Posted time 13/03/24 Location London

Role Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as a Trading Assistant to work in a truly global environment to work closely with the Sugar Traders, executing the trades and contacting counterparties, liaising with the shippers and storage and dealing with delays and disruption. The role provides an excellent opportunity for someone eager to demonstrate their skills within the challenging and fast‐paced soft commodities industry.

Business Overview

ED&F Man Sugar source or process raw, white and specialty sugars from over 40 producing countries. We sell to refineries, industrial users, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, offering local solutions though a number of in-country purchasing, sales and distribution businesses. As a founding member of Bonsucro, all our processing operations and trading hubs have the highest sustainability credentials, and we play an active role in developing the sustainability agenda.

We are part of ED&F Man Commodities, a world leading trader of agricultural products including coffee, sugar, molasses and animal feed.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate with traders to understand the specifics of each trade (commodities, quantities, pricing, delivery terms);
• Execute trades by placing orders on relevant platforms or directly contacting counterparties;
• Oversee the physical movement of commodities, coordinating with shipping companies, freight forwarders, and storage facilities;
• Manage and monitor transportation costs and potential risks associated with delays or disruptionsl
• Monitor trade positions and manage associated risks (e.g., price fluctuations, counterparty default);
• Assist with the reconciliation of trade accounts and ensure accurate record-keeping.

Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in English plus Arabic – speaking/reading/writing, is essential (French is also useful);
• Some experience (need not be more than a few years’) within a commodities trading or similar logistics role;
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (preferred);
• Understanding of international trade finance, incoterms, and trade documentation;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced;
• Strong I.T. skills including proficiency in Excel and Word;
• Strong Commercial acumen with analytical skills and attention to detail;
• Self-starter who is happy working in a dynamic environment.
• Effective collaborator and team player.

As an ever-friendly reminder: Researchers have found that men apply to roles when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only when they check every box. If you are interested, but don’t feel like you meet every single point on the job description, please still apply!

Our Offer

We provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.

Our Values

Respect, Integrity, Meritocracy, Client Focus, Entrepreneurship

Our values define who we are. They are the fundamental beliefs that determine our actions and guide our behaviour. They influence the way we communicate and collaborate, and define the way we engage with our clients, partners, and communities. Our values are underpinned by a set of essential behaviours, which form part of our performance management approach. Delivering on our objectives is very much about ‘what’ we do, but these essential behaviours also provide a guide and measure for ‘how’ we do things. Our performance essentials are Take Initiative, Self‐Management, Deliver Results and Collaboration.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and are focussed on actively building and developing diverse teams. All qualified applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment (identity, gender expression), genetic information or any characteristic protected by local law.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.