At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trade finance strategies and manage banking relationships in a dynamic trading environment.
- Company: Join Shell, a global leader in energy trading with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, competitive salary, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values integrity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade finance and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join a high-impact Trade Finance team at the heart of global commodity trading, where you'll help safeguard commercial transactions, optimize banking relationships, and enable business growth across EMEA and the Americas. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing risk management, stakeholder engagement, and complex financial negotiations to support secure and efficient trading activity.
What’s the role
Reporting to the Global Head of Trade Finance, the London Trade Finance Senior Manager is a key role in the team, providing trade finance expertise and core capabilities in the credit risk management of Shell’s Trading & Supply (T&S) businesses in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. The role has a wide number of interfaces across the Global Trade Finance team, Commercial and Finance stakeholders across the T&S organisation, Treasury, as well as with banks, insurance companies and other external institutions.
What you’ll be doing
- Act as primary focal point on trade finance risk management and strategy matters to all key senior commercial and financial stakeholders across the T&S EMEA region.
- Work closely with the global Trade Finance team (London, Singapore and Manila SBO) to provide advice and training as needed to ensure high calibre trade finance advice is available to the global T&S organisation.
- Lead engagements with banks, insurance companies and other external institutions in order to secure the appropriate trade finance security at the most competitive price, working closely together with the relevant Commercial Credit Manager for that counterparty, as well as with the T&S Treasury Manager to ensure Shell's overall bank relationships are managed consistently.
- Ensure that relevant policies (e.g. Global Shell Trading Credit Manual and Manual of Authorities) are fit for purpose and that all commercial activities entered into by the EMEA portfolio of T&S entities remain in compliance.
- Support the allocation and renewal of open credit lines to banks and attend High Risk Counterparty Committee for banks in respect of Know Your Customer, and where relevant approve all credit mitigation or "trade finance" strategies (e.g. letters of credit, silent cover and other credit insurance) employed with trading counterparties.
- Ensure Bank Limits for EMEA T&S sales reflect future utilisation for spikes in oil and gas price to ensure transfer of risk to financial institutions to avoid catastrophic losses.
- Increase Letter of Credit facilities for LC issuance to avoid posting cash with corresponding risk of default by counterparties.
- Daily control on Bank Exposure report governance, daily overdue report and late payment monitoring.
- Act as credit interface to KYC and trade controls team for new and existing bank relationships and sanctions queries, including reverse bank KYC requests.
- Manage import and export Documentary LCs, including complex structures such as advance payment, tripartite agreements and extended payment terms.
- Demonstrate energy and accountability for the delivery of our transformation agenda focused on the evolution of services to achieve the highest global standard for regular operational and reporting activities, using advanced technologies including AI-driven analytics, workflow automation and digital collaborating platforms.
- Support the ambitious T&S business growth agenda by identifying global best practice solutions and championing the learning behaviours expected throughout the team.
- Foster a culture of knowledge and best practice sharing across all levels and locations, to support professional development across the trade finance team.
What you bring
- Significant years of experience in trade finance within a trading environment or bank.
- Experience in negotiating and drafting trade finance documents and managing and negotiating credit facilities with banks.
- Strong communication, business partnering and influencing skills across all levels of management.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage conflicting priorities in a highly time pressured environment.
- Knowledge of ETRM systems (such as Endur, DEX and SAP).
- Evidence of driving continuous improvement.
What we offer
- You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet.
- You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another.
- You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.
- Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
- Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
- Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
- Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
- Make an impact in one of the world’s leading energy trading businesses.
- Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working.
- Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
- Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
- Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world.
- Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
- Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.
Shell is working to advance an inclusive, psychologically safe and accessible environment where people with disabilities can excel. If you require any accommodations or accessibility adjustments (e.g. assistive technology, communication support, any other) during the application or interview process, please let us know directly via careers@shell.com. We strive to ensure that our process and workplace is accessible to everyone and are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to support your needs.
Senior London Trade Finance Manager employer: Shell
At Shell, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training programmes and opportunities for advancement within the company. Located in a vibrant environment, we provide our team with unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on sustainability, making Shell not just a workplace, but a community dedicated to meaningful impact.
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We think this is how you could land Senior London Trade Finance Manager
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior London Trade Finance Manager
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Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Shell.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Shell
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Shell.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Shell employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.