Commodity Trader - Chemicals

The Chemical Trader & Sales Manager is responsible for driving international chemical and plastic resin trading activities, including market development, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and end-to-end import/export logistics.

Client Details

My client is the U.S. subsidiary of a global corporation focused on the processing, distribution, and trading services of several product categories.

Description

1. Chemical Trading & Market Development

• Engage in trading activities across major petrochemical and plastic resin products (PE, PP, PET, etc.) and engineering plastics (PC, ABS, HIPS, etc.) in U.S. and international markets.
• Develop new business opportunities in bio-based materials and emerging chemical sectors.
• Identify and expand international market channels, including import/export flows between Asia and North America.
• Manage and grow relationships with global suppliers, customers, and distribution partners.

2. Sales & Commercial Execution

• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract structuring for domestic and international chemical transactions.
• Monitor market trends, feedstock movements, and supply-demand dynamics to optimize trading margins.
• Execute spot and term sales while ensuring alignment with company profitability targets.

3. Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate sourcing, allocation, and supply management of plastic resins and specialty materials.
• Collaborate with producers, distributors, logistics providers, and warehouse partners to ensure stable and cost-effective supply.
• Oversee truck, rail, and ocean freight logistics as applicable.

4. Export/Import Execution & Logistics

• Manage end-to-end execution of international trade contracts, including documentation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee shipping schedules, warehouse coordination, and inventory control.
• Ensure timely cargo movement through U.S. ports and domestic distribution networks.

5. Risk Management & Contract Handling

• Handle international trade contracts and ensure compliance with company policies and risk management protocols.
• Assess market, credit, operational, freight, and FX risks; recommend mitigation strategies.
• Maintain disciplined exposure management across pricing, supply, and logistics risks.

6. Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration

• Work effectively in a multicultural corporate environment, collaborating closely with U.S. and global teams.
• Adapt communication and reporting styles to align with headquarters in Korea.
• Build strong internal and external networks across global petrochemical markets.

Profile

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in chemical trading, plastic resin sales, execution, or supply chain management.
• Proven track record in handling international trade contracts and commercial negotiations.
• Strong communication skills
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Johns Creek, GA for long-term employment.
• Practical experience in trading operations, logistics coordination, and documentation management.
• Open to flexible working hours as needed for collaboration with international teams, including Korea.
• Strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and professional integrity.
• Excellent time management, punctuality, disciplined work ethic, and proactive mindset.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and highly motivated with a strong entrepreneurial drive.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling Plastic Resin and Engineering plastics.
• Exposure to bio-based materials, sustainable chemicals, or new business incubation projects.
• Practical experience in ocean freight, rail logistics, tank/warehouse operations.
• Experience working with multinational trading houses or global chemical manufacturers.
• Established network within U.S. chemical or plastics distribution markets.

Job Offer

• Competitive annual salary ranging from $63,000 to $85,000 USD.
• Discretionary annual bonus opportunity up to 15-20%
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage and 401k matching.
• Lunch plans and a cell phone stipend to support daily needs.
• Reimbursement for gym memberships to promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Generous PTO that is paid out if unused

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.