Role Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join us as a Trade Operations Analyst to work in a truly global environment. This role will support our supply chain to ensure the seamless and compliant movement of cotton across domestic and international markets. The role provides long term development potential for someone eager to demonstrate their skills and experience in the fast-paced soft commodities environment.
Business Overview
ED&F Man Cotton was established in mid-2025, driven by an ambition to become a leading trader of raw cotton, serving customers around the world. The breadth of ED&F Man Commodities’ existing operations provides ED&F Man Cotton with offices in all major cotton producing regions and expertise in operating sustainable containerised supply chains, underpinned by robust risk management procedures.
We are part of ED&F Man Commodities, a world leading trader of agricultural products including coffee, sugar, cotton, molasses and animal feed.
The position is based from our offices in Houston, Texas.
Key Accountabilities
- Supporting the day-to-day supply chain operations related to the export of cotton from point of origin to end users.
- Track and report shipment status, coordinating movement of raw cotton bales.
- Negotiate freight with vendors for domestic and international shipments as well as international export bookings with ocean carriers.
- Coordinate logistics via ocean, rail and truck to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery, continuously reviewing to optimize freight costs.
- Prepare and verify trade documentations, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificates, offer sheets and shipping instructions.
- Responsible for minimizing storage costs through diligent scheduling of loads against all sales contracts.
- Work with Third Party Logistics providers and warehouses to resolve any issues in the supply chain.
- Ensure compliance with USDA, APHIS trade export requirements.
- Assist in managing cotton inventory, preparing and communicating inventory levels.
- Perform other duties as required.
Skills and Experience
- Educated at Bachelor’s Degree or higher, preferably in the field of Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Economics or similar related field.
- Prior experience in supply chain, logistics, or trade operations in agriculture.
- Knowledge of the transportation industry is an asset, including experience with inventory management and TMS systems (ITAS, broker platforms).
- Demonstrates understanding of Inco terms and ability to negotiate freight and truck rates.
- Excellent organizational skills, able to adhere to deadlines and ensure accuracy.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.
- Working knowledge of USDA, APHIS export reporting, experience with export documentation and phytosanitary certification compliance is preferable.
- Knowledge of international cotton supply chain is preferable.
- Good attention to detail especially when doing trade reporting and data analysis.
- Problem solving mindset with a proactive approach to trade operations.
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.
