Trade Finance Manager

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Trade Finance Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of trade-finance transactions supporting shipping, bunkering and commodity-trading activities.

The successful candidate will manage banking documentation, facilities, transaction risks and regulatory controls while coordinating closely with banks, counterparties and internal stakeholders. The role will also provide guidance to junior team members and support the continuous improvement of trade-finance processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end trade-finance transactions, including letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees and standby letters of credit.
• Review letters of credit and supporting trade documents, such as invoices, bills of lading, certificates and insurance documents, for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and submit applications, amendments, drawdowns and supporting documentation to banks within the required timelines.
• Identify documentary discrepancies and transaction risks, coordinating with relevant parties to resolve issues promptly.
• Monitor banking facilities, credit limits, utilisation, maturity dates, charges and financing costs.
• Maintain accurate records and trackers for all trade-finance transactions and obligations.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with banks, handling facility documentation, transaction processing, pricing and operational matters.
• Ensure compliance with internal approval limits, maker-checker controls, sanctions, anti-money laundering requirements and applicable regulations.
• Work closely with Commercial, Operations, Finance, Legal and Compliance teams to support shipping, bunkering and trading transactions.
• Support cash-flow planning by providing visibility over upcoming receipts, payments, financing commitments and available facilities.
• Review the work of junior team members and provide guidance on complex or time-sensitive transactions.
• Prioritise urgent submissions and ensure transactions are completed accurately and within deadlines.
• Improve trade-finance procedures, templates, reporting tools and internal controls.
• Support audits, banking reviews and the preparation of management reports.
• Undertake other assignments as required by management.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Finance, Banking, Accountancy, Business, Economics or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant trade-finance experience.
• Previous experience within shipping, bunkering, commodity trading or the wider maritime sector is preferred.
• Strong practical knowledge of letters of credit, documentary collections, bank guarantees, standby letters of credit and shipping documentation.
• Good understanding of trade-finance controls, sanctions, anti-money laundering requirements and banking practices.
• Proven experience working with banks and managing trade facilities, transaction documents and time-sensitive submissions.
• Ability to identify discrepancies, assess transactional risks and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Previous experience guiding or reviewing the work of junior team members would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail, numerical ability and organisational skills.
• Able to manage multiple transactions independently within tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP, treasury or trade-finance systems would be advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity, accountability and commercial awareness.