Commercial Manager

PDB International General Trading LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 367,000 - 478,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading general trading company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Commercial Trade Manager to oversee global procurement activities in grains and edible oils. The role requires strong commodity trading experience and a proven record in futures hedging. The candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in business, economics, or finance, ideally with an MBA. Excellent negotiation skills and a strong network in the industry are essential. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-12 years of commodity trading experience.
• Proven record in futures hedging and physical procurement.
• Strong network with exporters, shippers, and inspection agencies.

Responsibilities

• Trade and hedge CME wheat & corn futures for price protection.
• Source physical cargoes from exporters.
• Oversee logistics including vessel chartering and delivery.

Skills

Commodity trading experience

Negotiation skills

Market analysis

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, Economics, or Finance

MBA or postgraduate certification

Job description

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)

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

Qualifications

• 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.