Team Lead - Trade Finance

Responsibilities

• Structure and execute trade finance solutions including Letters of Credit (LCs), Bank Guarantees (BGs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs), and invoice discounting to support import/export transactions
• Negotiate transaction terms, MT103 payment instructions, and payment flows with banks, counterparties, and auditors to ensure optimal trade finance arrangements
• Manage relationships with banks by handling limits, pricing, and documentation to secure favorable trade finance facilities
• Ensure timely release of LCs and payments by resolving bank holds and queries promptly to maintain smooth transaction flow
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Trade Finance team by setting KPIs, reviewing performance, and building team capability to drive operational excellence
• Serve as the single point of contact for banks and senior management on all trade finance matters, facilitating clear communication and decision-making
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and internal controls within trade finance operations to enhance efficiency and compliance
• Ensure full compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Know Your Customer (KYC), UCP 600, and International Standard Banking Practice (ISBP) guidelines to mitigate risks
• Monitor exposure to country risk, bank risk, and counterparty risk to safeguard the company's financial interests
• Liaise with internal audit, statutory auditors, and external regulators to support audits and regulatory reviews
• Collaborate with Operations and Accounts teams to enable critical trade transactions and optimize working capital management
• Manage margin accumulation, cost of funds, and optimize trade limits to improve financial performance
• Handle escalations with banks and counterparties effectively to resolve issues and maintain strong partnerships
• Preferred competencies and qualifications
• MBA in Finance or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification preferred but not mandatory
• Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) certification is a strong plus
• 10-15 years of experience in Trade Finance, preferably in commodities such as coal or trading houses
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading a team in trade finance
• Deep technical knowledge of LCs, BGs, SBLCs, UCP 600, and SWIFT/MT messaging protocols
• Proven track record managing relationships with global and international banks
• Strong analytical skills with understanding of trade cycles, cash flow, and margin management
• Effective negotiation, escalation handling, stakeholder management, and communication skills under pressure
• Other Information
• WORKING DAYS
• 5 days work week; Mondays - Fridays

Benefits

Additional Information

Company Overview The client is a company trading steel, energy raw materials, machinery, and equipment, supporting import/export and structured trade transactions in Singapore. Job Summary Lead and manage the Trade Finance function to support the company's import/export, working capital, and structured trade transactions. Responsible for structuring, executing, and monitoring LCs, BGs, SBLCs, receivables financing, supply chain finance, and bank negotiations, while ensuring compliance with UCP 600, ISBP, and regulatory guidelines.

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