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, international travel opportunities, and leadership development.
- Other info: Opportunity to establish a new trading desk and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of trading in China and build a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Native Mandarin speaker with significant 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 in London 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 in London
✨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.
✨Show Off 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 audience, whether it’s a potential employer or a trading partner. Show them how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can help drive growth in the China trading space.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying through StudySmarter not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also connects you with a community that values your skills and ambitions in the trading sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of China Trading in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of China Trading role. Highlight your experience in international commodity trading and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to develop commercial relationships in China.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the Chinese market, your strategic vision, and how your background aligns with our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Language Skills:Since native Mandarin proficiency is essential, make sure to emphasise your language skills prominently. If you have experience communicating in both Mandarin and English in a professional setting, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you faster!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torq Commodities
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of the Chinese trading landscape. Research current trends, key players, and regulatory changes. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can develop and execute a successful trading strategy.
✨Showcase Your Network
Highlight your existing relationships within the Chinese commodity trading sector. Be prepared to discuss how these connections can benefit the company. Having a strong network is crucial for building a local commercial presence, so don’t shy away from sharing specific examples.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves building and leading a dedicated team, be ready to talk about your leadership style and past experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully recruited, developed, and managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various departments. Think about how you can facilitate smooth execution of trading activities and ensure compliance with company policies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with teams like Operations, Logistics, and Finance in previous roles.
