Soft Commodities - Trading Operations

For one of our clients, an international trading company based in the Lausanne area, we are seeking a Soft Commodities Operator to strengthen their team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations professional to take part in a complex soft commodities trading activity and contribute to the smooth execution of international contracts. The role requires strong expertise in operational risk management, contract execution, and stakeholder coordination across the full supply chain.Key ResponsibilitiesManage the full 360° execution of physical soft commodities trading activities, from contract finalisation through to shipment, delivery and financial settlement.Act as a key operational counterpart for traders, importers, exporters, charterers, shipping companies, banks, insurers, inspection companies and other external partners.Take ownership of the end-to-end execution process, including purchase and sales contracts, nominations, shipment coordination, import/export formalities, documentation and final settlement.Draft, review and manage purchase and sales contracts, ensuring compliance with agreed commercial terms, GAFTA rules, quality specifications and applicable legal requirements.Coordinate and monitor import and export operations, ensuring that all documentation, customs, regulatory and shipping requirements are completed accurately and on time.Manage the full invoice and freight process, including freight invoices, provisions, cost allocation, reconciliation and follow-up with counterparties and service providers.Take responsibility for the finalisation of trading accounts, ensuring that all costs, revenues, invoices, claims and outstanding items are properly reconciled and closed.Monitor the execution of shipments in close coordination with charterers, shipowners, freight forwarders, terminals and inspection companies, proactively identifying and resolving operational issues.Manage contract and operational data within internal systems, ensuring accurate and timely updates of contracts, invoices, provisions, stock positions and shipment information.Coordinate payment processes, letters of credit, credit insurance and other trade finance requirements, working closely with banks, insurers and counterparties.Monitor stock and physical positions at ports, silos and storage facilities, ensuring consistency between contractual, operational and financial positions.Prepare and ensure the timely submission of banking, insurance, regulatory, customs and export documentation.Support traders on a daily basis by providing operational, contractual and execution expertise and acting as a senior point of reference throughout the trading cycle.Identify potential operational, contractual and financial risks and proactively implement solutions to ensure smooth and profitable execution.Your Profile7–10+ years of experience in soft commodities trading operations, commodity trading operations, execution or a similar role within the physical commodities environment.Strong understanding of the entire physical soft commodities trading cycle, ideally with experience covering both import and export activities.Proven ability to work across the full spectrum of operations, execution, contracts, documentation, freight, invoicing and final account settlement.Solid knowledge of GAFTA contracts, international commodity trade practices and trade finance instruments.Experience working directly with traders, importers, exporters, charterers, shipping companies, banks, insurers and inspection companies.Strong understanding of freight, shipping documentation, export/import procedures and commodity logistics.A genuinely 360° and hands‑on mindset, with the ability to manage multiple transactions simultaneously and take ownership from contract inception through to final settlement.Seniority and maturity to act independently, anticipate issues and make decisions without constant supervision.Strong numerical and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy when handling contracts, invoices, freight costs and financial reconciliations.Fluency in both French and English, written and spoken, is mandatory, along with at least 10 years of experience in operations.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to interact with senior internal and external stakeholders.Degree in International Trade, Business, Logistics, Finance or a related field.Willingness to work in Lausanne, Switzerland – mandatory.ImportantPlease note that we will only consider profiles that fully match the requirements of this position, particularly in terms of soft commodities experience, seniority, language skills and willingness to work in Lausanne. #J-18808-Ljbffr