Head of China Trading in London

Head of China Trading in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 68231 £ / year (est.) On-site
Torqcommodities

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, 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 60000 - 68231 £ 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: Torqcommodities

TORQCOMMODITIES is an exceptional employer that values innovation and teamwork, providing a dynamic work environment in the heart of Vienna. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a supportive culture that encourages collaboration, and the chance to be part of a leading company in the coffee trading sector. With a focus on employee well-being and growth, TORQCOMMODITIES stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.

Torqcommodities

Contact Details:

Torqcommodities Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of China Trading in London

✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience

Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!

✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Torqcommodities often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of China Trading in London

Mandarin Chinese proficiency
Fluent English
Commercial Strategy Development
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Revenue Growth Management
Market Entry Strategy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Torqcommodities does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Torqcommodities

✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Torqcommodities will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.

✨Showcase Your Practical Experience

Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Torqcommodities.

✨Understand the Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.

✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios

Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Torqcommodities.