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- Tasks: Manage trade finance activities for commodities, ensuring smooth execution of transactions.
- Company: Imbono, a leader in infrastructure and essential services across emerging markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team transforming lives through essential services and innovative solutions.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years in Trade Finance with strong knowledge of commodity trading.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Us
We are Imbono. A leading operator and provider of infrastructure and essential goods and services across emerging markets. Our ambition is to transform the lives of more than 100 million people by 2040 by expanding access to essential services such as water, energy, food, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Our Mission is delivering integrated, high-impact solutions that expand access to essential services combining operational execution, local presence, strategic partnerships, and sustainable capital.
Role Summary
The Trade Finance Senior Specialist will play a key role in supporting the Commodities Trading business by managing end-to-end trade finance activities related to physical commodity transactions. The role focuses on structuring, executing, and monitoring trade finance solutions to efficiently support day-to-day trading activities, optimise credit facilities, and ensure smooth execution of export and import transactions. The successful candidate will act as a key interface between Traders, Operations, Treasury, banks, insurers, and internal group entities, with a strong focus on risk management, liquidity planning, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Trade Finance & Transaction Management
- Manage the financing of day-to-day trading transactions from contract execution through to drawdown and settlement.
- Process, monitor, and administer all types of export and import trade finance instruments, including Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), Guarantees, Export Collections, receivables discounting, LC discounting, and supply chain finance structures.
- Oversee all life-cycle events of trade finance instruments, ensuring timely issuance, amendments, utilisation, and closure.
- Review physical commodity contracts to ensure credit, payment, and trade finance clauses are acceptable and aligned with financing requirements.
- Overview client creditworthiness and KYC compliance.
- Stakeholder Management & Business Partnership
- Liaise closely with Trading and Operations teams to understand financing needs, resolve LC-related matters, and support smooth execution of trades.
- Act as a key point of contact for traders regarding financing structures, costs of financing, and optimisation of trade flows.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across the group, including Treasury, Finance, Risk, and Legal teams.
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with trade finance banks and financial institutions in coordination with Treasury.
- Credit, Risk & Compliance
- Handle KYC and onboarding processes for new counterparties, working closely with banks and internal compliance teams.
- Review credit limit requests and coordinate with insurance brokers regarding credit insurance coverage.
- Monitor utilisation of credit lines and ensure adherence to approved limits and internal policies.
- Ensure transaction documentation and collateral are properly received, verified, and compliant with internal and bank requirements.
- Cashflow, Reporting & Treasury Coordination
- Produce regular reports and forecasts covering trade flows, cashflow requirements, and utilisation of trade finance facilities in cooperation with the Treasury team.
- Oversee cash movements and balances across multiple banking partners, ensuring visibility and effective liquidity management.
- Support the continuous optimisation of financing structures, including storage, hedging-related financing, and structured trade solutions.
- Prepare and follow up the budget requirements and report of the business unit as per the BEP of the CEO.
- Process Improvement
- Contribute to the enhancement of trade finance processes, controls, and reporting frameworks.
- Support initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, risk mitigation, and scalability of trade finance operations across the commodities business.
Experience
Minimum 7–10 years of experience in Trade Finance within an oil major, National Oil Companies (NOCs) or trading house, bank trade finance desk, or structured trade finance environment. Strong hands-on experience with physical oil trade, finance facilities, including LCs, SBLCs, guarantees, collections, and structured trade solutions. Solid understanding of commodity and particularly oil trade life cycles, including contractual, operational, and financial aspects. Proven ability to work closely with traders and operations teams in a fast-paced trading environment. Experience dealing with banks, insurers, and external counterparties across EMEA; Americas exposure is an advantage. Strong knowledge of KYC, credit risk, and trade finance compliance requirements.
Educational Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in finance, Banking, Economics, Accounting, or a related field.
Skills
Excellent analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to operate autonomously while coordinating effectively within a cross-functional environment.
Competencies
Commercial & Risk Awareness, Stakeholder & Relationship Management, Attention to Detail & Operational Excellence, Cashflow & Liquidity Planning, Problem Solving in Trading Environments.
Our Values
Client Oriented, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, Perseverance. We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We want every candidate to perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Trade Finance Senior Specialist in London employer: Imbono
Contact Detail:
Imbono Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Finance Senior Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the trade finance world, especially those who know Imbono. A personal referral can make all the difference in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of trade finance instruments and commodity trading. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Imbono values sharp thinkers, so be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your genuine interest in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Finance Senior Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trade Finance Senior Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in trade finance, especially with physical commodities, and showcase your skills in managing financing transactions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed trade finance activities and built relationships with stakeholders in previous positions.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in past roles. Whether it's optimising credit facilities or managing cash flows, we want to see your problem-solving prowess!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll have the chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining Imbono!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imbono
✨Know Your Trade Finance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of trade finance instruments like Letters of Credit and guarantees. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in past roles, especially in relation to physical commodities. This will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully liaised with various teams, such as Trading, Operations, and Treasury. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships and resolve issues quickly. This is crucial for a role that requires constant communication across departments.
✨Demonstrate Risk Management Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with KYC compliance and credit risk management. Share specific instances where you've identified risks and implemented solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to ensuring smooth trade finance operations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to trade finance challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and problem-solving strategies. This will help you showcase your analytical skills and operational excellence, which are key for this position.