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.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make an impact in the coffee trading industry.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade operations, strong logistics knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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
Qualifications
- 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
What We Offer
- 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 Officer- Coffee employer: Torq Commodities
Origin Commodities UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment in the heart of Vienna. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide competitive salaries, performance-linked bonuses, and the unique opportunity to engage with international commodity markets. Join us to be part of a fast-growing team that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence in trade operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Operations Officer- Coffee
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Torq Commodities and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Torq Commodities!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Torq Commodities keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Operations Officer- Coffee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Torq Commodities:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Torq Commodities. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Torq Commodities
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Torq Commodities.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Torq Commodities that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Torq Commodities. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
