Director of Global Trading - Commodities

• Office Based - North-East England
• Frequent International Travel
• Up to £200,000 per annum (DOE)
• Performance Bonus (Negotiable) + Excellent Benefits Package

Relocation support, or visa sponsorship would be available for the right candidate.

Our Client

Our client is a privately owned international trading group with an annual turnover exceeding US $1 billion. Operating across the fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture sectors, the business specialises in the global trade of frozen proteins (fish, meat, poultry & pork) and a new but growing category of dry commodities (including Rice & Sugar). Headquartered in the North-East of England with offices in China and Spain, the group has ambitious plans to expand its international footprint, with new offices planned in strategic markets over the coming years.

Their core trading regions include West Africa, Asia, and South America, where they have established a strong reputation for reliability, quality, and integrity. Following a sustained period of growth, the company has created a new role for a Trading Director to drive the next phase of development and ensure continued global success.

The Opportunity

This is a pivotal commercial leadership appointment with significant strategic influence. Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will help shape and execute the global trading strategy, oversee high-value international buying and selling activity, and work closely with an established team of highly experienced traders.

While direct trading experience would be advantageous, our client is equally interested in commercially astute candidates from FMCG, food, agriculture, protein, or other commodities-led businesses who have a strong track record in international buying, selling, negotiation, supplier/customer development, and margin-focused commercial decision-making. This could suit an established senior commercial leader or an ambitious candidate in an early leadership role who is ready to step up, broaden their global impact, and develop under the guidance of a highly experienced leadership team and strong commercial mentor.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and implement global trading and commercial strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Oversee daily trading operations, leading and mentoring a high-performing team of traders both in the UK and overseas.
• Identify and secure new trading opportunities across global seafood, meat, and poultry markets.
• Explore and develop growth opportunities beyond seafood, meat and poultry.
• Manage supplier and customer relationships to ensure reliable, profitable, and sustainable partnerships.
• Conduct in-depth market and competitor analysis to guide decision-making and mitigate risks.
• Oversee the commercial P&L, focusing on margin optimisation, forecasting, and financial performance.
• Collaborate with the senior management team on strategic planning, business development, and growth initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with international trading regulations, sustainability standards, and company governance.
• Represent the business at industry events, trade shows, and client meetings worldwide.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience:

• MSc or BSc in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Proven success in an international commercial, buying, selling, procurement, category, commodities, or trading-related role, ideally within FMCG, food, agriculture, protein, seafood, aquaculture, or comparable global commodities markets.
• Strong track record of buying and selling commercially, negotiating profitable deals, managing margins, and developing supplier and customer relationships across international markets.
• Global experience is essential, including exposure to international suppliers, customers, markets, cultures, pricing dynamics, or cross-border supply chains.
• Leadership experience may be at senior level or in an early leadership capacity, provided the candidate demonstrates clear potential, ambition, credibility, and the appetite to progress into a broader global leadership role.
• Expertise in supply chain, procurement, logistics, and international trade.
• Sound understanding of commercial finance, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Experience working with ERP systems (preferably SAP).

Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder-management skills.
• Natural leadership capability, with the humility to learn, the confidence to influence, and the potential to grow under strong mentorship.
• Excellent analytical, commercial, and communication skills.
• Globally minded, adaptable, and culturally aware.
• Willingness to travel frequently and represent the company internationally.

Our client is seeking a dynamic leader who thrives in a culture that values empathy, engagement, and collaboration. Renowned for low attrition and high staff satisfaction, the successful candidate will build on this foundation by leading through example, fostering a positive, can-do attitude, and actively promoting a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel.

Please send your CV to Janet McGlaughlin or Matt Pallister at Marmion to arrange an initial confidential discussion.

Thank you for your interest. We carefully review every CV and will contact shortlisted applicants by phone or email. If you don’t hear from us within 5 working days, unfortunately your application hasn’t been successful on this occasion.