Trading Manager (Anode Petroleum Coke)

SUMMARY OF THE JOB

We are seeking a Trader specialized in Anode Petroleum Coke (Anode Petcoke) to lead sourcing, trading, and commercial development activities across the aluminum and carbon materials value chain. The role is responsible for securing reliable supply, managing and growing customer relationships, negotiating commercial contracts, and optimizing margins through market insight, disciplined risk management, and value-driven trading strategies.

• Trading & Commercial: Source and trade anode-grade petroleum coke; manage sales to aluminum smelters and anode producers; negotiate commercial contracts (FOB, CFR, CIF); and continuously monitor market dynamics and pricing trends.

• Supply Chain & Logistics: Coordinate shipments and port operations; manage delivery schedules; and oversee quality inspections, including sulfur content, metals, and GCV specifications.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain long-term partnerships with suppliers and customers; represent the company at industry events; and serve as the primary point of contact for Chinese and international counterparties.

• Risk & Compliance: Manage price, credit, and counterparty risk; ensure compliance with regulatory and internal policies; and coordinate closely with Finance on letters of credit, payment terms, and transaction security.

• Support Group import/export strategies and optimize international seaborne flows in close coordination with regional Trading teams.

• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Chartering, Legal, Finance, and Strategy to ensure efficient, compliant execution of all transactions.

• Manage trading risks within delegated authority and maximize ROIC with third-party customers.

• Provide business intelligence, market insights, and support to the Group, and contribute to strategic and cross-functional projects as needed.

MAIN ACTIVITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy:

Generate information for the purpose of market intelligence and business planning such as:

• Providing business intelligence with regular information on developments of supply & demand as well as price and cost information.

• Helping respective import/export Group companies in the implementation of their own strategy and optimization of their footprint when related to international seaborne flows. 

• Developing and maintaining a network of decision makers and influencers in the respective regional cement industry, in particular in countries where the Group does not have a presence.

• Be involved in the preparation and implementation of the business plan.

Business objectives:

Drive the value creation for and with existing customers and suppliers across all products, services and freight (in cooperation with Chartering Manager) characterized by activities such as:

• Maintaining regular contact at various levels of the customer / supplier organization to understand and anticipate their needs.

• Key Account Management activities, including contract preparation & signing, issue management through to resolution, and follow-up on outstanding accounts receivables

• Ensuring that the accounts receivables and other counterparty risks are proactively recognized and mitigated.

Grow the business through the identification of new opportunities with new customers or suppliers. Activities include for example:

• Identification and prioritization of new prospects and a plan and value proposition to approach them 

• Visits to potential customers / suppliers / specifiers / influencers with whom we have not transacted or transacted only in the past.

• Creating the business case and the trust to initiate a transaction that contributes to the value creation

PROFILE REQUIRED

Education/ Qualification:

•  At least technical/commercial education, with a degree in business or engineering preferred

Experience:

• Required: 3–7+ years of experience in anode-grade petroleum coke sales; solid understanding of product specifications and quality parameters; and proven negotiation and commercial execution skills.
  

• Preferred: Established network within Chinese aluminum smelters; familiarity with global petcoke supply markets (U.S., Middle East, and/or Latin America); and hands-on experience with bulk shipping logistics and spot and term contract structures.

Languages: 

• Fluency in Mandarin and English.