Role Overview
We are seeking a commercially aware and highly organised Operations Compliance Manager to support and strengthen the operational control framework of a physical commodities trading business.
This is a hands-on role requiring strong knowledge of commodity trading operations, shipping, logistics, documentation, customs, regulatory obligations and quality management processes. The successful candidate will work closely with trading, operations, shipping, logistics, finance, IT and senior management to ensure that business processes are robust, efficient, compliant and scalable.
The role will suit someone who combines operational detail with broader process improvement capability. You will be expected to identify weaknesses, improve workflows, monitor quality standards, support audits, and help embed a practical quality management culture across the business.
This position requires strong communication skills, confidence working with senior stakeholders, and the ability to build effective relationships across both internal departments and external service providers.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Management, Reporting & Documentation
- Develop, monitor and report on operational quality standards across the business.
- Establish relevant KPIs to track process performance, accuracy, risk and compliance.
- Collect and analyse operational data to identify trends, recurring issues and areas for improvement.
- Support regular reviews and internal audits of operational processes, controls and procedures.
- Identify, investigate and help resolve quality-related issues across commodity trading operations.
- Maintain and improve documentation standards across key operational workflows.
- Support quality frameworks relating to areas such as ISO standards, dual-use goods, conflict minerals and hazardous material handling.
Operational Control & Process Improvement
- Strengthen operational accuracy, consistency and control across physical trading activity.
- Ensure trading-related processes align with customs, import, export and wider regulatory requirements.
- Review existing workflows and implement improvements to increase efficiency and reduce operational risk.
- Develop and oversee corrective action plans where process weaknesses or compliance gaps are identified.
- Work with internal teams to ensure practical adherence to policies, procedures and risk controls.
- Keep up to date with changes in relevant operational, regulatory, customs, sanctions and international trade requirements.
Relevant areas may include:
- Import and export controls
- Tariffs and customs requirements
- Letters of Credit
- REACH
- CBAM
- Safety Data Sheets
- Sanctions screening
- Hazardous materials handling
- Physical commodity documentation
KYC, Due Diligence & Risk Framework
- Support and complete KYC, CDD, EDD and sanctions checks for counterparties, projects and transactions where required.
- Ensure internal policies and risk management procedures are applied consistently.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to resolve counterparty, documentation or compliance queries.
- Escalate risk or compliance concerns appropriately and support practical resolution.
Systems & Business Process Integration
- Support the implementation and optimisation of a new Microsoft-based CTRM system.
- Work with trading, operations, finance and IT teams to ensure system processes reflect operational requirements.
- Help adapt existing workflows to improve efficiency, control, accuracy and reporting.
- Support user adoption, process mapping and continuous improvement around trading systems and operational data.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong experience in physical commodity trading operations, ideally including shipping, logistics, documentation and trade execution.
- Practical knowledge of international trade, customs, import/export requirements and commodity-related regulatory obligations.
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