International Coffee Trader

On behalf of a company operating in the international green coffee trade, we are seeking an experienced Green Coffee Trader with a strong background in the purchasing and selling of green coffee across international markets.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and managing commercial and trading activities involving both Arabica and Robusta coffee, overseeing the entire negotiation process, from identifying purchasing opportunities to selling the product.

The role requires an in-depth understanding of the international coffee market, price formation mechanisms, commodity exchange dynamics, and the main coffee‑producing and trading regions.

We are looking for a professional with relevant industry experience who has developed a network of commercial relationships with producers, exporters, importers, trading companies and coffee roasters worldwide.

The position will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will involve a high degree of autonomy in managing negotiations and developing business opportunities, in line with the company's strategies and policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Trading, International Purchasing and Sales

• Manage the purchasing and selling of green coffee, covering both Arabica and Robusta varieties.
• Identify and develop business opportunities across key international sourcing and destination markets.
• Conduct commercial negotiations with suppliers and customers, negotiating prices, volumes, quality specifications, contractual terms, payment conditions and delivery terms.
• Manage and develop long-term commercial relationships with producers, exporters, importers, intermediaries and coffee roasters.
• Identify new business partners and strengthen the existing international network.
• Evaluate purchasing and sales opportunities based on market conditions, price differentials and margin objectives.

Market Analysis and Negotiation Management

• Continuously monitor prices and developments in international coffee markets, with particular reference to ICE Futures U.S. – New York (Arabica) and ICE Futures Europe – London (Robusta) .
• Analyse futures market trends, differentials between physical and futures markets, price volatility and the main factors influencing supply and demand.
• Assess the impact of weather conditions, crop yields, supply availability across producing origins, exchange rates and logistics costs on commercial opportunities.
• Define the commercial and financial terms of transactions, assessing margins, price exposure and commercial risks.
• Understand and apply the main price risk management and hedging instruments, in accordance with company procedures.
• Provide the CEO with market analyses, updates on trading opportunities and insights to support commercial decision-making.

Product Knowledge and Trade Operations

• Assess the commercial and quality characteristics of green coffee from different origins, including varieties, classifications, quality standards and end‑use applications.
• Manage the commercial aspects of international purchasing and sales contracts.
• Coordinate with logistics and administrative departments to ensure the proper execution of commercial transactions.
• Monitor compliance with contractual terms, delivery schedules and agreed quality standards.
• Support the resolution of any issues related to product quality, transportation, commercial documentation and product delivery.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in international green coffee trading, gained within trading companies, importers, exporters or operators specialising in agricultural commodities.
• Experience in both purchasing and selling green coffee across international markets.
• Knowledge of Arabica and Robusta varieties, major producing origins, commercial classifications and product quality characteristics.
• Solid understanding of the ICE New York and London markets , including the relevant futures contracts, price differentials and trading mechanisms.
• Familiarity with price risk management and hedging instruments used in commodity trading.
• An established professional network within the green coffee industry, developed through direct commercial relationships with international market participants.
• Experience in negotiating and managing international purchase and sales contracts.
• Knowledge of international trade dynamics, Incoterms and logistics processes related to green coffee transportation and handling.
• Excellent command of English , both written and spoken, essential for managing international business relationships and negotiations.

Knowledge of additional foreign languages and direct experience in major coffee‑producing countries will be considered an advantage.

Personal and Professional Competencies

• Excellent negotiation skills and a strong results‑driven approach.
• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to identify business opportunities.
• Solid analytical skills and the ability to interpret developments in commodity markets.
• Decision‑making autonomy, reliability and accountability in managing transactions.
• Ability to build and maintain long‑term commercial relationships in multicultural environments.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic markets characterised by price volatility.
• Flexibility, sound judgement and the ability to manage complex negotiations.
• A pragmatic approach focused on value creation.

Employment Terms and Benefits

• Annual gross salary: €70,000–€85.000, depending on the candidate's experience and competencies, + MBO , permanent employment under the Italian National Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Commerce Sector (CCNL Commercio).
• Possibility of working remotely for a few days, in accordance with the company's organisational arrangements.
• For candidates relocating from other geographical areas, logistical support and assistance in finding suitable accommodation to facilitate relocation to Italy.
• Direct reporting line to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• A role offering significant exposure to international markets and the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of the company's trading activities.

The position does not include a company car.

This job opportunity is open to candidates of all genders, in accordance with Italian Legislative Decree No. 198/2006 and Legislative Decree No. 276/2003.