At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop trading activities in the Chinese market, driving profitable growth.
- Company: Dynamic international trading house 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 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 employer: Torqcommodities
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 us an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of China Trading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in the Chinese market. Attend trade events, conferences, and meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your knowledge of the Chinese trading landscape and your past successes in similar roles. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Whether it's a casual chat or a formal interview, have a clear and concise way to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Trading role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly, so make sure you submit it through our platform. It shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of China Trading
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 and manage commercial relationships within 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 highlight your language skills prominently. If you have experience working in bilingual environments, let us know how that has shaped your professional journey.
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 ensure it reaches the right people at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torqcommodities
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the Chinese trading market. Understand the latest trends, key players, and regulatory changes. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Network
Be prepared to discuss your existing connections within the Chinese commodity trading sector. Highlight specific relationships you've built and how they can benefit the company. This demonstrates your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves building and leading a team, come ready with examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Share stories that illustrate your mentoring style and how you've developed future leaders.
✨Practice Your Bilingual Skills
Fluency in Mandarin and English is crucial for this position. During the interview, switch between languages if appropriate, and be ready to discuss complex topics in both. This will showcase your proficiency and comfort in navigating bilingual environments.
