Job Overview:
As the Trade Finance & Risk Manager for our refining company, you will play a pivotal role in steering the comprehensive landscape of commodity trade finance. With overarching responsibility for systems, operations, reporting, personnel, and counterparties integral to our refining system, this position offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic initiatives and shape the financial success of our organization.
Responsibilities and Duties
1. Strategic Management of Commodity Trade Finance Systems:
- Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize and enhance the efficiency of commodity trade finance systems.
- Oversee the integration of cutting-edge technologies to streamline trade finance operations, ensuring a robust and agile system.
2. Operational Oversight:
- Execute day-to-day operations related to commodity trade finance, ensuring seamless execution and adherence to established processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement process improvements, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
3. Comprehensive Reporting:
- Take charge of generating comprehensive reports related to commodity trade finance activities, providing key insights to support decision-making processes.
- Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting, complying with regulatory requirements and internal standards.
4. Counterparty Relationship Management:
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with counterparties, including financial institutions, suppliers, and customers.
- Negotiate favorable terms, assess credit risks, and collaborate with legal teams to draft and review trade finance agreements.
5. Risk Oversight and Hedging Decisions:
- Oversee the commercial team’s hedging decisions on feedstocks and products, aligning strategies with overall risk management objectives.
- Monitor market trends, assess potential risks, and provide guidance on hedging strategies to mitigate exposure and optimize financial outcomes.
6. Regulatory Compliance:
- Stay abreast of relevant regulatory changes in the trade finance and refining industry, ensuring the company’s adherence to compliance standards.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to implement necessary changes in response to regulatory updates.
7. Continuous Market Analysis:
- Conduct ongoing analysis of commodity markets, keeping abreast of industry trends, and providing insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Utilize market intelligence to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, adapting trade finance strategies accordingly.
8. Financial Strategy Development:
- Contribute to the development of the company’s overall financial strategy, aligning trade finance activities with broader organizational goals.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to provide input on financial planning and budgeting processes.
9. Risk Mitigation and Crisis Management:
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard the company against unforeseen challenges.
- Play a key role in crisis management, ensuring swift and effective responses to mitigate the impact of external shocks on trade finance activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, Economics, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, CFA) is a plus.
- Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in commodity trade finance, with a focus on refining operations
- In-depth understanding of commodity markets and trade finance systems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to analyze market trends and make data-driven decisions.
- Knowledge of relevant regulatory frameworks in the trade finance and refining industry
- A proactive approach to adapting strategies to evolving market conditions. Strategic mindset with the ability to align trade finance activities with broader organizational goals.
- Thorough knowledge of CTRM systems
Personal Attributes
- Proven leadership ability.
- Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Strong negotiating skills.
- Ability to present ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
- Exceptionally self-motivated and directed.
- Keen attention to detail.
- Exceptional service orientation.
- Ability to motivate in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
