Trade Operations Manager

Ember Grey; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ember Grey is seeking a Trade Operations Manager to join its London team, focusing on the execution of physical agricultural commodity trades from contract inception through final settlement.

The role requires strong experience in commodity trade operations, logistics, and documentation, with collaboration across traders, suppliers and customers to ensure timely, compliant, and efficient flows.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in physical commodity trade operations.
• Strong understanding of international trade documentation and logistics.
• Experience coordinating with traders, suppliers, customers and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day execution of physical agricultural commodity trades from contract inception to final settlement.
• Manage contracts, shipping documents, logistics, invoicing and payment processes.
• Coordinate with traders, suppliers, customers, freight providers and inspection companies.
• Ensure trades are executed in line with contract terms, Incoterms and internal procedures.
• Handle operational issues such as shipment delays, documentation discrepancies and disputes.
• Collaborate with trading, finance and risk teams on trade reporting and reconciliation.
• Support and improve operational processes, controls and efficiencies across the business.

Skills

Physical trades

Incoterms

Logistics coordination

Team leadership

Trade documentation

Communication

Job description

Trade Operations Manager – Agricultural Commodities

Location: London, United Kingdom

Industry: Physical Commodity Trading, Agriculture & Soft Commodities

Ember Grey is working with an international agricultural commodities trading business looking to appoint an experienced Trade Operations Manager to its London team.

The position will suit someone with a strong background in physical agricultural commodities who understands the full trade lifecycle and is comfortable working closely with traders, counterparties and logistics providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day execution of physical agricultural commodity trades, from contract inception through to final settlement.
• Manage contracts, shipping documentation, logistics, invoicing and payment processes.
• Coordinate with traders, suppliers, customers, freight providers and inspection companies.
• Ensure trades are executed in line with contractual terms, Incoterms and internal procedures.
• Manage operational issues, including shipment delays, documentation discrepancies and contractual disputes.
• Work closely with trading, finance and risk teams to ensure accurate trade reporting and reconciliation.
• Support and improve operational processes, controls and efficiencies across the business.

Requirements

• Strong experience in physical commodity trade operations, ideally within agricultural commodities or softs.
• Good understanding of international trade documentation, shipping, logistics and contract execution.
• Familiarity with Incoterms, letters of credit and commodity trading practices.
• Experience managing operational workflows and resolving complex trade-related issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work closely with commercial trading teams.
• Previous team leadership or operational management experience would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

An opportunity to join an established international trading business in a key operational position, working closely with the commercial team and taking responsibility for the successful execution of physical commodity flows.