A leading international trading organization is seeking an experienced Chemical Trader to join its Dubai operations and support the expansion of its chemical and petrochemical trading business across the Middle East and international markets.

The role will focus on business origination, physical trading, market development and transaction execution, covering the full trading cycle from identifying suppliers and customers through commercial negotiation, contract execution, logistics and settlement.

The ideal candidate will have an established network across the chemical and petrochemical industry and a proven track record of developing and executing profitable trading opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Trading & Business Origination

• Identify, originate and execute physical chemical and petrochemical trading opportunities across the GCC, Middle East and international markets.
• Develop and maintain relationships with producers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, traders and industrial end-users.
• Source products and identify customers based on market demand, supply availability and commercial opportunities.
• Develop new customers, suppliers, trading routes and product opportunities.
• Evaluate opportunities based on pricing, margins, market conditions, logistics, credit and commercial risk.
• Negotiate purchase and sales contracts, pricing, payment terms, delivery terms and other commercial conditions.
• Manage transactions through the complete trading cycle, from initial negotiation through delivery and settlement.

Market & Commercial Management

• Monitor market pricing, supply-demand dynamics, production, imports/exports, freight and competitor activity.
• Develop market intelligence and provide commercial insights to management.
• Identify arbitrage, distribution and other value-creation opportunities.
• Support the development of long-term supply agreements, offtake arrangements and strategic commercial relationships.
• Maintain visibility of the trading pipeline, transaction profitability and market opportunities.

Transaction & Supply Chain Management

• Coordinate with Finance, Risk, Legal, Compliance, Logistics and Operations teams to ensure effective transaction execution.
• Manage trade documentation, shipping, delivery schedules and payment processes.
• Ensure transactions comply with company policies, regulatory requirements and agreed commercial terms.
• Coordinate with international trading teams and relevant global stakeholders as required.

Product Experience

Experience in one or more of the following product areas will be advantageous:

• Methanol
• Polymers
• Ethylene
• Soda Ash
• Petrochemical feedstocks
• Industrial / bulk chemicals
• Other commodity or specialty chemical products

Candidate Profile

• 5–10+ years of relevant experience in chemical, petrochemical or commodity trading.
• Proven experience in physical trading and international/cross-border transactions.
• Established network of chemical/petrochemical producers, suppliers, distributors, traders and/or industrial end-users.
• Demonstrated track record in business origination and transaction execution.
• Strong understanding of commodity pricing, margins, supply-demand fundamentals and trading economics.
• Experience with international trade, Incoterms, shipping, logistics and trade documentation.
• Strong commercial negotiation and contract-management skills.
• Ability to independently identify, develop and convert trading opportunities.
• GCC / Middle East market experience is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical, communication and relationship-management capabilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Chemical Engineering, International Trade or a related discipline.
• Excellent English communication skills. Arabic and/or other relevant languages would be an advantage.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Build and maintain a strong supplier and customer network.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of chemical and petrochemical trading opportunities.
• Originate and execute commercially viable transactions.
• Expand chemical trading activities across the Middle East and international markets.
• Develop new products, customers, suppliers and trading routes.
• Provide actionable market intelligence and identify new commercial opportunities.