Trading Manager

The Trading Manager is responsible for overseeing trading operations, analyzing market trends, and making strategic decisions to maximize profitability. The role focuses on planning demand, developing strong procurement and supply chain sources, managing import and export operations, setting financial and performance indicators, and establishing compliance and quality assurance processes. Responsibilities: Analyze the Saudi fresh produce and fruit market trends, including pricing, consumer demand, and seasonal shifts. Maintain up-to-date intelligence on wholesale markets, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madina. Forecast product demand, price volatility, and competitor movements. Identify emerging opportunities for high-value or under-supplied items. Develop and manage international supplier relationships in key producing countries such as India, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Oman, and Kenya. Negotiate procurement contracts, pricing terms, and payment schedules. Ensure compliance with SFDA, MEWA, and import regulations for all inbound products. Plan and coordinate import shipments, ensuring correct documentation including phytosanitary, customs, and SFDA approvals. Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and cold chain service providers. Optimize transportation modes including air, sea, and reefer truck based on cost and freshness requirements. Explore export potential for Nawami-grown carrots and other products. Build annual P&L plans and trading budgets for the produce division. Track cost per tonne, profit margins, and ROI on trade flows. Monitor and control operating expenses, logistics costs, and waste reduction. Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports for management. Ensure all traded produce meets food safety, quality, and labeling standards including SFDA and GSO. Implement cold chain and handling SOPs from origin to customer. Work with QA teams to inspect inbound shipments and resolve quality claims. Maintain documentation and traceability for every transaction. Analyze the Saudi fresh produce and fruit market trends, including pricing, consumer demand, and seasonal shifts. Maintain up-to-date intelligence on wholesale markets, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madina. Forecast product demand, price volatility, and competitor movements. Identify emerging opportunities for high-value or under-supplied items. Develop and manage international supplier relationships in key producing countries such as India, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Oman, and Kenya. Negotiate procurement contracts, pricing terms, and payment schedules. Ensure compliance with SFDA, MEWA, and import regulations for all inbound products. Plan and coordinate import shipments, ensuring correct documentation including phytosanitary, customs, and SFDA approvals. Liaise with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and cold chain service providers. Optimize transportation modes including air, sea, and reefer truck based on cost and freshness requirements. Explore export potential for Nawami-grown carrots and other products. Build annual P&L plans and trading budgets for the produce division. Track cost per tonne, profit margins, and ROI on trade flows. Monitor and control operating expenses, logistics costs, and waste reduction. Prepare weekly and monthly performance reports for management. Ensure all traded produce meets food safety, quality, and labeling standards including SFDA and GSO. Implement cold chain and handling SOPs from origin to customer. Work with QA teams to inspect inbound shipments and resolve quality claims. Maintain documentation and traceability for every transaction. Requirements Educational Qualification / Professional Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or any related field. MBA is preferred. Professional Experience At least 5 years’ experience working as a Trading Manager. At least 10 years’ experience working in managerial level. Other Qualifications Well versed with computer operations. Driving License. Fluent in English. Competencies People Management – able to manage multinational workforce and supplier base. Knowledge of international food quality and safety standards. Sound knowledge of budgeting and managing operations. Excellent communication skills. Planning and organizing skills. Business acumen.