Team Lead - Trade Finance

Role 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.

Key Responsibilities –

A.      Trade Execution &Structuring 

Structure and execute trade finance solutions: LCs, BGs, SBLCs, invoice discounting

Work directly with banks for limits, pricing, and documentation.

Negotiate with counterparties, banks, and auditors on transaction terms, MT103s, and payment flows.

Ensure timely release of LC’s, payments and resolution of bank holds/queries.

B.      Team Leadership &Management

Lead, mentor, and manage the Trade Finance team. Set KPIs, review performance, and build capability.

Be the single point of contact for banks and senior management on all trade matters.

Drive process improvements, automation, and controls in trade operations.

C.      Risk, Compliance& Controls

Ensure 100% compliance with AML/KYC, UCP 600, ISBP

Monitor exposure, country risk, bank risk, and counterparty risk.

Liaise with internal audit, statutory auditors, and external regulators.

D.     Commercial & Stakeholder Management

Partner with Operations and Accounts team to enable critical transactions.

Manage margin accumulation, cost of funds, and optimize trade limits.

Handle escalations with banks and counterparties on any issues.

Key Skills & Experience

Experience: 10-15 years in Trade Finance, preferably in commodities especially Coal or trading houses. 3+ years leading a team.

Technical: Deep knowledge of LCs, BGs, SBLCs, UCP, SWIFT/MT messaging.

Banking Relationships: Proven track record of managing relationships with global/international banks.

Analytical: Strong understanding of trade cycles, cash flow, and margin management.

Soft Skills: Negotiation, escalation handling, stakeholder management, and clear communication under pressure.

Qualifications

MBA Finance / CA preferred – Not Must

CDCS certification is a strong plus.