-to-day operational challenges and contribute to the ongoing development of the business. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will demonstrate: • Approximately 3–5 years' experience within commodity trading operations, trade execution or a related operational function. • Previous exposure to physical commodities, ideally fertilisers, metals or similar markets. • An understanding of the physical commodity trading lifecycle, including contracts, logistics, documentation and settlement. • Experience coordinating with traders, counterparties, suppliers, customers and external service providers. • Exposure to trade finance, shipping documentation and commodity logistics would be advantageous. • Previous experience within a smaller trading house, independent trading business or entrepreneurial environment is highly desirable. • The ability to work independently and establish processes without relying on extensive existing corporate infrastructure. Personal Attributes • Hands-on, proactive and commercially aware. • Entrepreneurial mindset with a natural inclination to build and improve. • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail. • Practical problem-solver who takes ownership and follows through. • Adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment. • Able to see the bigger picture while remaining attentive to operational detail. • Ambitious, with the potential and desire to develop into a broader operational leadership position and lead a team as the business grows. Career Development This position offers the opportunity to join a growing commodities trading business at an early stage, contribute directly to the development of its operational infrastructure and take on increasing responsibility as the organisation expands. The longer-term ambition is for the successful candidate to develop into a broader operational leadership role, potentially overseeing and building an operations team over the next 2–3 years.

Approximately 3–5 years' experience within commodity trading operations, trade execution or a related operational function. Previous exposure to physical commodities, ideally fertilisers, metals or similar markets. An understanding of the physical commodity trading lifecycle, including contracts, logistics, documentation and settlement. Experience coordinating with traders, counterparties, suppliers, customers and external service providers. Exposure to trade finance, shipping documentation and commodity logistics would be advantageous. Previous experience within a smaller trading house, independent trading business or entrepreneurial environment is highly desirable. The ability to work independently and establish processes without relying on extensive existing corporate infrastructure.

Trade Operations & Execution: Coordinate the operational lifecycle of physical commodity transactions, from contract execution through to delivery and final settlement. Support the administration and execution of purchase and sales contracts, ensuring contractual obligations and delivery schedules are monitored. Work closely with traders and commercial teams to ensure transactions are executed efficiently and accurately. Monitor shipment schedules, cargo movements, delivery timelines and outstanding contractual obligations. Maintain accurate trade records and transaction documentation. Logistics & Supply Chain: Coordinate with suppliers, customers, freight forwarders, shipping agents, warehouses and other third-party service providers. Manage logistics and transportation arrangements associated with physical commodity movements. Coordinate shipping and cargo documentation, including bills of lading, certificates of origin, inspection certificates and commercial invoices. Identify and resolve logistical, documentation and delivery-related challenges. Finance & Documentation: Work closely with finance on invoicing, payment schedules, reconciliations and transaction settlements. Support trade finance processes, including Letters of Credit and associated banking documentation where applicable. Ensure accurate documentation and coordination between commercial and finance functions. Assist with maintaining appropriate operational controls and transaction records. Building the Operational Function: Establish and implement operational processes, procedures and standard operating practices. Introduce appropriate reporting structures, workflows and internal controls to support the growing business. Identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical solutions. Help build the operational infrastructure required to support increased trading volumes and future headcount. Take ownership of day-to-day operational challenges and contribute to the ongoing development of the business.