Key Responsibilities
Trade Execution & Documentation
- Oversee end-to-end execution of physical base metals contracts, including copper, zinc, lead, nickel, and aluminium
- Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sales contracts in accordance with internal templates and trader instructions
- Prepare, coordinate, and manage complete shipping document sets (e.g. bills of lading, certificates of origin, weight and assay certificates, packing lists, commercial invoices)
- Ensure timely and accurate invoicing aligned with contract pricing terms, including provisional and final settlements
Letter of Credit & Banking Operations
- Manage the full lifecycle of letters of credit, from advising on LC terms during contract negotiations to reviewing amendments, preparing compliant document presentations, and resolving discrepancies
- Liaise closely with banks to ensure documentary presentations comply strictly with UCP 600 and ISBP standards
- Handle alternative payment instruments, including documentary collections (D/P, D/A), bank guarantees, and standby letters of credit
Logistics & Shipping Management
- Coordinate ocean freight, inland transport, and warehousing with shipowners, freight forwarders, port agents, and logistics providers
- Track vessel nominations, monitor laytime, and calculate demurrage and dispatch where applicable
- Apply and manage relevant Incoterms (e.g. CIF, CFR, FOB, DAP), ensuring proper allocation of costs, risks, and responsibilities
- Monitor cargo movements end to end, proactively escalating delays or operational issues to traders and counterparties
Insurance & Risk Management
- Arrange marine cargo insurance in line with contractual requirements and applicable Incoterms, including Institute Cargo Clauses (A/B/C)
- Manage and follow up on insurance claims related to loss, damage, or shortage
- Stay informed on sanctions, export controls, and trade compliance regulations applicable to the metals business
Internal Coordination & Reporting
- Work closely with trading, finance, credit, and legal teams to ensure smooth trade execution
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date trade records within the company's CTRM system
- Produce regular reports on open contracts, shipments in transit, and outstanding documentation
Required Qualifications
- At least 3-5 years' experience in a traffic or trade operations role within a commodity trading house, mining company, or metals merchant
- Strong operational knowledge of base metals trading (copper, zinc, nickel, lead, aluminium) is highly preferred
- Solid understanding of Incoterms® 2020 and their practical application in physical commodity transactions
- Proven experience handling letters of credit, including issuance, amendments, compliant document presentation, and discrepancy resolution under UCP 600
- Working knowledge of marine cargo insurance, claims processes, and Institute Cargo Clauses
- Experience managing invoicing processes, including provisional invoices, final invoices, and pricing adjustments
- Excellent written and spoken Mandarin and English, with the ability to draft contracts and communicate effectively with international counterparties
- Bachelor's degree in International Trade, Business, Logistics, or a related discipline
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with CTRM systems such as Fusion, Brady, Aspect, or equivalent platforms
- Familiarity with Chinese customs procedures, CIQ requirements, and metals import/export documentation
- Understanding of LME pricing structures and provisional pricing mechanisms
- Experience with bonded warehousing operations and related VAT considerations in China
- Professional certifications in international trade, logistics, or supply chain (e.g. CDCS, ICC Academy qualifications)