Trade Finance Manager

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Trade Finance Manager with a shipping and shipowning background to oversee financing arrangements, working capital, and banking relationships.

You will manage LC, guarantees, credit lines, vessel acquisitions, and international payments, ensuring cash flow and risk management across operations.

The ideal candidate holds a finance-related degree and 5–8 years in trade finance within maritime groups, with strong analytical and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in trade finance, treasury or corporate finance.
• Experience within shipowner/shipping-related organisations is a plus.
• Strong understanding of trade finance instruments, banking facilities and working capital.
• Experience with vessel financing, ship acquisitions or shipping-related banking transactions is advantageous.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work independently in a fast-paced international shipping environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage trade finance activities for the shipowner, including LCs, bank guarantees, documentary collections and other trade finance instruments.
• Manage banking relationships and coordinate with banks on financing facilities, credit lines and transaction requirements.
• Support vessel acquisitions, newbuilding projects, ship financing and refinancing transactions.
• Manage working capital and ensure liquidity to support vessel operations and business activities.
• Review and manage trade finance documentation, payment terms, guarantees and financing agreements.
• Coordinate with Finance, Treasury, Commercial, Operations and Legal teams on shipping-related financial transactions.
• Monitor foreign exchange, interest rate and other financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with banking requirements, internal controls, company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts, financing reports and management updates on trade finance and liquidity positions.
• Identify opportunities to optimise financing costs, payment structures and working capital efficiency.
• Maintain relationships with shipowners, charterers, suppliers and financial institutions.
• Support senior management in evaluating financing options and financial risks for major shipping transactions.

Skills

Trade finance

Banking relationships

Cash flow management

Financial risk management

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Vessel financing

Education

Degree in Finance or related discipline

Job description

Trade Finance Manager - Shipowner

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Trade Finance Manager with a strong background in the shipping and shipowning industry to manage the company's trade finance activities, working capital requirements and banking relationships. The role will oversee financing arrangements related to vessel operations, acquisitions, chartering and international trade while ensuring effective cash flow and financial risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage trade finance activities for the shipowner, including Letters of Credit (LC), bank guarantees, documentary collections and other trade finance instruments.
• Manage banking relationships and coordinate with banks on financing facilities, credit lines and transaction requirements.
• Support vessel acquisitions, newbuilding projects, ship financing and refinancing transactions.
• Manage working capital and ensure sufficient liquidity to support vessel operations and business activities.
• Review and manage trade finance documentation, payment terms, guarantees and financing agreements.
• Coordinate with Finance, Treasury, Commercial, Operations and Legal teams on shipping-related financial transactions.
• Monitor foreign exchange, interest rate and other financial risks associated with international shipping activities.
• Ensure compliance with banking requirements, internal controls, company policies and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts, financing reports and management updates on trade finance and liquidity positions.
• Identify opportunities to optimise financing costs, payment structures and working capital efficiency.
• Maintain strong relationships with shipowners, charterers, suppliers, financial institutions and other business partners where relevant.
• Support senior management in evaluating financing options and financial risks for major shipping transactions.

Requirements

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Banking or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-8 years of experience in trade finance, treasury or corporate finance, preferably within a shipowner, ship management company, maritime group or shipping-related organisation.
• Strong understanding of trade finance instruments, banking facilities, working capital and international payments.
• Experience handling vessel financing, ship acquisitions, newbuild financing or shipping-related banking transactions is highly advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of international banking practices, financial risk management and cash flow management.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to work independently and manage multiple transactions in a fast-paced international shipping environment.