Global Head of Trade Finance

COFCO International seeks a Global Head of Trade Finance to lead the global function, optimize working capital, and manage banking relationships for its international agri-commodity operations.

The company is looking for an executive to oversee its worldwide trade finance operations. This role involves scaling the function to support agri-commodity trading, mitigating trade risks, and strengthening relationships with banks and capital markets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global strategy that aligns with commercial goals, risk tolerance, and treasury targets.
• Build and manage a high-caliber team located in key trading hubs.
• Manage the entire trade finance lifecycle, including letters of credit, guarantees, supplier and receivables financing, and forfaiting.
• Streamline processes to ensure timely execution aligned with trading cycles.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with trade banks, multilateral institutions, insurers, and alternative capital providers.
• Negotiate facility terms, pricing, covenants, and service level agreements.
• Establish policies for credit, country, commodity, and counterparty risk.
• Ensure adherence to KYC/AML, sanctions, export controls, and internal audit standards.
• Create financing structures that minimize capital costs and optimize collateral usage.
• Assess the potential of digital tools such as blockchain, e-invoicing, and trade platforms.
• Optimize working capital, manage trade line utilization, and coordinate with treasury on liquidity.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to trading, procurement, and origination teams to balance growth with risk.
• Provide management reporting on exposures, facility usage, fees, and KPIs.
• Maintain standard operating procedures and drive continuous improvement.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff members.
• Represent the organization at industry events and meetings with banks or investors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• Over 12 years of experience in trade finance, commodity trading finance, structured trade finance, or corporate treasury.
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership position.
• Proven success in arranging multi-jurisdictional facilities, bank syndications, and alternative financing.
• Expert knowledge of trade finance products, export credit agencies, credit insurance, and regulations like KYC/AML and ICC rules.
• Strategic mindset with commercial acumen and ability to balance risk with growth.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building capabilities with financial partners.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• High integrity, attention to detail, and a strong control orientation.
• Fluent English proficiency at a business level.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, deal-driven environments and travel as needed.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree (MBA, MSc) or professional qualification such as CTP or ACA.
• Direct experience supporting agricultural or other commodity trading operations.
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish.