Senior Trade Operations Executive - Dubai

Achyutam International - Consulting in HR & Finance; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Achyutam International - Consulting in HR & Finance seeks a Senior Trade Operations Executive to lead end-to-end commodity transaction execution and cross-functional collaboration in a UAE-based role.

You will oversee carrier coordination, documentation, and settlement processes, while mentoring junior staff and ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Commerce, Economics or related field.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage end-to-end execution of commodity transactions from contract issuance to final settlement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/International Trade/Supply Chain/Logistics/Commerce/Economics

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Trade Operations Executive

Location: UAE

Department: Commodity Trading Operations

Reports To: Manager - Operations & Execution

The Senior Trade Operations Executive is responsible for independently managing the end-to-end execution of complex domestic and international commodity transactions, ensuring timely, compliant, and commercially efficient execution from contract issuance through final settlement.

This role serves as the operational lead for assigned commodity portfolios and acts as a trusted business partner to Traders, Suppliers, Buyers, Banks, Shipping Lines, Freight Forwarders, Surveyors, Inspection Companies, Finance teams, and other stakeholders. The incumbent will proactively identify operational and commercial risks, resolve execution challenges, drive process improvements, and ensure operational excellence across the transaction lifecycle.

In addition to managing complex transactions, the Senior Trade Operations Executive will provide technical guidance and day-to-day support to junior Trade Operations team members while serving as the first escalation point for operational matters.

Key Responsibilities Trade Execution & Shipment Management

• Independently manage end-to-end execution of commodity transactions from contract issuance through final settlement.
• Execute complex domestic and international commodity trades involving bulk, break-bulk, containerized, and cross-trade shipments.
• Review contracts before execution to identify operational risks, documentation requirements, commercial implications, and compliance obligations.
• Coordinate execution activities with Traders, Buyers, Suppliers, Shipping Lines, Freight Forwarders, Surveyors, and Inspection Companies.
• Monitor shipment milestones from loading through final delivery to ensure compliance with contractual terms and customer requirements.
• Manage vessel nominations, shipment scheduling, loading operations, freight bookings, and delivery timelines.
• Proactively resolve shipment delays, operational issues, and execution challenges.
• Ensure all execution activities comply with internal controls, contractual obligations, and international trade regulations.

Trade Documentation & Compliance

• Prepare, review, and validate shipping and trade documentation, including:
  • Bills of Lading
  • Commercial Invoices
  • Packing Lists
  • Certificates of Origin
  • Inspection Certificates
  • Weight Certificates
  • Quality Certificates
  • Other contractual documents
• Prepare and review documentary presentations under:
  • Letters of Credit (LC)
  • Documentary Collections (CAD)
  • Open Account Transactions
• Ensure compliance with UCP 600, ISBP, Incoterms 2020, and customer contractual requirements.
• Coordinate documentation with Banks, Customers, Suppliers, and Logistics Service Providers.
• Identify and resolve documentary discrepancies to minimize payment and operational risks.
• Maintain accurate records throughout the trade lifecycle.

Commercial & Financial Control

• Monitor shipment economics and operational costs throughout execution.
• Assess and manage the commercial impact of freight costs, demurrage, detention, storage charges, shortages, claims, and shipment delays.
• Coordinate with Finance teams on settlements, receivables, payables, and trade reconciliations.
• Support claims management and dispute resolution relating to quality, quantity, logistics, and documentation issues.
• Ensure accurate and timely trade settlement.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational contact for assigned trades.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Traders, Buyers, Suppliers, Banks, Shipping Lines, Freight Forwarders, Surveyors, Inspection Companies, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure timely communication and resolution of operational matters across all parties involved in the transaction.

Risk Management & Process Improvement

• Proactively identify operational, commercial, documentation, and compliance risks.
• Implement corrective actions and preventive measures to mitigate execution risks.
• Recommend and drive process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and controls.
• Support the development and implementation of operational best practices and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, controls, and regulatory requirements.

Team Support & Leadership

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Trade Operations Officers and Executives.
• Review operational documentation and execution activities performed by junior team members.
• Share best practices and support continuous learning within the team.
• Act as the first escalation point for complex operational issues.

Qualifications & Experience Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Logistics, Commerce, Economics, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in Trade Finance, Shipping, Logistics, or Commodity Trading are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of experience in trade operations, commodity execution, shipping, logistics, or international trade.
• Strong experience within a commodity trading environment, preferably agricultural commodities such as grains, sugar, edible oils, animal feed, or related products.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end physical trade execution.
• Experience with bulk, break-bulk, containerized, and cross-trade shipment structures.
• Exposure to international trade lanes across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia is highly desirable.
• Experience dealing with banks and trade finance instruments.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of international trade operations and commodity execution.
• Expertise in:
  • Letters of Credit (LC)
  • Documentary Collections (CAD)
  • Open Account Transactions
  • UCP 600
  • ISBP
  • Incoterms 2020
• Strong understanding of shipping, freight, and logistics operations.
• Hands-on experience with SAP and/or ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills.
• Knowledge of vessel operations, freight management, and cargo documentation.

Key Competencies

• Strong commercial acumen
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Stakeholder relationship management
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple transactions under tight deadlines
• Leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong organizational and planning skills