Lead Trade Finance, Execution & Documentation– Steel Trading

Riverforest-Connections-Private-Limited; Schaumburg (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Riverforest-Connections-Private-Limited in Schaumburg seeks an experienced Operations Lead – Steel Trading to supervise end-to-end trade execution and LC workflows for US and international markets.

The role requires 7–12 years in trade operations, deep LC and banking relationships, and strong leadership to mentor cross-functional teams; familiarity with customs, incoterms, and ship docs is essential.

Qualifications

• 8-12 years in trade operations, trade execution, and trade finance within physical commodity trading.
• Proven leadership across US and international regions.
• Deep knowledge of LC, UCP 600, ISBP, bank discounting, and structured trade finance.
• Strong understanding of international shipping documentation, customs regulations, marine logistics, and Incoterms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end LC workflows and drafting.
• Coordinate with banks to issue and confirm LCs.
• Audit banking fees, discounting rates and financing charges.
• Lead the product operations team through the trade execution lifecycle.
• Ensure complete shipping documentation: B/L, packing lists, certificates of origin.

Skills

Trade Operations

Letter of Credit

Trade Finance

Bill Discounting

Trade Logistics

International Shipping

Contract Management

Inventory Control

Leadership

Banking Relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in International Trade/Finance/Business

MBA (asset)

CDCS

CITF

CSCP

Job description

Job ID : RFC- 2584

Posted Date : 26/08/2026

Work Experience (Years) : 8-12

Overview :

Position Title: Lead Trade Finance, Execution & Documentation– Steel Trading, Schaumburg

Industry: Global Metals & Commodities Trading

Company Overview

Join a prominent international trading and distribution enterprise recognized worldwide for excellence across the steel and metals sector.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Operations Lead – Steel Trading to oversee end-to-end operational execution for dedicated steel product portfolios. This leadership role supports and elevates operations across the United States and international markets. The position demands a hands‑on trade operations professional with proven expertise in trade execution, Letters of Credit (LCs), banking relations, customs clearance, logistics, contract management, and inventory control, alongside strong team leadership capabilities.

Core Responsibilities

Trade Finance, Banking & Regulatory Compliance

Oversee end-to-end Letter of Credit (LC) workflows, including drafting, scrutinizing clauses against sales/purchase agreements, and resolving discrepancies or amendment requirements.

Coordinate directly with banking institutions to accelerate LC issuance, document presentation, confirmation, and discounting.

Audit, negotiate, and validate banking fees, discounting rates, and associated financing charges.

Cultivate and sustain robust banking partner relationships to promptly resolve transaction hurdles and operational bottlenecks.

Partner with the Finance division to evaluate, monitor, and enforce customer credit parameters.

Track receivables systematically and drive prompt collections and payment follow-ups.

Supervise customs documentation, declaration filings, and the timely clearance of import/export shipments.

Trade Execution, Documentation & Contract Management

Lead and mentor the product operations team across all phases of the trade execution lifecycle.

Facilitate the accurate generation of sales contracts and purchase orders in alignment with standard operating procedures.

Analyze landed and operational transaction cost structures in accordance with agreed Incoterms on both buy and sell sides.

Examine contractual terms to proactively pinpoint commercial risks, operational ambiguities, and non‑compliance issues.

Ensure complete, accurate, and punctual shipping documentation packages, including:

Bills of Lading (B/L)

Packing Lists / Certificates of Origin

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Experience & Background

7–10+ years of hands‑on experience in trade operations, trade execution, and trade finance within physical commodity trading (metals, steel, or bulk commodities strongly preferred).

Proven track record leading or mentoring cross‑functional operations teams across multiple geographic regions (US and overseas).

Deep technical expertise in Letters of Credit (LCs), UCP 600, ISBP, bank discounting, and structured trade finance instruments.

Comprehensive understanding of international shipping documentation, customs regulations, marine logistics, and global Incoterms.

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline (Master’s or MBA is an asset).

Professional certifications in trade finance or supply chain (such as CDCS, CITF, or CSCP) are highly regarded.

Strong negotiation and relationship‑management skills with international trade banks and financial institutions.

Rigorous commercial acumen with the ability to identify contractual and operational risks in cross‑border sales and purchase agreements.

Proficiency with commodity trade capture/ERP systems, inventory management platforms, and Microsoft Office (advanced Excel).

Outstanding cross‑cultural communication and problem‑solving skills to manage complex, time‑sensitive global shipments.

Skills :

Trade Operations,Letter of Credit,Trade Finance,Bill Discounting,Trade Logistics,International Shipping