At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop trading activities in the Chinese market, driving profitable growth.
- Company: Dynamic international trading firm with a focus on commodities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, global travel opportunities, and leadership development.
- Other info: Opportunity to establish a new trading desk and make a significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of trading in China and build a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Native Mandarin speaker with extensive experience in international commodity trading.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Trading – China to establish and lead our trading activities across the Chinese market. Based in either London or Switzerland, this individual will be responsible for developing the company's China strategy, building a local commercial presence, recruiting and leading a dedicated China-focused team, and driving profitable growth across key commodity markets. This is a highly strategic role requiring deep knowledge of the Chinese market, an established industry network, and the ability to build a trading franchise from the ground up. The successful candidate must be a native Mandarin speaker or possess native-level Mandarin proficiency, combined with fluent English, enabling them to operate effectively with Chinese counterparties while integrating with the company’s international leadership team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the company's China trading strategy.
- Identify and develop new trading opportunities across China.
- Build and maintain relationships with key customers, suppliers, processors, importers, exporters, and strategic partners.
- Lead commercial negotiations and manage high‑value trading relationships.
- Drive revenue growth and profitability across the China trading portfolio.
Establishing the China Platform
- Create and implement a scalable market‑entry and growth strategy.
- Build the company's reputation and presence within the Chinese market.
- Identify potential office locations, strategic partnerships, and expansion opportunities where appropriate.
- Act as the primary commercial representative for China‑related activities.
Team Building & Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and manage a dedicated China‑focused trading team.
- Build capabilities across trading, execution, logistics, and market intelligence.
- Establish performance objectives and accountability frameworks.
- Mentor and develop future trading leaders within the business.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Monitor market developments, trade flows, pricing dynamics, and regulatory changes affecting China.
- Provide regular market intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior management.
- Identify emerging opportunities and risks across the region.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Logistics, Risk, Finance, Compliance, and Legal teams.
- Ensure smooth execution of trading activities and adherence to company policies.
- Support the development of new products, markets, and customer segments.
Stakeholder Representation
- Represent the company at industry conferences, customer meetings, and trade events.
- Develop strong relationships with industry participants, trade associations, and key market stakeholders.
Essential Requirements
- Native Mandarin Chinese speaker or native‑level Mandarin proficiency.
- Fluent English (written and spoken).
- Significant experience in international commodity trading.
- Proven track record of developing and managing commercial relationships within China.
- Demonstrated experience building and leading trading teams.
- Strong understanding of international trade, logistics, supply chains, and risk management.
- Existing network within the Chinese commodity trading sector.
- Ability to travel regularly to China and other international markets.
Preferred Experience
- Experience within agricultural commodities, coffee, edible nuts, grains, soft commodities, energy products, or related sectors.
- Previous experience establishing a new trading desk, business unit, or regional operation.
- Experience working within an international trading house.
Head of China Trading employer: Torq Commodities
As a leading player in the international commodity trading sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Head of China Trading role, with opportunities to shape and drive our strategic presence in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Based in vibrant London or picturesque Switzerland, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth, mentorship, and the chance to build a dedicated team while engaging with key industry stakeholders. We are committed to fostering innovation and excellence, making this an ideal place for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of China Trading
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry folks! Attend trade events, conferences, and networking meet-ups. Building relationships in the Chinese market is key, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself and sharing your vision.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or partners, make sure to highlight your deep knowledge of the Chinese market. Share insights on trading strategies and market trends to demonstrate your value and understanding of the landscape.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every conversation is an opportunity! Tailor your pitch to each company’s needs and goals. Show them how your experience aligns with their vision for the China trading strategy, and don’t forget to mention your existing network in the sector.
✨Apply Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive opportunities but also shows your commitment to being part of our team. Let’s make your next career move a success together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of China Trading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Trading – China. Highlight your experience in international commodity trading and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to build a trading franchise from scratch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Mention your deep knowledge of the Chinese market and how your established industry network can benefit us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Language Skills:Since fluency in Mandarin and English is essential, make sure to highlight your language proficiency clearly. If you have any relevant experiences where you've used these skills, don’t forget to include them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torq Commodities
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Make sure you’ve done your homework on the Chinese trading market. Understand the key players, current trends, and regulatory changes. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be ready to discuss your existing connections within the Chinese commodity trading sector. Highlight how these relationships can benefit the company and help establish a strong local presence.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and led teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing future leaders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively in Both Languages
Since fluency in Mandarin and English is essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly in both languages. Be prepared to switch between them during the interview to showcase your proficiency.
