Operations Manager – Commodity Trading & Supply Chain

CDL was founded in early 2003 by its current Managing Director Lucy Mmari.Within her 14 year tenure in a well established logistics company, She honed her skill in human resources management and thereafter started CDL.

Operations Manager – Commodity Trading & Supply Chain

Role Overview

• We are seeking a hands-on, structured, and commercially aware Operations Manager to lead and coordinate our Nairobi operations within an international commodity trading environment.

• The role will oversee a team of 7–8 operations professionals and ensure the smooth execution of commodity movements across international markets. The successful candidate will work closely with trading, treasury, trade finance, suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, and 3PL partners across multiple countries.

• The role requires strong knowledge of international trade, commodity movement, shipping operations, trade documentation, Incoterms, regulatory frameworks, and operational systems, together with the ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, coach, and manage a team of 7–8 operations professionals, ensuring accountability, productivity, and effective workload management.

• Oversee the end-to-end movement of commodities internationally, including containers, bulk, and breakbulk shipments.

• Coordinate with international suppliers, customers, shipping lines, transporters, ports, agents, and 3PL providers.

• Manage operational processes relating to commodity trading, shipping, logistics, documentation, stock movements, and deliveries.

• Apply a strong understanding of international trade practices and Incoterms, including FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW, and DAP.

• Understand and articulate operational challenges affecting commodity movement across global markets, including shipping, documentation, customs, transportation, delays, costs, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing international trade and ensure operational compliance.

• Work closely with Trading, Treasury, Trade Finance, and other internal teams to ensure smooth transaction execution.

• Design, implement, and continuously improve clear and efficient operational processes and controls.

• Ensure accurate and timely updates of operational systems, shipment records, documentation, and reports.

• Monitor stock movements, reconciliations, shipment status, and operational controls.

• Ensure effective follow-up of operational payments, documentation, and outstanding actions.

• Use Power BI, management information systems, and other operational tools to monitor performance, identify trends, and support data-driven decision-making.

• Drive effective adoption and use of shipping technologies, operational systems, and digital management tools.

• Identify operational risks, bottlenecks, and recurring challenges and implement sustainable solutions.

• Act as a key link between operations, management, and other business functions to ensure alignment and effective execution.

• Train and develop the operations team, promoting consistency, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience