Products WAF Trader

Overview

A leading international trading house is seeking an experienced Products WAF Trader to join its Geneva office. The successful candidate will manage and grow the company's oil products trading activities across the West African region, focusing on physical trading, supply optimization, and regional market development. This role requires deep regional expertise, strong commercial instincts, and a proven track record of trading multiple refined product grades in West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Physical Trading & Commercial Activities

• Lead and grow physical oil products trading flows into and within the West African region.
• Trade a range of refined products-including gasoline, gasoil/diesel, jet, fuel oil, LPG, and other middle/light distillates-depending on market demand and company portfolio.
• Structure and execute spot, term, and tender‑based deals with NOCs, independents, distributors, and trading counterparties active in WAF.
• Identify arbitrage opportunities and optimize trading positions based on regional supply/demand dynamics.
• Negotiate commercial terms, manage pricing mechanisms, and ensure competitive positioning in tenders and spot markets.

Logistics, Operations & Execution

• Oversee end‑to‑end physical execution of cargoes, including freight, blending, storage, and scheduling.
• Coordinate closely with operations, shipping, and risk teams to ensure smooth cargo execution and minimize operational exposure.
• Optimize freight decisions in collaboration with the shipping desk (vessels, routing, laycans, demurrage exposure, etc.).
• Track and analyze logistical constraints in WAF markets (ports, draft limitations, storage availability, product specs, import regulations).

Market Analysis & Intelligence

• Monitor WAF market fundamentals, pricing trends, tenders, regulatory changes, and competitor activity.
• Maintain a strong network of contacts including suppliers, local importers, brokers, refiners, and distributors.
• Provide timely insights on regional arbitrage routes (Europe-WAF, Med-WAF, US Gulf-WAF, Middle East-WAF).
• Develop and refine trading strategies based on market intelligence and company risk appetite.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Manage trading exposures, P&L, and risk metrics in line with internal risk frameworks.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, KYC, sanctions, and internal trading policies.
• Collaborate with risk control, legal, and finance to maintain high governance standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5-10+ years of physical oil products trading experience, with a clear focus on West African markets.
• Proven track record trading multiple refined product grades (e.g., gasoline, gasoil, jet, fuel oil).
• Strong network of counterparties in WAF and deep understanding of import programs, tenders, specs, and product flows.
• Solid freight and logistics understanding, especially for WAF ports and inland distribution challenges.
• Strong commercial acumen and a history of generating consistent P&L.
• Experience in Geneva or other major trading hubs is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required; relevant advanced degrees a benefit.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive commercial approach.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to operate autonomously while integrating well within a global trading team.
• High integrity, strong compliance mindset, and a solutions‑driven mentality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure trading environment.