Senior Operations Execution Officer - Cotton

Role OverviewWe're currently looking for a Senior Operations Execution Officer who will play a vital role in our global operations function. This newly created position is responsible for end-to-end trade execution, from contract to delivery, managing high-value shipments and ensuring seamless operations across global markets. Working closely with the Amsterdam trading desk and origination teams worldwide, the Senior Operations Execution Officer will help build efficient operational processes whilst supporting digitalisation initiatives across international commodity operations. This is a great chance to advance your career within the fast-paced soft commodities industry.Business OverviewED&F Man Cotton was established in mid-2025, driven by an ambition to become a leading trader of raw cotton, serving customers around the world. The breadth of ED&F Man Commodities’ existing operations provides ED&F Man Cotton with offices in all major cotton producing regions and expertise in operating sustainable containerized supply chains, underpinned by robust risk management procedures. We are part of ED&F Man Commodities, a world leading trader of agricultural products including coffee, sugar, cotton, molasses and animal feed. This position is based at our offices in Amsterdam, Netherlands reporting to our Commercial Operations Manager.Key AccountabilitiesAdminister the end-to-end execution of physical cotton contracts, shipping instructions and Letters of Credit, collaborating cross-functionally with trade finance, commercial teams, service providers and counterparties.Manage the end-to-end trade documentation process for global shipments, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely submission whilst driving continuous workflow improvements.Ensure timely submission of documentation to banks and customers, maintaining alignment with Letters of Credit and contractual requirements whilst minimizing operational risk.Monitor contract and trade performance, proactively identifying, escalating, and resolving delays or discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with Incoterms, export controls, sanctions and internal policies.Track shipments, documentation status, and inventory, resolving operational issues proactively and maintaining full visibility across the supply chain.Act as the senior liaison between commercial, trade finance, logistics, compliance, and external counterparties to ensure commercial alignment and resolution of escalated trade-related matters.Oversee invoicing, payment processing, and account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and compliance with contractual terms.Monitor inventory maintaining accurate stock-in/stock-out records for shipments, deliveries, and warehouse balances.Help drive the adoption of digital trade solutions and platforms, collaborating with IT teams to enhance system integration, data accuracy and workflow efficiency.Develop and maintain dashboards, KPIs and reporting mechanisms to identify opportunities for process improvement, and accelerate document turnaround.Mentor and support junior operations staff, acting as a subject matter expert in trade execution and Letters of Credit providing guidance on best practices.Skills & Experience5+ years’ experience in trade execution, operations or logistics within agricultural commodities; cotton preferred, with other soft commodities also welcomed.Strong knowledge of international trade processes, including trade documentation, Incoterms, Letters of Credit and logistics.Experience coordinating shipments and managing containerized freight operations.Analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to work to deadlines.Strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with internal teams, external customers and service providers.Proactive, problem-solving mindset with the ability to manage multiple tasks.Excellent organizational skills, able to adhere to deadlines and ensure accuracyComfortable with data analysis, creating reports, dashboards and KPIs using Excel or Power BI tools.Experienced in working with digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency.We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Our OfferWe provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global working environment which will stretch and develop your skillset. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.Our ValuesRespect, Integrity, Meritocracy, Client Focus, EntrepreneurshipOur values define who we are. They are the fundamental beliefs that determine our actions and guide our behaviour. They influence the way we communicate and collaborate, and define the way we engage with our clients, partners, and communities. Our values are underpinned by a set of essential behaviours, which form part of our performance management approach. Delivering on our objectives is very much about ‘what’ we do, but these essential behaviours also provide a guide and measure for ‘how’ we do things. Our performance essentials are Take Initiative, Self‐Management, Deliver Results and Collaboration.Our CommitmentWe are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and are focussed on actively building and developing diverse teams. All qualified applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment (identity, gender expression), genetic information or any characteristic protected by local law.We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.To apply you must have the right to work for the provided location.