Operations Manager - Commodity Trading & Supply Chain

About the role

Career Directions Limited is looking for a hands-on, structured and commercially aware Operations Manager to lead its Nairobi operations in an international commodity trading environment. The role oversees a team of 7-8 operations professionals and ensures the smooth execution of commodity movements across international markets, working closely with trading, treasury, trade finance, suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters and 3PL partners.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach and manage a team of 7-8 operations professionals, ensuring accountability, productivity and effective workload management.
• Oversee end-to-end international movement of commodities, including containers, bulk and breakbulk shipments.
• Coordinate with international suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, ports, agents and 3PL providers.
• Manage commodity trading, shipping, logistics, documentation, stock movements and deliveries, applying knowledge of Incoterms such as FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW and DAP.
• Identify operational challenges (shipping, documentation, customs, delays, costs, regulations) and propose practical solutions.
• Ensure compliance with the legal and regulatory framework governing international trade.
• Work with Trading, Treasury and Trade Finance to ensure smooth transaction execution.
• Design, implement and improve operational processes and controls; keep systems, shipment records, documentation and reports accurate and up to date.
• Monitor stock movements, reconciliations, shipment status and operational controls, and follow up on payments, documentation and outstanding actions.
• Use Power BI and management information systems to monitor performance and support data-driven decisions, and promote adoption of shipping technologies and digital tools.
• Train and develop the operations team and act as a link between operations, management and other business functions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Relations, Commerce, International Trade or a related field.
• 5-7 years of relevant operations experience, preferably in commodity trading, international logistics, shipping or supply chain.
• Proven experience managing or supervising a team of 7+ people.
• Experience in commodities and trading operations is a must.
• Strong understanding of international commodity movement, global supply chain operations, shipping documentation and Incoterms.
• Good understanding of the legal and regulatory framework of international trade.
• Experience with shipping lines, transporters, freight forwarders, ports, customs and 3PL providers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required skills

• Power BI and other operational and management reporting tools
• Stock movement management, reconciliations and documentation
• Process improvement, operational controls and risk management