Head of Trade Finance

About This Role

One of the Prestigious Global Commodity Trading group ( Iron ore, Aluminum & Copper) is searching for a Head of Trade Finance for their Global Operations

Job location is Dubai

Position will be reporting to the group CFO

• Lead Banking Relationships:
• Act as the primary relationship manager for all financing banks, serving as the front-facing representative for resolving queries, negotiating terms, and ensuring smooth execution of trade finance facilities.
• Strategic Coordination of Trade Finance Activities:
• Oversee end-to-end trade finance transactions from initiation to closure, ensuring alignment between internal stakeholders (traders, operations, finance) and external banking partners.
• Manage and Strengthen Credit Line Utilization:
• Monitor existing credit lines, optimize utilization, and proactively engage with banks to resolve operational or compliance-related issues impacting limits and facilities.
• Drive Relationship Development with Financial Institutions:
• Build and maintain strong, cordial relationships with banks and financial institutions to enhance service levels, improve turnaround times, and create opportunities for better commercial terms and expanded facilities.
• Oversight of Trade Documentation:
• Supervise the collection, review, and submission of all trade-related documents (invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc.), ensuring accuracy and strict compliance with bank and regulatory requirements.
• Compliance and Quality Control:
• Ensure all documentation submitted to banks meets required standards, minimizing discrepancies and reducing delays in processing payments and settlements.
• Payment and Settlement Management:
• Oversee import/export payments and trade loan settlements (including TR, Import Loans, and Receivable Discounting), ensuring timely execution in line with agreed terms.
• Issue Resolution & Escalation Handling:
• Proactively identify, manage, and resolve discrepancies, delays, or disputes with banks, acting as the escalation point for complex trade finance issues.
• Letter of Credit (LC) Expertise:
• Review, interpret, and manage LC terms and conditions; ensure accurate document preparation and compliance to facilitate seamless negotiation and payment realization.
• Process Optimization & Governance:
• Continuously improve trade finance processes, ensuring efficiency, risk mitigation, and adherence to internal controls and external regulations.
• Reporting & Audit Compliance:
• Maintain comprehensive and well-organized records of all transactions and communications; ensure readiness for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
• Guide and mentor junior team members while coordinating cross-functionally with internal departments to ensure seamless execution of trade finance operations.

Candidate with CA/MBA Finance 12-15 years of overall experience in Trade Finance role Copper & Aluminum trading will be the ideal