Commerce Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Trade Manager to oversee our global procurement and risk management activities in grains (wheat & corn) and edible oils (CPO, COL & ROL). The role combines commodity trading, futures hedging, and physical execution with responsibility for securing competitive procurement and ensuring smooth delivery to our refining, packaging, and distribution operations across Africa and the Middle East.

Trade Expectations

• Corn: 80,000 MT per annum (8 shipments)
• Wheat: 80,000 MT per annum (8 shipments)
• CPO/COL: 95,000 MT per annum (8–12 shipments)
• ROL: 60,000 MT per annum (5–10 shipments) – On process – To be expected as part of annual task

Key Responsibilities

Grains (Wheat & Corn)

• Trade and hedge CME wheat & corn futures for both price protection and physical delivery.
• Source physical cargoes FOB/CIF from exporters and CME delivery points.
• Negotiate and manage GAFTA contracts (quality, shipment period, tolerance, disputes).
• Oversee logistics including vessel chartering, LC coordination, and discharge operations.

Oils (CPO, COL & ROL)

• Trade and hedge Bursa Malaysia CPO, COL & ROL futures.
• Procure crude and refined oils for refining and packaging operations.
• Negotiate PORAM/FOSFA contracts and manage delivery schedules.
• Handle price risk management, spreads, and rolling futures positions.

Cross-Function

• Align LC opening dates and procurement commitments.
• Book freight with vessel brokers for grains and oils, negotiating charterparty terms, demurrage, dispatch, and fixture details.
• Delegate documentation and execution tasks (BL, customs, LC paperwork, inspection certificates) to the operations clerk, while maintaining oversight and ensuring compliance.
• Manage insurance claims, quality/quantity disputes, and inspections (SGS, BVC, GAFTA).
• Track inventory & reordering points (align procurement with factory demand)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Procurement & Cost Efficiency
• Average Procurement Cost vs Market Suppliers.
• Competitive vessel booking.
• Supply Chain Reliability
• On-time Delivery Rate to our factories.
• Contract & Dispute Management
• Disputes Resolved Favorably (contracts, insurance claims, shipping).
• Market Intelligence & Reporting
• Accuracy of Market Forecasts (internal reports vs actual price movements).
• Management Decisions Supported (# of strategic procurement decisions enabled by analysis).
• LC & Finance Management
• LC coordination with Buyer, Payer & Supplier.
• Documentation compliance rate (shipments executed with zero LC/document issues).

Candidate Profile

· At minimum 7-12 years of commodity trading experience

· A bachelor’s degree in business, Economics, or Finance ideally someone with MBA or postgraduate certification, plus with GAFTA, FOSFA, PORAM contracts and arbitration frameworks.

· Proven record in futures hedging (Bursa Malaysia, CME) and physical procurement.

· Deep knowledge of GAFTA, FOSFA, PORAM contracts and arbitration frameworks.

· Strong network with exporters, shippers, brokers, and inspection agencies.

· Skilled negotiator with ability to handle demurrage claims, disputes, and LC-linked procurement.

· Analytical mindset with risk management and market analysis capability.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build and lead a commercial trading desk in a fast-growing group.
• Exposure to international markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Competitive package with performance-linked incentives.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED22,000.00 - AED29,500.00 per month