Trade Finance Manager

About The Role

Manager, Trade Finance Operations

Location: London (Hybrid)
Sector: Banking & Financial Services
Employment Type: Permanent

The Opportunity
An international financial institution is seeking a Manager, Trade Finance Operations to join its Middle Office function. This role will support the end-to-end processing and oversight of Trade Finance activities while working closely with Front Office, Risk, Compliance, Operations and international shared service teams. The successful candidate will provide subject matter expertise across Trade Finance products, ensure operational excellence, maintain strong controls, and contribute to process improvement initiatives within a dynamic and evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

**Trade Finance Operations**
- Manage Trade Finance transactions across the full lifecycle.
- Review Letters of Credit, Guarantees, Standby Letters of Credit and related trade products.
- Conduct documentary reviews, transaction assessments and due diligence checks.
- Support receivables finance and funded trade products.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Escalate risks, issues and policy breaches appropriately.
- Act as an authorised signatory where applicable.

**Middle Office Activities**
- Support client onboarding and KYC reviews.
- Coordinate documentation collection, verification and record management.
- Assist with credit administration and lending operations activities.
- Support transaction management from approval through to execution.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operational delivery.

**Governance & Controls**
- Maintain accurate records and operational controls.
- Support audits, reconciliations and reporting requirements.
- Monitor operational risks and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
- Contribute to automation, process enhancement and transformation initiatives.

**Stakeholder Management**
- Partner with Relationship Managers, Product Teams, Risk, Compliance and Operations.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and support knowledge sharing across the team.
- Provide guidance on technical Trade Finance matters and operational best practice.

Candidate Profile

**Experience**
- 3+ years' experience within Trade Finance Operations.
- Strong understanding of Trade Finance products including Guarantees, Standby LCs, Documentary Credits and Receivables Finance.
- Experience working within a banking or financial services environment.
- Knowledge of lending operations, credit administration and client onboarding processes is advantageous.

**Technical Knowledge**
- Strong understanding of UCP, ISBP, URDG and related Trade Finance regulations.
- Knowledge of AML, Sanctions and Financial Crime requirements.
- Ability to identify and investigate transaction risks and red flags.
- Understanding of corporate banking products and operational processes.

**Skills**
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and controls.
- Proactive approach to continuous improvement and operational efficiency.