Trade Finance Operations Assistant Manager - Commodities - Top-tier MNC

The Role :

1. Independently handle and manage Letters of Credit (L/Cs), import and export documentary collections, bills presentation, and related banking transactions.
2. Review trade contracts and payment terms to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and operational requirements.
3. Support the full contract administration process, including documentation control, contract execution, amendments, and settlement follow-up.
4. Coordinate with banks, customers, suppliers, inspection companies, shipping agents, and internal stakeholders to facilitate smooth transaction processing.
5. Monitor and track cargo movements, schedules, inspection status, document flow, and payment progress for each contract.
6. Provide timely and detailed updates to management and traders on shipment status, payment status, cargo movements, inspections, and operational issues.
7. Prepare and maintain reports relating to outstanding payments, claims, demurrage/despatch, bank charges, and operational performance.
8. Ensure all operational documentation and records are properly maintained in both electronic and physical filing systems.
9. Investigate and resolve operational discrepancies, documentation issues, and settlement-related matters in a timely manner.
10. Maintain effective communication with internal departments and external counterparties, responding professionally to operational inquiries.
11. Identify and promptly escalate any operational risks, irregularities, contractual deviations, or potential financial exposure to management.
12. Support process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, controls, and compliance.

Education / experience / technical skills required:

1. Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in Trade Operations, Trade Finance, Commodity Trading, or Banking, preferably with exposure to Iron Ore, Coal, or other bulk commodities.
2. Solid knowledge of Letters of Credit (UCP600), documentary collections, international trade documentation, Incoterms, and commodity trade settlement processes.
3. Strong understanding of shipment execution, contract administration, and payment processes within a commodity trading environment.

General skills / attributes / other:

1. Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple transactions simultaneously, and perform effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
2. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with high attention to detail.
3. Proactive, responsible, and committed with a positive and continuous learning mindset.
4. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
5. Strong team player with the ability to collaborate across functions and regions.
6. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
7. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, both written and spoken.