Our client is a diversified holding company operating in commodities trading and transportation. Initially, established in 1990 it is the largest private investor in port infrastructure, its driving its business in several promising areas: in the transshipment of bulk cargo, grain crops, bulky, as well as oil products and liquefied petroleum gases (LPG).  With offices spread across Europe and Russia, coupled with its financial strength and in¬depth knowledge of supply and demand in regional markets, means that it is ideally placed to take full advantage of global flows of a range of commodities including LPG, bulk materials and coal. The Group also possesses a strong logistics function, and is thus able to consolidate cargoes, operate vessels, actively manage freight market risk and overall provide tailor-made solutions to trading partners.

Due to major investment and as part of a program of growth, the Group plans to expand trading capacity in coal and as part of this development, the decision has been taken to recruit a Head of Coal Trading to lead, manage and develop the Group's regional activities.  

Given the Group's existing trade fundamentals there is a strong preference for this position to be based in the Cyprus (Larnaca) office which forms a major hub in the Group's trading operations. The Moscow office is also an option should the ideal candidate currently be based there.

Why Apply? If you are looking to help set up a new operation, then this is for you.  You will manage the existing coal trading and shipping team and will be expected to develop strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels throughout the Group. The primary objective of this role is to manage the Group's coal trading activity on an international basis with special emphasis on the Group's trade flow of Russian coal to traditional markets in  India, Brasil, Turkey, China and South East Asia.  You will work closely with the Head of Trading and Operations. 

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage trading activities and operations, developing opportunities to extend the Group's sourcing of coal, and developing strong relationships with both suppliers and consumers.
• Taking overall responsibility for the coal book and the coal position;  monitoring and evaluating risk and ensuring proper flow of information regarding the position;  ensuring regular reporting to the Management Committee on transactions, financial commitments and profitability.
• Retaining an overview and ultimately controlling the day to day trading activity;  formulating and implementing the coal trading policy and business plan.
• Leading and managing the coal trading team; reviewing strengths and weaknesses; taking the necessary steps to build a world¬class coal trading business.
• Representing the business at senior level both commercial and governmental;  maintaining strong personal relationships at senior level with producers and consumers, processors, shippers and the financial community.
• Keeping up to date with developments in the global market and reacting positively and creatively to international economic and political developments.  Forecasting market direction.
• Identifying and developing opportunities in which the Group's infrastructure, reputation and financial strength can be used to advantage, for example in strategic alliances, investment opportunities, acquisitions and partnerships with producers, processors, consumers.
• Ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of all support systems.

Your Profile:

This role calls for an experienced and professional Coal Trader/Coal Trading Manager and with the experience both to act as the lead business creator and also to manage and direct the coal trading unit.  In¬depth experience of coal trading (coking/metallurgical coal and/or thermal coal) is a prerequisite, but an additional essential element in the candidate's make up is the ability to succeed in setting up a new operation/department.

• A minimum of ten year's experience of working in the coal sector (coking/metallurgical coal and/or thermal coal).
• A record sourcing, trading and marketing of coal with an emphasis on sourcing from Russia, and delivery to India, Turkey, Vietnam, and China. 
• A sound understanding of the global pattern of supply and of the consumption of coal;  knowledge of the major sources worldwide, coal grades and specifications, and coal markets;  also of the economic dynamics affecting the international movement of coal.
• A sound understanding of coal operations including production and processing methods and procedures, stocking and storage, transportation, port facilities, shipping etc.
• Personal contacts at a senior level with producers, traders, processors, shippers, consumers, banks and other financial institutions.
• Experience of interacting with colleagues at senior management level in an international trading business.
• Sound knowledge of the mechanics of trading and reporting systems, risk evaluation and management, shipping, ports, charter parties, contracts, trade finance etc.
• Flexibility to travel extensively
• Willingness to relocate to Cyprus

Your remuneration package:

There is no pre¬determined remuneration package. It will be individually negotiated to reflect experience and trading records and to attract suitably high-level candidates for this senior appointment.  

Relocation assistance shall be provided