Operations Lead – Steel Trading | Schaumburg, IL, USA

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Letters of Credit, including opening, vetting against sales/purchase contracts, discrepancy resolution and bank coordination.
  
• Manage customer credit and follow up on customer payments.
  
• Ensure timely customs declarations and clearance.
  
• Supervise the assigned operations team across all aspects of trade execution.
  
• Review sales contracts and purchase orders, including Incoterms and transaction costs.
  
• Ensure preparation of commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, insurance certificates, certificates of origin and LC documentation.
  
• Coordinate payments for steel purchases, freight and service providers with Finance & Accounts.
  
• Improve operational procedures and documentation processes.
  
• Identify and escalate contractual/commercial risks.
  
• Work with IT to improve operational systems including NAVISION/D365.
  
• Manage team members and relationships with commercial teams, vendors and suppliers.
  
• Monitor warehouse reports, ageing inventory and system stock reconciliation.
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, related field or equivalent.
  
• Strong experience in steel trading, steel mills operations or commodities preferred.
  
• Hands-on knowledge of international trade operations, logistics, trade finance and Letters of Credit.
  
• Strong understanding of Incoterms.
  
• Team management and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Strong communication, coordination and problem-solving abilities.
  
• Advanced Excel and ERP knowledge.
  
• Spanish language skills would be an advantage.