About the role
We are seeking an experienced, highly analytical, and commercially driven Coffee Trader to manage and optimize physical coffee trading portfolio. In this role, you will take full ownership of the trading —from sourcing and origin relationship management to contract negotiation, risk mitigation (hedging), and final destination delivery. The ideal candidate possesses deep knowledge of global coffee markets (Arabica and Robusta), macro drivers, and supply chain logistics, with a proven track record of growing a profitable trading book while maintaining exceptional quality standards. Key ResponsibilitiesPortfolio & P&L Management: Actively manage and optimize the profit and loss (P&L) of your assigned trading book, identifying regional arbitrage and market opportunities. Sourcing & Origin Management: Build, nurture, and leverage robust relationships with global producers, cooperatives, exporters, and shipping agents across major coffee-producing regions. Commercial Sales: Develop and execute sales strategies targeting commercial roasters, importers, and specialty buyers, offering a consultative sales approach based on client needs. Market Analysis & Insights: Monitor and analyze global market fundamentals daily, including crop cycles, weather patterns, currency fluctuations, freight dynamics, and macroeconomic drivers. Risk Management & Hedging: Execute hedging strategies using futures and options to mitigate price exposure and manage physical trading positions safely. Logistics & Execution Oversight: Collaborate closely with logistics, quality assurance, and operations teams to ensure seamless trade execution, accurate documentation, and timely delivery. Quality & Curation: Participate actively in coffee selection, sample evaluations, and curation to guarantee that offerings strictly meet customer and company quality specifications.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Trade, or an -related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus. Experience:3–7years of proven experience in physical commodity trading (agricultural soft commodities heavily preferred, with a strong emphasis on coffee trading). Market Expertise: Deep understanding of global coffee markets, local and international pricing mechanisms, differentials, and standard trading platforms. Technical Skills: Proven experience with risk management, hedging mechanics, and managing physical inventory levels.Soft Skills: Strong negotiation, consultative selling, and relationship-building capabilities. Ability to work autonomously under market pressure.Logistics Knowledge: Solid grasp of international shipping, warehousing, customs, and letter of credit (LC) procedures.Languages: Fluency in professional English is required. Secondary languages relevant to key coffee origins (e.g., Spanish or Portuguese) are highly advantageous.Travel: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for origin visits, supplier audits, and industry trade shows.
