Physical Commodity Trader

Physical Commodity Trader / Senior Trader
Location: Vientiane, Laos
Contract: Permanent
Sector: Physical Commodities | Mining | Metals | Agribusiness

Retained & Exclusive Vacancy 
Imperium Commodity Search is confidentially retained by an established and financially strong Southeast Asian group. The business already has an active physical commodity trading operation in the region and, following a strong period of performance, is investing in the next stage of its growth.

Our client is seeking experienced physical commodity traders to help expand into new markets, geographies and product areas. Mining and mineral products, metals and agribusiness are the immediate priorities, although the mandate is intentionally broad. The business will also consider traders from other physical commodity markets where there is a credible regional network and a clear opportunity to build profitable flows.

The existing team trades primarily on a back-to-back basis. Candidates should therefore be comfortable originating both the supply and sales side of transactions, assessing counterparties and managing a trade through pricing, negotiation, documentation, logistics and settlement.
This is an ownership role rather than a narrowly defined trading seat. Successful hires will have the scope to develop a product or market around their experience and relationships, with the capital, infrastructure and support of an established regional business behind them.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Originate and execute profitable physical trades across Southeast Asia and international markets.
• Build relationships with producers, suppliers, traders, processors and end users.
• Identify new products, trade routes and markets that fit the company’s model and risk appetite.
• Structure back-to-back transactions, securing supply and demand, negotiating terms and protecting margin.
• Manage pricing, contracts, Incoterms, credit checks, logistics, shipping documents, payment terms and settlement.
• Track regional supply and demand, pricing and freight to inform trading decisions.
• Work with the existing team and senior management on cross-selling and new market entry.
• Report clearly on pipeline, executed business, exposure and P&L, and support the development of trading controls as the operation expands.

Requirements: 

• A proven track record in physical commodity trading or origination.
• Strong knowledge of Southeast Asian markets, with established supplier and/or customer relationships.
• Relevant backgrounds include metals, ores and concentrates, minerals, mining products, industrial raw materials, grains, oilseeds, animal feed, fertilisers, edible oils, soft commodities and other traded physical products.
• Demonstrable ability to originate profitable, repeatable business rather than relying solely on inherited accounts.
• Practical understanding of back-to-back trading, physical execution, contracts, logistics, trade finance, documentation and counterparty risk.
• Strong commercial judgement, P&L focus and the confidence to take ownership of a product or market.
• Comfortable operating autonomously while working with an established regional team.
  Fluent English; other Southeast Asian language skills would be beneficial.
• Willingness to be based in Vientiane, Laos.

This opportunity will suit a trader who wants more ownership than a conventional seat provides. The company has the financial capacity and appetite to support new business and is looking for people who can turn market knowledge, relationships and a clear trading idea into sustainable volumes.

To discuss the role in confidence please reach out via email to applications@imperiumcs.com or contact the team on +44 (0) 203 927 5090.