Business Development Manager

About the job

Synchrotech is supporting one of its international client active in global commodity trading in the recruitment of an experienced Business Development & Commercial Operations Manager.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business Development & Commercial Operations Manager will play a key role in supporting the company’s international growth strategy by identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic commercial relationships, coordinating cross-border trading activities, conducting market and compliance assessments, and supporting operational and logistical aspects of commodity transactions. The position requires a combination of commercial acumen, international business development expertise, knowledge of commodity trading operations, and familiarity with maritime transportation, compliance procedures, and international trade practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business development & strategic growth :

o Identify, evaluate, and develop new commercial opportunities within the global energy, commodity, shipping, and agricultural sectors.

o Expand and strengthen the company’s international network of suppliers, buyers, brokers, logistics providers, and trading counterparties.

o Develop and maintain long-term commercial relationships with existing and prospective clients.

o Support management in evaluating new markets, trading opportunities, and strategic partnerships.

Commercial negotiations & relationship management:

o Participate in commercial discussions with counterparties and assist in negotiating preliminary commercial terms.

o Coordinate communications between clients, suppliers, brokers, financial institutions, logistics providers, and service partners.

o Prepare commercial proposals, presentations, market analyses, and business development reports.

o Serve as a primary liaison for international counterparties throughout the pre-contractual and transactional process.

Market intelligence & commercial analysis :

o Conduct market research and commercial intelligence gathering relating to global commodity, shipping, logistics, and energy markets.

o Monitor industry developments, freight markets, regulatory developments, sanctions regimes, and market trends affecting international trade activities.

o Provide management with strategic insights and recommendations regarding market opportunities and commercial risks.

Compliance, due diligence & counterparty verification :

o Coordinate Know-Your-Customer (KYC), Know-Your-Business (KYB), sanctions screening, and counterparty due diligence processes.

o Assist in assessing commercial, operational, and compliance risks associated with prospective transactions and business relationships.

o Maintain accurate records and documentation supporting internal compliance and governance requirements.

o Monitor developments relating to international trade regulations, sanctions frameworks, and compliance obligations relevant to commodity trading activities.

Maritime & logistics coordination :

o Support the review and assessment of maritime and logistical information relating to commodity transportation activities.

o Review vessel screening reports, insurance documentation, shipping records, and operational information relevant to international commodity movements.

o Coordinate with shipowners, charterers, operators, brokers, inspection companies, and logistics service providers where required.

o Assist in identifying and mitigating operational risks associated with transportation and delivery processes.

Cross-functional coordination :

o Coordinate activities between commercial, operational, compliance, legal, financial, and external stakeholders.

o Facilitate the exchange of commercial, logistical, and operational information among relevant parties.

o Support transaction execution and ensure effective communication throughout the business cycle.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

o Minimum 10 years of professional experience within international commodity trading, maritime transportation, energy, logistics, shipping, business development, commercial operations, or related sectors.

o Demonstrated experience in both commercial and operational functions involving international trade, logistics, maritime operations, commodity markets, or business development.

o Strong understanding of international commodity trading practices, commercial negotiations, counterparty management, and cross-border business operations.

o Practical knowledge of maritime transportation, tanker operations, shipping logistics, vessel screening processes, or maritime risk management is highly desirable.

o Experience conducting KYC, KYB, sanctions screening, compliance reviews, due diligence assessments, or related risk management activities within an international business environment.

o Proven ability to manage relationships with international counterparties and stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.

o Bachelor’s degree or higher in Maritime Studies, Nautical Sciences, International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Law, Finance, or a related discipline.

o Relevant professional qualifications or certifications in maritime operations, logistics, compliance, international trade, risk management, or commercial management are considered an advantage.

o Full professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

o Additional languages relevant to international business and commodity trading environments are considered an asset.

o Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.