Job description:

Schaumburg, Illinois, USA | Metals Steel Trading

Position: Operations Lead Steel TradingVertical: Metals Steel TradingDepartment: OperationsLevel: L2/L3Location: Schaumburg, Illinois, USAReporting to: Operations Manager / VP AmericasIndustry Preference: Trading House preferably Steel / Metals

About the Company

Our client is a leading global trading and distribution organization with a strong international presence across the metals and steel trading industry.

The Opportunity

Our client is looking for an experienced Operations Lead Steel Trading to manage the operational processes for assigned steel product(s) and support the performance of Operations teams across the US and Other overseas.

This is a hands-on trade operations role requiring strong experience across trade execution, Letters of Credit, banking, customs, logistics, contract administration and inventory management, combined with the ability to manage and develop an operations team.

Key ResponsibilitiesTrade Finance & Compliance

• Manage Letters of Credit (LCs), including opening and vetting LCs against sales and purchase contracts and identifying discrepancies or required corrections.
• Liaise directly with banks to expedite LC issuance, document presentation, confirmation and discounting.
• Negotiate and verify relevant banking and discounting charges.
• Build strong relationships with financing banks to ensure timely resolution of transaction-related issues.
• Manage customer credit in consultation with the Finance team.
• Regularly review and follow up on customer payments.
• Ensure timely customs declarations and clearance of goods.

Trade Operations & Contract Administration

• Manage and supervise the assigned product Operations team across all aspects of trade execution.
• Ensure sales contracts and purchase orders are issued in accordance with internal operational procedures.
• Review transaction costs based on agreed Incoterms across the buying and selling sides.
• Review contracts and identify discrepancies, risks or commercial concerns.
• Ensure all documentation required for smooth execution of orders is prepared accurately and on time, including:
  • Commercial invoices
  • Bills of Lading
  • Packing lists
  • Insurance certificates
  • Certificates of Origin
  • Letters of Credit
• Coordinate payments relating to steel purchases, freight and service providers with the Finance & Accounting team.
• Identify and recommend improvements to operational procedures and documentation processes.
• Escalate contractual, operational or commercial risks appropriately.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of Incoterms and international trade requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Work with IT to improve operational systems, including NAVISION / Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365).
• Utilize advanced Excel and Microsoft Office capabilities for operational management and reporting.
• Work closely with Product teams, Trading Managers and other regional and functional teams.

Team & Inventory Management

• Manage and develop direct reports across the US and Other regional Operations teams.
• Build strong working relationships between Operations, Commercial teams, vendors and suppliers.
• Ensure monthly warehouse reports are received and reviewed.
• Monitor and optimize ageing inventory.
• Ensure inventory is accurately reconciled against stock information maintained in the system.

Qualifications:

Required Skills & Experience

• Strong hands-on experience in international trade and operations management.
• In-depth understanding of steel/metals products, logistics and customer service.
• Strong knowledge of Letters of Credit, trade finance and banking processes.
• Experience with customs clearance and international trade documentation.
• Strong understanding of contracts, purchase orders and Incoterms.
• Experience managing and coordinating Operations staff.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple transactions and priorities.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel and good understanding of ERP platforms.
• Strong communication, coordination and stakeholder-management skills.
• Collaborative working style with strong customer orientation.

Desired Profile

• Prior experience managing or supervising an Operations team.
• Strong business and international trade understanding.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure with a high sense of responsibility.
• Self-motivated with strong teamwork and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong persuasion and customer-service skills.
• Ability to make timely operational decisions.
• Experience managing internal and external stakeholders.
• Steel trading, steel mill operations or commodities industry experience is preferred.
• Spanish language capability is an advantage.

Education

Bachelors degree in International Trade or a related field, or equivalent foreign qualification.

Why is This a Great Opportunity:

• High-impact role: Take ownership of critical trade operations within a large, global steel and metals trading environment.
• International exposure: Work across US and overseas operations, collaborating with traders, banks, suppliers, customers and logistics partners.
• End-to-end trade experience: Gain broad ownership across LCs, trade finance, customs, contracts, logistics and inventory management.
• Leadership opportunity: Manage and develop an Operations team while remaining closely involved in trade execution.
• Career growth: Strong opportunity for an experienced trade operations professional looking to progress into broader operations leadership.

Nigel