Richard James Recruitment Specialists Ltd
Metals Trade Finance & Operations Officer

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Based: North London (fully office based)
Salary: c.£35,000-£42,000
We're currently partnering with a well-established international metals trading business to recruit an experienced Metals Operations professional to join their London office.
As the business continues to grow, they are looking to strengthen their operations team with an experienced professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced trading environment.
Working closely with Traders, Finance, Logistics, banks, and external counterparties, you'll play a key role in supporting the full trade lifecycle, ensuring transactions are executed accurately and efficiently from contract through to settlement.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Letters of Credit and Trade Finance
- Review export Letters of Credit to confirm that the terms are workable and consistent with the underlying transaction, arranging amendments where required.
- Prepare and coordinate compliant document presentations under sales Letters of Credit, ensuring all documentation meets the relevant credit terms and UCP 600 requirements.
- Liaise closely with banks following presentation of documents, resolving discrepancies or queries and helping to secure the prompt negotiation and release of funds.
- Serve as the primary internal contact for technical Letter of Credit matters, providing practical guidance and resolving documentary credit issues throughout the transaction lifecycle.
- Arrange the issuance of supplier Letters of Credit where required, ensuring applications are completed accurately and within the necessary timescales.
- Examine documentation received from suppliers, identify any discrepancies, and coordinate payment of supplier invoices in line with agreed terms and internal procedures.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Contracts and Trade Execution
- Produce purchase and sales contracts from approved templates when new trades are booked, and issue amendments as transactions develop.
- Work alongside the Traders to verify the expected profitability of each transaction and ensure the relevant trade reports are completed and approved.
- Coordinate vessel nominations with suppliers, customers, and port agents, including issuing Bills of Lading and other shipping or documentary instructions.
- Arrange container bookings and maintain regular communication with sellers and other external parties to support the timely movement of goods.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Invoicing and Administration
- Raise sales invoices accurately and promptly, working to the company’s month-end reporting timetable.
- Maintain complete and well-organized electronic and physical transaction files.
- Provide wider administrative and operational support to the trading team as required.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
- Previous experience within commodity trading, physical trading, or a closely related international trade environment is essential.
- Strong hands-on experience managing documentary Letters of Credit, particularly reviewing export LCs, arranging amendments, and preparing compliant presentations.
- Sound working knowledge of UCP 600, with the ability to identify and resolve documentary discrepancies and technical LC issues.
- Good understanding of international trade documentation, shipping, and import/export processes.
- Exposure to physical metals trading would be highly advantageous.
- Highly organized and detail-focused, with strong communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities within a small, fast-paced team.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location