Coffee Trader

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Coffee Trader to develop green-coffee trading activities and grow relationships with suppliers and customers across regional markets.

The successful candidate will source and market Arabica and Robusta coffee, negotiate physical contracts and manage trading positions within approved limits. The role combines business development, market analysis and close coordination with quality, logistics and finance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and trade Arabica and Robusta green coffee to meet customer requirements and commercial objectives.

• Develop relationships with origin suppliers, exporters, roasters and trading counterparties.

• Identify new customers and grow business within assigned markets.

• Negotiate pricing, quality specifications, shipment periods, payment terms and other contractual conditions.

• Analyse crop developments, weather conditions, origin availability, inventories and global coffee demand.

• Monitor futures prices and physical differentials to identify trading and pricing opportunities.

• Manage physical positions and execute or coordinate hedging within approved authority and risk limits.

• Track trading margins, market exposure and contract performance.

• Work with quality teams on sample approvals, coffee specifications and quality claims.

• Coordinate with operations teams to ensure timely shipments, accurate documentation and contract execution.

• Resolve delivery delays, contractual discrepancies and customer concerns.

• Liaise with Finance and Credit teams on counterparty limits, payments and outstanding receivables.

• Maintain accurate trade records, position reports and market updates.

• Support responsible sourcing, certification and traceability requirements.

• Represent the business at customer meetings, origin visits and industry events.

Requirements

• Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Agriculture or a related discipline.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in physical coffee trading or green-coffee merchandising.

• Strong understanding of Arabica and Robusta fundamentals, origins, quality specifications and pricing differentials.

• Practical experience negotiating physical coffee contracts and managing trade execution.

• Working knowledge of coffee futures, hedging and trading-risk management.

• Proven ability to develop supplier relationships and secure customer business.

• An established network of coffee exporters, producers or roasters would be advantageous.

• Experience in cupping or green-coffee quality assessment would be beneficial.

• Strong negotiation, analytical and commercial decision-making skills.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and commodity trading systems.

• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills.

• Willing to travel and engage with counterparties across different time zones.