Coffee Trader

The Coffee Trader role is centred on building and overseeing a profitable physical green‑coffee operation, with a particular emphasis on sourcing from Ethiopia. While the employer's name is not disclosed, the position sits within a global commodity environment where the trader will own the full trading cycle, from origin development and market analysis to pricing, hedging, contract execution, logistics coordination, collection and the final profit‑and‑loss outcome. Day‑to‑day duties involve shaping and implementing the green‑coffee trading strategy for the assigned origins, products and customer segments. The trader will lead Ethiopian origination by establishing reliable supply channels with exporters, cooperatives, washing stations and producers, while staying up‑to‑date on crop cycles, regional grades, quality differentials and export requirements. Responsibilities also include negotiating purchase and sales contracts, maintaining the position and forward books, monitoring daily P&L and mark‑to‑market valuations, and tracking futures, differentials, FX rates, freight costs and weather impacts. Risk management is key: the trader must hedge price exposure within authorised limits, manage inventory and contractual exposures, and work closely with operations, logistics, quality, finance, trade finance and legal teams to ensure contracts are executed accurately and on time. Additional tasks cover following shipments, handling documentation and claims, escalating issues, scouting new routes and customers, and preparing forecasts, budgets and market reports for senior management. The essential qualifications require at least five years of experience in physical green‑coffee trading, origination or a closely related soft‑commodity trading role, with proven hands‑on Ethiopian sourcing and an active network of credible exporters or producers. Candidates must possess deep knowledge of Ethiopian coffee regions, crop calendars, grades and quality profiles, as well as demonstrated ownership of physical positions, trading P&L, forward books and mark‑to‑market reporting. Practical experience using coffee futures to hedge physical exposure, a solid grasp of commodity contracts, logistics, quality specifications, Incoterms, trade finance and counter‑party risk, and established commercial relationships across Ethiopia and East Africa are also mandatory. Strong numerical, analytical and Excel skills, commercial confidence, disciplined independent work, effective collaboration with operational teams, and clear written and verbal communication across cultures are required. A bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance, supply chain or a related field is necessary, while a postgraduate qualification is considered advantageous. The role demands willingness to travel internationally to origins, suppliers, customers and industry events. The position offers a competitive salary with a performance‑based bonus, exposure to international markets and leading industry players, and the chance to develop a career within a fast‑growing trading team. Working in a global commodity setting provides opportunities for professional growth, networking with senior stakeholders and contributing to sustainable supplier and customer relationships. What the role asks for: - Minimum five years in physical green coffee trading or similar - Hands‑on Ethiopian coffee origination experience with active network - In‑depth knowledge of Ethiopian regions, crop calendars, grades - Proven ownership of physical positions, P&L and forward books - Experience hedging physical exposure with coffee futures - Understanding of commodity contracts, logistics, Incoterms and trade finance - Established commercial relationships in Ethiopia and East Africa - Strong numerical, analytical and Excel capabilities - Commercially confident, disciplined, independent yet collaborative - Clear written and verbal communication across cultures - Bachelor's degree in business, economics, finance or supply chain - Willingness to travel internationally to origins and events - Nice‑to‑have: postgraduate qualification in relevant field