Location: Monaco

Trade Finance Officer

About Company

We are an emerging leader in the trade of base oils and petrochemical products, distributing them to markets in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. We specialize in physical trading and distribution of refined base oil and petrochemicals, providing tailored business solutions to our customers. Our expertise includes sourcing, processing, trading activities, financing services, and optimizing logistics operations and storage facilities.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Trade Finance Officer to strengthen and develop our trade finance operations and banking relationships. This commercially driven role will be responsible for securing financing solutions, opening and managing credit facilities, supporting international commodity transactions, and ensuring smooth execution of trade finance instruments such as Letters of Credit (LC), SBLC, guarantees, and documentary collections. Trade Finance Officer is going to lead and expand our trade finance capabilities. This role will be responsible not only for managing trade finance instruments and banking facilities, but also for actively raising financing from banks, financial institutions, and external investors to support the company’s international commodity trading operations and growth strategy.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in commodity trading finance, excellent banking network exposure, and a deep understanding of international trade documentation and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Financing & Capital Raising

Proactively secure financing from international banks and financial institutions to support commodity trading activities.
Structure and negotiate credit facilities, revolving lines, borrowing base facilities, and structured trade finance solutions.
Identify and engage with non-bank financial institutions, funds, and private investors to raise additional capital for working capital and expansion purposes.
Prepare investment materials, financial models, and credit proposals for banks and potential investors.
Develop and implement a diversified funding strategy to ensure sustainable liquidity and growth.

Credit Facilities Management

Open, manage, and optimize the utilization of credit lines and trade finance limits.
Monitor covenant compliance and facility conditions.
Ensure efficient use of available limits and cost optimization of financing structures.

Trade Finance Execution

Manage the full lifecycle of Letters of Credit (LCs), including issuance, advising, amendments, confirmations, and settlements in accordance with UCP 600.
Prepare and review trade documentation to ensure compliance and avoid discrepancies.
Oversee SBLCs, bank guarantees, documentary collections, and open account transactions.
Coordinate timely presentation of documents and follow up on payments.

Bank & Investor Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with banks, trade finance departments, financial institutions, and investors.
Act as the primary contact for all financing matters.
Lead negotiations regarding pricing, collateral requirements, and facility structures.
Manage KYC processes and onboarding procedures with financial partners.

Risk Management & Compliance

Monitor counterparty and credit risk exposure.
Support sanctions compliance and regulatory requirements related to international trade.
Ensure alignment of financing structures with company risk policies and international trade regulations.

Collaboration & Working Capital Optimization

Work closely with traders, operations, and logistics teams to align financing structures with transaction flows.
Forecast liquidity needs based on the trading pipeline and shipment schedules.
Optimize working capital cycles and cash flow efficiency.

Reporting & Financial Analysis

Prepare regular reports on facility utilization, financing costs, exposure levels, and liquidity position.
Support senior management with financial insights related to growth and capital strategy.
Assist in audits and financial due diligence processes.

Requirements

Minimum +5 years of experience in Trade Finance, Structured Finance, or Corporate Finance within commodity trading, oil & gas, petrochemicals, or a related sector.
Proven experience in raising financing from banks and financial institutions, including successful negotiation of credit lines and trade finance facilities.
Demonstrated experience in sourcing capital from alternative lenders, funds, or private investors is strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of Letters of Credit (UCP 600), trade documentation, Incoterms, and international payment structures.
An established network within banking and financial markets is a significant advantage.
Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
Excellent negotiation and relationship management capabilities.
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, international trading environment.
Fluent in English (additional languages are a plus).
Advanced Excel skills; ERP system experience is an advantage.

What We Offer

A strategic role with direct impact on the company’s funding and expansion strategy.
Exposure to international commodity markets across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Opportunity to build and diversify the company’s financing structure.
Dynamic and fast-growing international trading environment.

Overview

About LemonTree

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Trade Finance Officer (oil&gas)