Trade Finance Manager - Bulk Commodity Trading House

Selby Jennings; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is seeking an experienced Trade Finance Manager to lead and manage the trade finance function supporting global import/export activities, working capital needs, and structured transactions.

The role requires 10–15 years in trade finance, strong knowledge of LC/BG/SBLC structures, and the ability to manage relationships with international banks. You will lead a team, drive process improvements, and ensure regulatory compliance across all trade finance activities.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of Trade Finance experience, preferably in commodities trading.
• Min 3 years of people management or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of LCs, BGs, SBLCs, trade finance structures, UCP 600, ISBP, and SWIFT messaging.
• Proven experience managing relationships with international and regional banking partners.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem‑solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Structure, execute, and manage trade finance solutions including LCs, Bank Guarantees, SBLCs, invoice discounting, and other facilities.
• Liaise with banking partners on credit facilities, pricing, documentation, and transaction execution.
• Lead the Trade Finance team and drive continuous capability development.
• Ensure AML/KYC compliance, UCP 600, ISBP, and related regulatory frameworks; monitor risks.
• Collaborate with Trading, Operations, and Finance teams to optimize working capital and cash flow.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Problem solving

SWIFT messaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

MBA or CA

CDCS certification

Tools

UCP 600

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Trade Finance Manager to lead and manage the Trade Finance function, supporting the company's global import/export activities, working capital requirements, and structured trade transactions. This individual will be responsible for the structuring, execution, and monitoring of trade finance instruments while ensuring compliance with international banking regulations and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Finance & Transaction Execution

• Structure, execute, and manage trade finance solutions including LCs, Bank Guarantees, SBLCs, invoice discounting, and other trade finance facilities.
• Liaise closely with banking partners on credit facilities, pricing, documentation, and transaction execution.
• Negotiate transaction terms and payment structures with counterparties, financial institutions, and auditors.
• Ensure timely issuance of trade finance instruments and resolution of payment, documentary, or banking-related discrepancies.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Trade Finance team while overseeing day-to-day operations.
• Establish performance objectives and drive continuous capability development within the team.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior management and banking partners on all trade finance matters.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency through process improvements, automation, and stronger controls.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with AML/KYC requirements, UCP 600, ISBP, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Monitor counterparty, country, banking, and transaction-related risks.
• Support internal and external audits and maintain strong governance across trade finance activities.

Stakeholder & Commercial Management

• Partner closely with Trading, Operations, and Finance teams to facilitate seamless transaction execution.
• Monitor funding costs, trade finance utilization, and working capital efficiency.
• Manage and resolve escalated issues with banks, counterparties, and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

• 10-15 years of Trade Finance experience, ideally within commodities trading, with exposure to bulk commodity trading viewed favourably.
• Minimum 3 years of people management or team leadership experience.
• Strong technical knowledge of LCs, BGs, SBLCs, trade finance structures, UCP 600, ISBP, and SWIFT messaging.
• Proven experience managing relationships with international and regional banking partners.
• Strong understanding of commodity trade flows, working capital management, and transaction risk.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• MBA, CA, or equivalent professional qualification would be advantageous.
• CDCS certification is highly preferred.