Torq Commodities is seeking an entrepreneurial and highly commercial trading professional to establish, lead, and grow its China trading platform.This is a front-office trading role. The successful candidate will be responsible for building and managing a profitable trading book, developing strategic customer and supplier relationships, and creating a sustainable profit centre for the business in China.
We are specifically seeking a hands-on trader with a proven track record of originating, negotiating, and executing profitable physical commodity transactions and managing a significant P&L.
The successful candidate must be a native Mandarin speaker or possess native-level Mandarin proficiency, combined with fluent English, enabling them to operate effectively with Chinese counterparties while integrating with the company's international leadership team.
Requirements
Key ResponsibilitiesTrading & P&L Ownership
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Develop and manage a profitable physical commodity trading book focused on China.
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Originate, negotiate, and execute physical commodity transactions.
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Own and manage trading profitability, margins, and risk exposure.
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Develop and maintain a portfolio of customers, suppliers, processors, importers, exporters, and strategic counterparties.
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Identify and execute new trading opportunities across China and international markets.
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Deliver measurable revenue and gross profit growth.
China Platform Development
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Build and establish Torq's China trading platform and market presence.
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Develop and execute the company's China trading strategy.
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Identify new markets, customers, suppliers, and product opportunities.
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Represent the company as the commercial lead for China-related activities.
Team Leadership
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Recruit, develop, and lead a China-focused trading team.
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Build capabilities across trading, execution, logistics, and market intelligence.
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Establish clear performance targets linked to profitability and growth.
Market Intelligence & Risk Management
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Monitor market developments, trade flows, pricing dynamics, freight markets, and regulatory developments.
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Provide trading recommendations and market intelligence to senior management.
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Identify commercial opportunities and trading risks.
Stakeholder Management
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Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key market participants.
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Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and customer meetings.
The primary measure of success in this role will be the ability to build a profitable China trading business through active trading, customer origination, supplier development, and sustained P&L generation.
Benefits
Essential Requirements
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10+ years of commodity trading experience with significant exposure to the Chinese market.
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Demonstrated track record of managing a profitable trading book.
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Direct responsibility for trading P&L and profitability.
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Strong existing network of customers and suppliers within China.
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Experience originating and executing physical commodity transactions.
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Proven ability to build and grow trading businesses.
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Strong commercial negotiation skills.
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Native Mandarin speaker or equivalent fluency.
Preferred Experience
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Experience within agricultural commodities, coffee, edible nuts, grains, soft commodities, energy products, or related sectors.
- Previous experience establishing a new trading desk, business unit, or regional operation.
- Experience working within an international trading house.
