Manager, Trade Operations

Standard Chartered Bank; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international bank is seeking a Manager for Trade Operations in Johannesburg, responsible for ensuring compliance in trade activities while enhancing client experiences and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have at least 6 years of trade experience and a strong understanding of trade products. This role offers an opportunity to drive improvements and foster innovation while managing risks and maintaining high standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of trade experience required.
• Proficiency in English to ensure effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead continuous review of trade operation processes.
• Ensure a seamless client experience across the network.
• Perform pre- and post-transaction reviews to minimise disruptive flows.

Skills

Knowledge of Trade products

Trade experience

Strong capability in managing compliance

Expertise in risk management

Leadership abilities

Solution-oriented mindset

Exceptional communication skills

Track record of delivering results

Education

Tertiary education in relevant field

Trade finance certifications

Job description

Job title: Manager, Trade Operations

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline: November 23, 2025

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Job Summary

As the Trade Operations Manager at Standard Chartered, you will hold overarching accountability for the Trade Operations department. Your primary responsibility is to ensure that all departmental procedures strictly conform to group-wide standards, while carefully managing any country-specific process variations with appropriate dispensations in place. You will be key in identifying and mitigating risks by ensuring effective reporting, tracking, and remediation mechanisms are consistently applied. This role is instrumental in supporting the smooth, compliant, and efficient execution of trade activities, contributing to the broader operational excellence and strategic objectives of the bank.

In this position, you will act as a steward of quality control and risk management, championing continuous improvement and operational best practices. Through close collaboration with regional and group stakeholders, your efforts will enhance customer experience and service delivery within our trade operations function. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive impactful initiatives that ensure robust operational standards while fostering innovation in accordance with evolving regulatory landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Process Optimization

• Lead the continuous review and assessment of trade operation processes to elevate efficiency, accuracy, and compliance across all transactional activities.
• Champion the implementation of automation technologies and process innovations that streamline the workflow and reduce operational risks.
• Facilitate the roll‑out of service excellence and efficiency enhancement programs, sharing best practices throughout the regional network to harmonise operational delivery.

Client Experience and Service Excellence

• Ensure a consistent and seamless client experience across all countries within the network by standardising product offerings, processes, and systems, eliminating trade transactions conducted outside authorised platforms.
• Develop and oversee a centralised client communication channel, promoting proactive, transparent digital interaction, especially for priority clients, to enhance satisfaction and reduce queries.
• Conduct regular service reviews and client engagements, leveraging insights from transaction analyses and client feedback to inform improvements and drive business growth.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Perform thorough pre‑ and post‑transaction reviews with the aim of minimising disruptive flows and maximising clean transaction flows.
• Track and remediate operational risks diligently, ensuring all issues are reported timely and escalated appropriately.
• Collaborate closely with senior management to align activities and initiatives with the bank’s broader trade operations strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake additional tasks delegated by the Head of Trade and Senior Management within regional and group trade operations, driving continuous improvement and value creation.

Skills and Experience

• A good knowledge of Trade products, such as Documentary Products, Guarantees, Letters of Credit and Open account Financing.
• A minimum 6 years trade experience.
• Strong capability in managing conduct to uphold ethical standards and compliance requirements.
• Expertise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational and transactional risks specific to trade finance.
• Proven leadership abilities to inspire collaboration and galvanise teams around shared goals.
• A solution‑oriented mindset with an aptitude for spotting business opportunities and resolving complex problems effectively.
• Resilience in adapting to changing market and regulatory environments while sustaining high performance.
• Exceptional communication skills that facilitate clarity and understanding across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Track record of delivering sustainable results that balance operational excellence with customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Educational qualifications are expected at a minimum of matriculation, with tertiary education being advantageous.
• Professional training, particularly trade finance certifications, will be considered a strong asset and support your capability in this role.
• Proficiency in English is required to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and ensure precise communication within our global network.
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