Operations Lead – Steel Trading, Global Metals & Commodities Trading

Position Title: Operations Lead - Steel Trading Schaumburg

Industry: Global Metals & Commodities Trading

Company Overview

Join a prominent international trading and distribution enterprise recognized worldwide for excellence across the steel and metals sector.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Operations Lead - Steel Trading to oversee end-to-end operational execution for dedicated steel product portfolios. This leadership role supports and elevates operations across the United States and international markets. The position demands a hands-on trade operations professional with proven expertise in trade execution Letters of Credit (LCs) banking relations customs clearance logistics contract management and inventory control alongside strong team leadership capabilities.

Core Responsibilities

Trade Finance Banking & Regulatory Compliance

• Oversee end-to-end Letter of Credit (LC) workflows including drafting scrutinizing clauses against sales/purchase agreements and resolving discrepancies or amendment requirements.

• Coordinate directly with banking institutions to accelerate LC issuance document presentation confirmation and discounting.

• Audit negotiate and validate banking fees discounting rates and associated financing charges.

• Cultivate and sustain robust banking partner relationships to promptly resolve transaction hurdles and operational bottlenecks.

• Partner with the Finance division to evaluate monitor and enforce customer credit parameters.

• Track receivables systematically and drive prompt collections and payment follow-ups.

• Supervise customs documentation declaration filings and the timely clearance of import/export shipments.

Trade Execution Documentation & Contract Management

• Lead and mentor the product operations team across all phases of the trade execution lifecycle.

• Facilitate the accurate generation of sales contracts and purchase orders in alignment with standard operating procedures.

• Analyze landed and operational transaction cost structures in accordance with agreed Incoterms on both buy and sell sides.

• Examine contractual terms to proactively pinpoint commercial risks operational ambiguities and non-compliance issues.

• Ensure complete accurate and punctual shipping documentation packages including:

  • Commercial Invoices

  • Bills of Lading (B/L)

  • Packing Lists / Certificates of Origin

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Experience & Background

• 7-10 years of hands-on experience in trade operations trade execution and trade finance within physical commodity trading (metals steel or bulk commodities strongly preferred).

• Proven track record leading or mentoring cross-functional operations teams across multiple geographic regions (US and overseas).

• Deep technical expertise in Letters of Credit (LCs) UCP 600 ISBP bank discounting and structured trade finance instruments.

• Comprehensive understanding of international shipping documentation customs regulations marine logistics and global Incoterms.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelors degree in International Trade Supply Chain Management Finance Business Administration or a related discipline (Masters or MBA is an asset).

• Professional certifications in trade finance or supply chain (such as CDCS CITF or CSCP) are highly regarded.

Key Competencies & Skills

• Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills with international trade banks and financial institutions.

• Rigorous commercial acumen with the ability to identify contractual and operational risks in cross-border sales and purchase agreements.

• Proficiency with commodity trade capture/ERP systems inventory management platforms and Microsoft Office (advanced Excel).

• Outstanding cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills to manage complex time-sensitive global shipments.

Required Skills:

Trade OperationsLetter of CreditTrade FinanceBill DiscountingTrade LogisticsInternational Shipping