Role Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as a Sales Executive – Soluble Coffee based in Madrid, supporting Volcafe’s commercial activities across IBERIA, France and North Africa. Working closely with key stakeholders to support commercial objectives and P&L, this role offers exposure to the fast-paced soft commodities environment and provides strong development potential for someone eager to build their skills and experience. The position will report to the Downstream Coffee Trading Platform Manager.
Business Overview
Volcafe Ltd is one of the world’s leading international green coffee trading companies, operating in over 20 countries globally. Our expertise spans green coffee procurement and preparation, sustainability, blending, quality control, risk management and export as well as importing and distribution. We supply the world’s major coffee roasters and retail distributors with their green coffee requirements, with significant strategic growth ambitions for the future.
Volcafe works across the whole green coffee supply chain to make coffee business better, together with our partners and employees. We have built and operate sustainable coffee supply chains across all our origins, addressing key economic, social and environmental issues in coffee farming communities. Our Volcafe Way farmer support programme engages with thousands of coffee farmers and provides a holistic response to the challenges they face.
We are part of Hartree Partners, LP a leading global merchant commodities firm facilitating the flow of energy, metals, agriculture, and environmental products across the full commodity supply chain, connecting producers and consumers. Hartree was founded in 1997, is jointly owned by senior management and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, LP, and employs around 5,000 individuals worldwide.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the development and execution of international sales strategies for soluble coffee, aligned with customer needs and market opportunities across assigned markets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with international clients, importers, roasters, distributors and traders to drive customer growth and retention.
- Identify new business opportunities and support the expansion of customer portfolios across global markets.
- Develop and negotiate commercial agreements covering pricing, volumes, contracts and delivery terms, including Incoterms.
- Collaborate closely with sourcing, logistics, quality control and finance teams to ensure efficient and seamless contract execution.
- Monitor global coffee market trends, pricing dynamics and competitor activity to identify opportunities and inform commercial decision-making.
- Support key account management by understanding customer needs, strengthening relationships and resolving customer issues or claims effectively.
- Represent the company at international trade shows, coffee exhibitions and industry events to strengthen customer relationships and identify new opportunities.
- Ensure compliance with international trade regulations, documentation requirements and relevant sustainability standards, including Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance and Organic certifications.
- Prepare sales forecasts, management reports and market analysis to provide clear insights and support commercial planning and decision-making.
Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in business, international trade, agriculture or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a food and beverage or commodity trading, preferably with soluble coffee.
- Strong understanding of the coffee supply chain, including origin, processing, logistics, pricing and international trade dynamics.
- Proven track record in international sales, contract negotiation, key account management and developing supermarket and private-label soluble coffee business would be highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of soluble coffee markets, Incoterms, shipping processes and export documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse market trends, identify commercial opportunities and translate market intelligence into actionable sales strategies.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse international markets and cultures.
- Strong organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to work independently, manage multiple international accounts and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in English is essential; additional languages are an advantage, alongside a willingness to travel internationally as required.
We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to 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.
