Manager - Sales - African Commodity Trading

Note- Candidate should be well versed in French Language, should be ready to travel periodically to the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and key buyer markets as required.

Also should have experience in products like manganese, bauxite nickel, gold, agri commodity and other products in Francophone markets and generate business from Africa and China

• Candidates who are currently in Dubai are highly preferred with similar experience.
• Identify, prospect, and convert buyers for commodities sourced from Cte d'Ivoire and the wider West/Central African region, including cacao, cocoa derivatives, minerals, cashews, rubber, and other agricultural products.
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline, from lead generation through to deal closure and post-sale relationship management.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commodity buyers, trading houses, processors, and manufacturers across global markets.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contracts in coordination with internal operations and logistics teams.
• Monitor market trends, commodity pricing, and competitor activity to identify opportunities and adapt sales strategies accordingly.
• Represent the company at industry events, trade fairs, and business missions related to African commodities.
• Collaborate with sourcing and supply chain teams to ensure product availability, quality standards, and timely fulfilment of orders.
• Provide regular sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and market intelligence to senior management.
• Travel periodically to the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and key buyer markets as required

Required from candidates:

• Relevant years of sales experience in commodity trading, with a demonstrable track record of closing deals.
• Deep knowledge of African commodity markets, particularly Cte d'Ivoire and surrounding West/Central African countries.
• Established network of buyers, trading firms, or end-consumers in the commodity sector (cacao, minerals, agricultural commodities).
• Proven ability to independently source and develop new client relationships from scratch.
• Strong commercial acumen: understanding of commodity pricing mechanisms, trade finance, incoterms, and contract structures.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to engage credibly with senior stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is essential; French language skills are a significant advantage given the Francophone nature of the target sourcing region.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Economics, or a related discipline (or equivalent professional experience).
• Existing residence in Dubai or willingness to relocate is required.
• Prior experience operating in or trading with Gulf-based commodity firms.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: self-motivated, target-driven, and comfortable operating with a degree of autonomy.
• Culturally adept, with an ability to navigate diverse business environments across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
• Understanding of sustainability and traceability standards increasingly demanded by international buyers (e.g. EU deforestation regulation, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance).