Metals Trade Finance & Operations Officer

Job Description

Based: North London (fully office based)

We're currently partnering with a well-established international metals trading business to recruit an experienced Metals Operations professional to join their London office.

As the business continues to grow, they are looking to strengthen their operations team with an experienced professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced trading environment.

Working closely with Traders, Finance, Logistics, banks and external counterparties, you'll play a key role in supporting the full trade lifecycle, ensuring transactions are executed accurately and efficiently from contract through to settlement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Letters of Credit and Trade Finance
• Review export Letters of Credit to confirm that the terms are workable and consistent with the underlying transaction, arranging amendments where required.
• Prepare and coordinate compliant document presentations under sales Letters of Credit, ensuring all documentation meets the relevant credit terms and UCP 600 requirements.
• Liaise closely with banks following presentation of documents, resolving discrepancies or queries and helping to secure the prompt negotiation and release of funds.
• Serve as the primary internal contact for technical Letter of Credit matters, providing practical guidance and resolving documentary credit issues throughout the transaction lifecycle.
• Arrange the issuance of supplier Letters of Credit where required, ensuring applications are completed accurately and within the necessary timescales.
• Examine documentation received from suppliers, identify any discrepancies and coordinate payment of supplier invoices in line with agreed terms and internal procedures.
• Contracts and Trade Execution
• Produce purchase and sales contracts from approved templates when new trades are booked, and issue amendments as transactions develop.
• Work alongside the Traders to verify the expected profitability of each transaction and ensure the relevant trade reports are completed and approved.
• Coordinate vessel nominations with suppliers, customers and port agents, including issuing Bills of Lading and other shipping or documentary instructions.
• Arrange container bookings and maintain regular communication with sellers and other external parties to support the timely movement of goods.
• Invoicing and Administration
• Raise sales invoices accurately and promptly, working to the company’s month-end reporting timetable.
• Maintain complete and well-organised electronic and physical transaction files.
• Provide wider administrative and operational support to the trading team as required.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience within commodity trading, physical trading or a closely related international trade environment is essential.
• Strong hands-on experience managing documentary Letters of Credit, particularly reviewing export LCs, arranging amendments and preparing compliant presentations.
• Sound working knowledge of UCP 600, with the ability to identify and resolve documentary discrepancies and technical LC issues.
• Good understanding of international trade documentation, shipping and import/export processes.
• Exposure to physical metals trading would be highly advantageous.
• Highly organised and detail-focused, with strong communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within a small, fast-paced team.
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