Senior Trade Finance Manager

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global in Singapore seeks a seasoned Trade Finance Manager to oversee the end-to-end trade finance process. You will manage letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby LCs, reviewing documents for accuracy and compliance.

Collaborating with banks and internal teams, you will ensure timely processing, monitor facilities, and support cash flow visibility while mentoring junior staff and driving process improvements.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Finance, Banking, Accountancy, Business, Economics or another relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

• Manage the complete trade finance lifecycle, covering letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby letters of credit.
• Examine letters of credit and related trade documents for accuracy and compliance with contractual and banking requirements.
• Prepare, review and submit trade finance applications, amendments, drawdown requests and supporting documentation to banks within deadlines.
• Detect and assess documentary discrepancies and transaction risks; coordinate with stakeholders to resolve issues promptly.
• Track and administer trade finance facilities, including limits, utilisation, maturity, charges and financing costs; maintain records and schedules.
• Maintain communication with relationship banks regarding transaction execution, facility documentation, and pricing.
• Ensure all activities adhere to approval limits, maker-checker, AML and sanctions requirements and internal controls.

Job description

Role Overview:

The role is responsible for managing and overseeing the full spectrum of trade finance activities, ensuring transactions are processed accurately, efficiently and within required timelines. This includes the administration of letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby letters of credit, as well as the review and management of supporting trade documentation. The position works closely with banks, internal business functions and external counterparties to facilitate smooth transaction execution, manage risks and maintain compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements. The role will also contribute to cash flow visibility, trade finance controls, process improvements and the development of junior team members.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the complete trade finance lifecycle, covering letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby letters of credit.
• Examine letters of credit and related trade documents, including commercial invoices, bills of lading, certificates, insurance documents and other supporting paperwork, to verify accuracy and compliance with contractual and banking requirements.
• Prepare, review and submit trade finance applications, amendments, drawdown requests and supporting documentation to banks within stipulated deadlines.
• Detect and assess documentary discrepancies and transaction risks, and work with internal stakeholders, banks and counterparties to resolve issues promptly.
• Track and administer trade finance facilities, including approved limits, utilisation, maturity dates, bank charges, fees and financing costs, while maintaining accurate transaction records and monitoring schedules.
• Maintain effective communication with relationship banks regarding transaction execution, facility documentation, pricing, operational requirements and other banking matters.
• Ensure all trade finance activities adhere to established approval limits, maker-checker procedures, AML and sanctions requirements, as well as other relevant regulatory and internal control standards.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Finance, Legal and Compliance teams to support shipping, bunkering and trading transactions from a trade finance perspective.
• Provide timely input for cash flow planning by highlighting upcoming payments, expected receipts, financing commitments, facility utilisation and available funding capacity.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members, effectively prioritise time-sensitive transactions and review work to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance.
• Identify opportunities to enhance trade finance processes, controls, templates, reporting tools and overall operational efficiency.
• Undertake other responsibilities and ad hoc assignments as may be assigned from time to time.

Job Requirements:

• Diploma or Degree in Finance, Banking, Accountancy, Business, Economics or another relevant discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in trade finance, preferably gained within the shipping, bunkering, commodities trading or maritime sectors.
• Strong practical understanding of letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees, standby letters of credit and shipping-related documentation.
• Good knowledge of trade finance procedures and controls, AML and sanctions requirements, as well as standard banking practices and processes.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with banks and managing trade finance facilities, transaction documentation and submissions within strict timelines.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify documentation discrepancies, assess issues and independently manage multiple transactions concurrently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, banks, counterparties and other external parties.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with ERP, treasury management or trade finance systems will be an added advantage.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines and demonstrate a high degree of integrity and accountability.