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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead trade execution and logistics for coffee, ensuring smooth operations from contract to delivery.
- Company: Fast-growing coffee trading company based in London with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and exposure to international markets.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make an impact in the coffee industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade operations, strong logistics knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Origin Commodities
Origin Commodities UK is a fast-growing physical coffee trading company headquartered in London. We source high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee from origins including Ethiopia, Brazil, Vietnam, Honduras, and Colombia, supplying leading roasters and traders across the UK and Europe. Following a transformational year with revenues exceeding $28M and volumes of 4,200+ MT, we are scaling our operations to support continued growth and expanding our European presence.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and detail‑oriented Trade Operations Manager to lead our end‑to‑end trade execution and logistics function. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for ensuring seamless execution of all coffee trades from contract confirmation through to delivery, managing relationships with shippers, freight forwarders, and warehouses, and coordinating closely with the trading desk and finance team. This is a critical role requiring deep expertise in physical commodity operations, international logistics, and trade documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Trade Execution & Contract Management
- Manage end-to-end execution of physical coffee trades from contract confirmation to final delivery
- Review and process sales and purchase contracts, ensuring accuracy of terms, pricing, and specifications
- Coordinate shipping instructions with origin shippers and ensure timely dispatch of goods
- Monitor and manage open positions, shipment schedules, and delivery timelines
- Resolve trade discrepancies, quality claims, and logistics issues with counterparties
- Logistics & Shipping
- Manage relationships with freight forwarders, shipping lines, and logistics providers
- Coordinate container bookings, vessel scheduling, and port operations
- Track shipments in transit and proactively manage delays or disruptions
- Optimise freight costs and negotiate competitive rates with service providers
- Ensure compliance with import/export regulations, customs requirements, and EUDR
- Documentation & Compliance
- Oversee preparation and verification of trade documents including bills of lading, certificates of origin, phytosanitary certificates, and quality certificates
- Manage letter of credit documentation and ensure compliance with LC terms
- Coordinate with banks and finance team on trade finance documentation
- Maintain accurate records in trading systems and ensure data integrity
- Ensure compliance with food safety, traceability, and sustainability certification requirements
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Manage relationships with UK and EU warehouses, coordinating deliveries and releases
- Monitor inventory positions across locations and reconcile with finance records
- Coordinate sampling, quality inspection, and stock rotation
- Manage warehouse costs and negotiate storage terms
- Team & Stakeholder Management
- Lead and develop the trade operations team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement
- Work closely with traders to support deal execution and provide operational guidance
- Coordinate with finance on invoicing, payments, and trade settlements
- Liaise with India-based shared services team on documentation and data entry support
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and service providers
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience in trade operations within physical commodity trading, preferably coffee or agricultural commodities
- Strong understanding of international trade logistics, Incoterms, and shipping documentation
- Experience with trade finance instruments including letters of credit and documentary collections
- Proven track record of managing complex supply chains across multiple origins and destinations
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple shipments simultaneously
- Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Proficiency in trading systems and advanced Excel skills
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
Desirable
- Experience with Ethiopian, Brazilian, or Vietnamese coffee origins
- Knowledge of coffee quality grading, cupping, and certification schemes (UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, Organic)
- Familiarity with EUDR compliance requirements
- Experience working with offshore operations or shared services teams
- Prior experience in a high‑growth SME or trading house environment
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance‑linked bonus.
- The opportunity to work across both a trading desk and a physical processing business.
- Exposure to international commodity markets and cross‑border operations.
- A dynamic and entrepreneurial environment in the heart of Vienna.
Trade Operations Manager - Coffee in London employer: Torq Commodities
Contact Detail:
Torq Commodities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Operations Manager - Coffee in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the coffee trading industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Know your stuff about coffee sourcing and logistics, so you can impress them with your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of how you've managed trade operations or resolved logistics issues in the past. Real-life stories can make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Operations Manager - Coffee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trade Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience in trade operations, logistics, and any specific knowledge of coffee or agricultural commodities. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about coffee trading and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Double-check everything before hitting send. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you're proactive and really interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torq Commodities
✨Know Your Coffee
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of coffee origins, especially Ethiopia, Brazil, and Vietnam. Being able to discuss the nuances of different coffee types and their quality grading will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Master the Logistics
Familiarise yourself with international trade logistics and Incoterms. Be prepared to discuss how you would manage shipping instructions and resolve any potential discrepancies. This will demonstrate your understanding of the complexities involved in trade operations.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires managing multiple shipments and ensuring compliance with various regulations, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past. Highlight your ability to maintain accurate records and manage documentation.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your communication skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with teams, suppliers, and customers in previous roles, as this is crucial for success in a Trade Operations Manager position.