Operations Manager – Commodity Trading & Supply Chain

Role Overview

• We are seeking a hands-on, structured, and commercially aware Operations Manager to lead and coordinate our Nairobi operations within an international commodity trading environment.
• The role will oversee a team of 7–8 operations professionals and ensure the smooth execution of commodity movements across international markets. The successful candidate will work closely with trading, treasury, trade finance, suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, and 3PL partners across multiple countries.
• The role requires strong knowledge of international trade, commodity movement, shipping operations, trade documentation, Incoterms, regulatory frameworks, and operational systems, together with the ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and manage a team of 7–8 operations professionals, ensuring accountability, productivity, and effective workload management.
• Oversee the end-to-end movement of commodities internationally, including containers, bulk, and breakbulk shipments.
• Coordinate with international suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, ports, agents, and 3PL providers.
• Manage operational processes relating to commodity trading, shipping, logistics, documentation, stock movements, and deliveries.
• Apply a strong understanding of international trade practices and Incoterms, including FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW, and DAP.
• Understand and articulate operational challenges affecting commodity movement across global markets, including shipping, documentation, customs, transportation, delays, costs, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing international trade and ensure operational compliance.
• Work closely with Trading, Treasury, Trade Finance, and other internal teams to ensure smooth transaction execution.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve clear and efficient operational processes and controls.
• Ensure accurate and timely updates of operational systems, shipment records, documentation, and reports.
• Monitor stock movements, reconciliations, shipment status, and operational controls.
• Ensure effective follow-up of operational payments, documentation, and outstanding actions.
• Use Power BI, management information systems, and other operational tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Drive effective adoption and use of shipping technologies, operational systems, and digital management tools.
• Identify operational risks, bottlenecks, and recurring challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Act as a key link between operations, management, and other business functions to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Train and develop the operations team, promoting consistency, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Relations, Commerce, International Trade, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of relevant operations experience, preferably within commodity trading, international logistics, shipping, or supply chain environments.
• Proven experience managing or supervising a team, preferably 7+ employees.
• Experience in commodities and trading operations is a MUST.
• Strong understanding of international commodity movement and global supply chain operations.
• Practical knowledge of shipping operations, freight movement, shipping documentation, and Incoterms.
• Good understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing international trade.
• Experience working with shipping lines, transporters, freight forwarders, ports, customs, and 3PL providers.
• Strong systems and IT capability, including experience with Power BI and related operational/management reporting tools.
• Experience using data and systems to improve operational efficiency, controls, reporting, and decision-making.
• Experience managing stock movements, reconciliations, documentation, and operational controls.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key Competencies

• International Commodity Operations
• Commodity Movement & Supply Chain Management
• International Trade & Incoterms
• Shipping & Logistics Operations
• Operational Team Leadership
• Process Improvement & Controls
• Power BI & Systems Management
• International Trade Compliance
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Operational Risk Management
• Data Analysis & Reporting
• Communication & Coordination

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• Structured, proactive, and solution-oriented.
• A strong and hands-on team leader capable of managing 7–8 operations staff.
• Comfortable working within a fast-paced international commodity trading environment.
• Able to understand and clearly articulate complex challenges relating to global commodity movement.
• Commercially aware and able to understand how operational decisions affect cost, risk, service delivery, and trading outcomes.
• Highly competent with systems, data, Power BI, and operational management tools.
• Confident engaging with international suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, and internal stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to operational accuracy.
• Able to translate complex operational requirements into simple, clear, and effective processes.
• Demonstrates a high level of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement mindset.