Head Trader - Metals & Minerals

Position: Head Trader Minerals & Metals

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (On-Site)

Salary: Up to AED 40,000 per month (commensurate with experience and industry exposure)

Notice Period: Immediate to 30 days

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly driven and commercially savvy Minerals and Metals Trader with expertise in sourcing, negotiating, and trading metals from African markets. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the African mining ecosystem, international logistics, risk management, and global commodity pricing mechanisms.

Key Responsibilities

Sourcing & Procurement

• Identify, develop, and manage reliable supplier networks in African countries for minerals and metals, including but not limited to bauxite, manganese, iron ore, copper, cobalt, lithium, aluminium, precious metals, and other ores, concentrates, scrap, and commodities.
• Conduct due diligence on mines, cooperatives, and exporters across Africa to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Negotiate offtake agreements, spot deals, and long-term supply contracts that align with the companys objectives and risk appetite, ensuring favourable terms and conditions.
• Collect and provide scrap market intelligence and establish volume and price forecasts.

Trading & Sales

• Conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to maintain a strong understanding of global market forces, commodity fundamentals, and price forecasting techniques to identify trading opportunities.
• Develop strategic business planning processes to identify new markets.
• Execute physical metal trades with global clients (refineries, smelters, manufacturers, traders).
• Analyze market trends, LME/COMEX pricing, and FX risks to optimize trade margins.
• Utilize advanced trading systems and tools to monitor market activity and pricing.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholders in the industry.

Logistics & Operations

• Coordinate international shipments, freight, customs, and warehousing.
• Collaborate with internal logistics and finance teams to ensure timely and compliant delivery.
• Resolve cross-border trade issues, especially in high-risk or politically sensitive regions.

Risk & Compliance

• Develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate risks related to market fluctuations, credit, and exposure, ensuring all trading activities are aligned with the companys strategy, policies, and risk appetite.
• Perform supplier audits with a focus on quality, HSE, CSR, and compliance.
• Ensure all trading activities comply with global standards such as OECD guidelines, AML/KYC, anti-corruption, and conflict mineral regulations.
• Monitor geopolitical risks, currency fluctuations, and market volatility related to African regions.

Reporting

• Prepare regular market updates and actionable insights, trading performance analyses, and financial reports for the review of senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters degree in International Business, Finance, Economics, Trade, or a related field.
• 1520 years of experience in minerals and metals trading, with strong exposure to African markets.
• Proven track record at major minerals and metals trading houses is preferred.
• Solid network of contacts among African producers, miners, exporters, and government bodies.
• Willingness to travel frequently to Africa and other sourcing/buying regions.
• In-depth understanding of global minerals and metals markets.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and make strategic decisions.
• Proficiency in trading platforms and financial software.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.

Preferred Skills

• Multilingual abilities (French or Portuguese & English are a plus, especially for West, East & Central Africa).
• Experience with ESG frameworks, traceability solutions, and responsible sourcing tools.
• Knowledge of blockchain solutions in metals traceability is a bonus