Trade Operations Specialist

Heidelberg Materials Trading; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Multinational environment

Professional development

Dynamic team

Job summary

Heidelberg Materials Trading in Dubai is seeking a proactive Trade Operations Specialist to manage end-to-end international commodity transactions from signature to settlement.

You will coordinate with Trading, Shipping, Finance and external stakeholders, prepare trade documents, manage LC and documentary collections, and ensure compliance across borders while maintaining accurate records and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Business Administration or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in international trade operations or related fields.
• Solid understanding of international trade documentation and global shipping processes.
• Familiarity with trade finance instruments (LCs, Collections, Bank Guarantees).
• Proficiency with ERP systems (JD Edwards) and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Trading, Shipping, Finance and external stakeholders to execute international commodity trades from contract signature to settlement.
• Manage end-to-end export/import shipments, including trade documentation, invoicing, banking activities and compliance.
• Prepare, review and control trade documents (invoices, certificates, transport documents) per contracts, LCs and destination rules.
• Handle documentary presentations under LC and other trade finance instruments.
• Monitor timelines, resolve discrepancies and ensure timely cargo release and payment.
• Coordinate with suppliers, customers, vessels, banks and agents across time zones to enable transactions.
• Issue commercial invoices, certificates and shipment documents and ensure proper cost allocation and settlement.
• Maintain records and provide timely operational reporting to stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s in International Trade

Tools

JD Edwards

Excel

Outlook

Word

Job description

Heidelberg Materials Trading is the international trading arm of the Heidelberg Materials Group, specializing in global trading and seaborne transportation of dry bulk commodities. Our team manages complex international transactions involving customers, suppliers, shipping companies, banks, and agents across multiple regions worldwide.

For our Dubai office, we are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our team as:

Trade Operations Specialist

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate closely with Trading, Shipping, Finance, and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth execution of international commodity trading transactions from contract signature to final settlement.
• Manage the end-to-end operational process of export and import shipments, including trade documentation, invoicing, banking activities, and contractual compliance.
• Prepare, review, and control a full set of international trade documents, ensuring compliance with sales contracts, purchase contracts, Letters of Credit, import regulations, and destination country requirements.
• Handle documentary presentations under Letters of Credit, Documentary Collections, and other trade finance instruments while ensuring compliance with applicable international banking rules and practices.
• Monitor shipment documentation timelines and proactively resolve discrepancies, operational bottlenecks, and documentation-related risks that could impact cargo release, payment receipt, or contractual performance.
• Coordinate daily with suppliers, customers, vessel agents, banks, surveyors, insurance providers, and other counterparties across different time zones to facilitate successful transaction execution.
• Manage the preparation and issuance of commercial invoices, certificates, transport documents, and other shipment-related documents required for international trade transactions.
• Review and process vendor invoices, support payment requests, and ensure accurate cost allocation and transaction settlement within internal systems.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely operational reporting to internal stakeholders and management.
• Act as a key point of contact throughout the transaction lifecycle and ensure effective communication among all parties involved.
• Identify operational risks and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing process efficiency, compliance, and customer service.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in international Trade, Logistics, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in international trade operations, export documentation, trade finance, shipping operations, or a similar role within a trading company, manufacturer, commodity business or freight-forwarding company.
• Solid understanding of international trade documentation and global shipping processes.
• Familiarity with international trade and banking rules (UCP 600, current version of ISBP 821, URC 522, ISP98, Incoterms® 2020.
• Knowledge of trade finance instruments, including Letters of Credit (Import & Export), Documentary Collections, Bank Guarantees, Standby Letters of Credit.
• Understanding of Bills of Lading, charter party concepts, shipment terms, cargo documentation, and international settlement processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Excellent attention to detail with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple shipments and competing priorities simultaneously while meeting strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of performing effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Additional language skills (e.g., French) are considered an advantage.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work in a leading multinational trading organization.
• Exposure to complex international commodity trading transactions.
• Professional development in international trade, trade finance, bulk commodities shipping.
• Dynamic and multicultural working environment.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.