Trader

Pinnacle Search; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Trader to procure and sell plastic resins in North America. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. Responsibilities include managing existing accounts and identifying new business opportunities. Competitive salary and full-time employment offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience buying or selling wide-spec or prime materials.
• Strong understanding of plastics manufacturing processes and material specifications.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase wide-spec resin from producers and recyclers.
• Sell resin to converters and end-users across North America.
• Negotiate pricing, volume commitments, and delivery terms.

Skills

Strategic Negotiation

Market Analysis

Relationship Management

Supply Chain Optimization

Financial Acumen

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is a global leader in advanced polymers, delivering high-performance engineered compounds tailored to complex application needs. Backed by world-class R&D, technical expertise, and a culture of continuous improvement, our client combines formulation excellence with consultative service to provide consistent quality, rapid response, and collaborative problem-solving. Its extensive portfolio spans flexible and rigid thermoplastics, PVC compounds, and sustainable polymer solutions.

Currently seeking a Trader, s/he will procure and sell plastic resins with a focus on wide-spec resin. This role involves identifying market opportunities, negotiating purchase and sales agreements, managing logistics, and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and customers in the plastics and manufacturing sectors.

The Trader will be accountable for selling bulk resin materials, primarily via railcar, to industrial clients, converters, and compounders across North America. Responsibilities include managing existing accounts, prospecting new clients, negotiating long‑term supply contracts, and coordinating with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure timely delivery.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES

• Source and purchase wide-spec resin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene) from producers and recyclers
• Sell resin to converters, compounders, and end-users across North America, primarily via railcar
• Develop and execute buying and selling strategies based on supply/demand dynamics and inventory levels
• Negotiate pricing, volume commitments, delivery terms, and contract terms for both purchases and sales
• Maintain and grow relationships with producers, terminals, customers, buyers, procurement teams, and logistics partners
• Identify, prospect, and develop new business opportunities while managing and growing existing customer accounts
• Serve as primary point of contact for customers and producers, providing product recommendations and technical support
• Track orders, shipments, and resolve customer issues promptly
• Meet or exceed quarterly and annual sales targets
• Maintain accurate records of transactions, contracts, and correspondence

Market & Product Knowledge

• Stay up to date on resin market trends, supply chain challenges, and competitor activity
• Provide market intelligence and customer feedback to internal teams
• Monitor market trends, pricing indices, and customer demand to identify trading opportunities

Logistics & Coordination

• Work closely with internal logistics and operations teams to schedule and monitor railcar shipments
• Coordinate railcar logistics, including tracking and managing demurrage costs
• Work closely with supply chain and operations teams to ensure timely delivery and accurate inventory records

COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Negotiation: Demonstrates advanced negotiation skills to secure optimal pricing and terms for bulk material purchases and sales
• Market Analysis: Strong ability to assess market conditions, pricing trends, and demand patterns in the plastics industry
• Relationship Management: Excellence in building and maintaining long-term business relationships with suppliers and customers
• Supply Chain Optimization: Skilled at managing complex material flows and inventory management
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing strategies, profit margins, and cost analysis
• Problem‑Solving: Ability to creatively address challenges in material allocation and market fluctuations
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for managing multiple stakeholder relationships

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience buying or selling wide‑spec or prime materials
• Previous relationships with major producers of PE and PP preferred
• Experience with material requirement planning (MRP) systems and inventory management
• Strong understanding of plastics manufacturing processes and material specifications
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining customer relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems
• Knowledge of plastics recycling and sustainability practices preferred

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Business Consulting and Services and Chemical Manufacturing