Main purpose
As a Precious Metals Operator, you will own the full lifecycle of gold bullion and doré trades - from the moment a deal is executed through to final settlement. You will be the central point of coordination between internal divisions and external counterparties, ensuring every moving part of the trade flows seamlessly. The role demands hands-on management of the distinct operational complexities that define precious metals trading: fast-paced intraday execution, tolling processes, and the precise management of unallocated accounts.
Key responsibilities
1.Trade Execution & Documentation (Intraday Focus)
Verify counterparty documentation (invoices, certificates, assay reports, RJC CoC, transport doc etc)
Manage prepayment tracking
2. Tolling & Refining Process Management
Coordinate with refineries on material receipt and processing
Track material through refining
Reconcile input vs. output weights to ensure quality & quantity integrity
3. Quality & Risk Management
Nominate surveyors for high-risk suppliers
Verify LBMA Good Delivery standards and RJC Chain of Custody certification
Coordinate with WSMD on quality protocols balancing trust and verification
Manage fraud risk awareness (high value/low volume creates exposure)
4. Logistics & Vault Management
Coordinate specialized bullion logistics
Manage vault onboarding and relationships
Ensure customs compliance (correct HS codes, export documentation)
Handle Custody Transfer Documents
5. Payment & Settlement Management
Manage and invoice various payment types: T/T, prepayments, cash-on-delivery, payment in ounces
Handle VAT complexities: Gold (VAT-exempt), Silver (VAT-applicable), tolling services
Coordinate unallocated/allocated account management with bullion banks
Exposure monitoring
6. System Management
Maintain Trafigura ERP to ensure it is reflecting real world picture
Coordinate with Deals Desk on pricing confirmations
Assist with setup or development of new system to better service the desk
Working Conditions
Fast paced: Intraday execution with hard deadlines
High-pressure: Same-day contract, payment, and delivery cycles
Multi-channel: Simultaneous WhatsApp groups, emails, phone calls
High value: Low volume but high value requires precision and fraud awareness
Cross-functional: Constant interaction with various departments involved in the trading process
Required qualifications
Minimum 5 years’ experience in commodities operations or precious metals trading.
Understanding of LBMA/COMEX standards, international bullion markets, and refining/tolling processes
Advanced Excel, good command of English, ability to work under extreme time pressure with same-day deadlines
Attributes for success
Demonstrates a high value of attention to detail (high value/low volume transactions)
Able to manage multiple concurrent trades simultaneously, maintaining accuracy and focus across competing priorities
Comfortable working under pressure, with the ability to problem-solve effectively in a fast-moving trading environment
Naturally numerate, with a strong sensitivity to P&L movements
Department overview
The Cargo Operations department is a global team of dynamic and energetic professionals working across different locations and assuring that all trades related to our Metals and Minerals division are properly executed.
Key Relationships
External: Refineries, vaults, bullion banks, suppliers, customers and traders
Internal: Trading, Deals Desk, Trade Finance, Treasury, VAT, WSMD Control functions, Credit, Accounting
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.