Trades Officer

Job Purpose

The Trades Officer will support the Trades Manager in the day-to-day running of the Group Trade Desk, a centralised service that enables business activities across Kursi Group. The role will assist with offtake and sourcing opportunities in domestic and international markets, market intelligence, quotations and transaction documentation, and the coordination of import, export and logistics activities.

The Trades Officer will help ensure that trades are executed accurately, on time and in compliance with applicable trade regulations and company policies, maintaining accurate trade records, stock information and reports for management review.

The role will work closely with Finance, Operations and other departments, and will build and maintain good working relationships with clients, suppliers and logistics partners.

Key Responsibilities

Trading and Sales Support

• Support the execution of trading strategies, pricing models and commercial plans, as directed by the Trades Manager.
• Follow up on offtake enquiries and potential buyers, and prepare quotations, proposals and trade documentation.
• Support contract preparation and negotiations, and track contract terms, deliveries and renewals.

Sourcing and Market Intelligence

• Support strategic sourcing by screening and liaising with local and international suppliers, and maintain the supplier database.
• Gather and analyse market data (pricing trends, demand, competitor activity) and prepare market updates.

Import, Export and Logistics

• Plan import and export shipments from start to finish, including timelines, routing, mode of transport (sea, air or road) and Incoterms, in line with contract terms and as directed by the Trades Manager.
• Obtain and compare quotes from freight forwarders, clearing agents, shipping lines and haulage companies, and coordinate their activities on each shipment.
• Prepare and track shipping documentation, including commercial and proforma invoices, packing lists, bills of lading or airway bills, certificates of origin, assay or analysis reports and insurance certificates.
• Process import and export documents with the company's banks, including Form M, the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) and the NXP form, and obtain the permits and licences required for mineral exports and regulated imports.
• Coordinate customs clearance at ports, airports and border points with licensed clearing agents, ensuring correct HS code classification, valuation and payment of duties and levies.
• Arrange cargo insurance, packaging, labelling, sealing and secure loading, particularly for high-value mineral consignments.
• Track shipments in transit, give regular status updates, and follow up on delays, demurrage, damages or shortages with carriers, agents and insurers.
• Coordinate the receipt and inspection of imported goods at destination sites, and confirm delivery and acceptance of exports with buyers.
• Reconcile freight, clearing and duty charges with Finance before payment, and track the repatriation of export proceeds within regulatory timelines.
• Ensure compliance with Nigeria Customs Service, NEPC, CBN, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and destination-country requirements, including chain-of-custody and anti-money-laundering documentation for gold and other precious mineral exports.
• Keep up to date with changes in trade regulations, tariffs and export policies, and flag their impact to the Trades Manager.
• Maintain a complete, audit-ready file for every shipment, from contract to final delivery and payment.

Inventory and Reporting

• Maintain accurate inventory and stock movement records, and reconcile them with Operations and Finance.
• Prepare and update sales and trading reports, forecasts and KPI trackers for management review.

Relationships and Collaboration

• Build and maintain good working relationships with clients, suppliers and logistics partners.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations and other departments to ensure efficient trading activities.
• Identify and escalate new business opportunities to expand trading volume and market presence.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Economics or a related field is required.
• Professional certification in trade, logistics or supply chain is an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in trading, supply chain, procurement, logistics or related fields.
• Hands-on experience in import and export operations or international trade logistics is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and support supplier and client relationships.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and market research skills.
• Good negotiation and relationship management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational, time management and reporting skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in trade records and documentation.
• Working knowledge of international trade laws, customs documentation and import and export procedures.
• Ability to work with Finance, Operations and logistics partners to keep trades moving.
• High level of integrity, professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools for reporting and analysis.

Technical Competencies

Competency Area Expected Capability

Ability to follow market trends and pricing dynamics.

Knowledge of procurement, inventory and distribution processes.

Knowledge of import and export procedures, customs documentation and freight coordination.

Ability to prepare quotations, track costs and understand profitability.

Knowledge of international trade laws and import and export regulations.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools for reporting and analysis.

Performance Metrics

• Contribution to revenue and profitability targets.
• Efficiency in sourcing support, inventory management and import, export and logistics coordination.
• Compliance with regulatory and company policies.
• Responsiveness and growth in supplier and client relationships.
• Timeliness and accuracy of reporting, trade documentation and stock records.