Chemical Trader & Sales, bilingual Korean

Cesna Recruitment; Johns Creek (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

Paid time off

Sick days

Job summary

Cesna Recruitment seeks a Chemical Trader & Sales Manager to drive international trading of petrochemical products and plastics, managing end-to-end import/export logistics and leading negotiations with global suppliers and customers.

This role coordinates with U.S. and Korea teams to support sustainable growth, oversees risk management and contract handling, and requires flexibility for travel and collaboration across time zones.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in chemical trading, plastic resin sales, execution, or supply chain management.
• Proven track record in handling international trade contracts and commercial negotiations.
• Strong communication in English and Korean; willingness to engage in bilingual business settings.

Responsibilities

• Drive trading activities across major petrochemical and plastic resin products in U.S. and international markets.
• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract structuring for domestic and international transactions.
• Coordinate sourcing, allocation, and supply management of resins; oversee logistics and freight arrangements.
• Manage end-to-end export/import execution, documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Assess market, credit, operational, and FX risks; implement mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with U.S. and Korea teams to align reporting and decision-making.

Skills

Chemical trading

Bilingual EN/KR

International negotiations

Relocation to Anaheim

Job description

Job Summary

The Chemical Trader & Sales Manager is responsible for driving international chemical and plastic resin trading activities, including market development, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and end-to-end import/export logistics. This role oversees risk management, compliance, and supply chain coordination while collaborating closely with U.S and Korea-based teams to support sustainable business growth.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Chemical Trading & Market Development

• Engage in trading activities across major petrochemical and plastic resin products (PE, PP, PET, etc.) and engineering plastics (PC, ABS, HIPS, etc.) in U.S. and international markets.
• Develop new business opportunities in bio-based materials and emerging chemical sectors.
• Identify and expand international market channels, including import/export flows between Asia and North America.
• Manage and grow relationships with global suppliers, customers, and distribution partners.

2. Sales & Commercial Execution

• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract structuring for domestic and international chemical transactions.
• Monitor market trends, feedstock movements, and supply-demand dynamics to optimize trading margins.
• Execute spot and term sales while ensuring alignment with company profitability targets.

3. Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate sourcing, allocation, and supply management of plastic resins and specialty materials.
• Collaborate with producers, distributors, logistics providers, and warehouse partners to ensure stable and cost-effective supply.
• Oversee truck, rail, and ocean freight logistics as applicable.

4. Export/Import Execution & Logistics

• Manage end-to-end execution of international trade contracts, including documentation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee shipping schedules, warehouse coordination, and inventory control.
• Ensure timely cargo movement through U.S. ports and domestic distribution networks.

5. Risk Management & Contract Handling

• Handle international trade contracts and ensure compliance with company policies and risk management protocols.
• Assess market, credit, operational, freight, and FX risks; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain disciplined exposure management across pricing, supply, and logistics risks.

6. Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration

• Work effectively in a multicultural corporate environment, collaborating closely with U.S. and Korean teams.
• Adapt communication and reporting styles to align with headquarters in Korea.
• Build strong internal and external networks across global petrochemical markets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in chemical trading, plastic resin sales, execution, or supply chain management.
• Proven track record in handling international trade contracts and commercial negotiations.
• Strong communication skills in both English and Korean; ability to operate fluently in bilingual business settings.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Anaheim, CA for long-term employment.
• Practical experience in trading operations, logistics coordination, and documentation management.
• Open to flexible working hours as needed for collaboration with international teams, including Korea.
• Strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and professional integrity.
• Excellent time management, punctuality, disciplined work ethic, and proactive mindset.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally without restrictions.
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and highly motivated with a strong entrepreneurial drive.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling Plastic Resin and Engineering plastics.
• Exposure to bio-based materials, sustainable chemicals, or new business incubation projects.
• Practical experience in ocean freight, rail logistics, tank/warehouse operations.
• Experience working with multinational trading houses or global chemical manufacturers.
• Established network within U.S. chemical or plastics distribution markets.

Comprehensive Health insurance, 401K, PTO, sick days