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Home Jobs Nairobi Operations Lead, Trade Team

Operations Lead, Trade Team

Standard Bank Group  · Banking / Financial Services

Full Time Nairobi
Nairobi
Deadline: 19 August 2026
Posted May 22, 2026

Job Description

The Team Leader, Trade Finance Operations, oversees the processing of standard and tailored trade finance transactions, guaranteeing full compliance with internal policies, regulatory mandates, and global best practices while fostering operational efficiency. The position integrates precision in transaction handling, robust risk mitigation, and superior client service delivery with the mentorship and development of a high-caliber team.

The Team Leader also plays a pivotal role as a central communication link between clients, internal stakeholders, and external counterparties, ensuring the bank’s reputation remains intact while facilitating smooth trade operations.

Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with teams and stakeholders. The ideal applicant will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and best practices.

Seeking candidates who hold a relevant professional qualification, demonstrating expertise in the specified field. Essential requirements include comprehensive knowledge of industry standards and practices, along with the ability to apply theoretical understanding in practical settings. The role demands a commitment to continuous professional development to stay current with evolving trends and regulations. Proficiency in relevant technical skills and methodologies is mandatory, ensuring the ability to deliver high-quality outcomes efficiently.

Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution as a foundational requirement for this role.

Required qualifications include a certification from a recognized professional body in the relevant field, such as PMP, CPA, CFA, or similar credentials. This certification must be current and in good standing, demonstrating expertise and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Candidates should possess at least five years of relevant work experience post-certification, with a proven track record of applying this knowledge in practical settings. The role may require maintaining the certification through continuing education or periodic recertification to ensure compliance with industry standards.

A Certified Trade Specialist, such as CDCS, CSD, CITY, or an equivalent certification, is required.

AML/CTF certifications and risk management qualifications are highly advantageous.

A minimum of one year of relevant experience is required for consideration in this role. Candidates must possess prior hands-on experience in a comparable position to ensure they can effectively contribute from day one. The ideal applicant will have demonstrated success in [specific field or task], along with a proven track record in [related skill or responsibility]. Proficiency in [specific tool, software, or method] is also expected to meet the demands of the position.

Requires three to four years of banking experience, with a minimum of three years specifically dedicated to trade operations.

Accomplished expertise in developing and executing trade finance transactions with a consistent record of success.

Proven track record in identifying, escalating, and mitigating risks within Trade Operations environments.

Thrives in dynamic, high-pressure settings while efficiently resolving intricate customer inquiries with precision and professionalism.

A highly motivated professional with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, exceptional interpersonal abilities, and a keen analytical mindset.

Proven ability to lead teams and optimize operational processes effectively.

Behavioral Competencies: Demonstrates exceptional leadership and problem-solving capabilities, fostering collaboration and driving team performance. Exhibits strong adaptability in dynamic environments, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet organizational objectives. Maintains a customer-focused mindset, ensuring high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement. Shows resilience under pressure while upholding ethical standards and accountability. Promotes a culture of innovation and inclusivity, encouraging diverse perspectives and professional development among team members.

You will be responsible for conveying complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, ensuring comprehension and engagement. This role requires strong written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to tailor messaging to different stakeholders. You will collaborate with teams to gather accurate data, then structure and present it in a compelling manner for reports, presentations, or other formats. Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy are essential, as is the ability to simplify intricate concepts without losing their meaning. Prior experience in a similar position or a related field is preferred.

We are seeking an experienced professional to cultivate and refine specialized skills and knowledge in a designated field. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth while mastering complex concepts and techniques. Responsibilities include conducting in-depth research, analyzing industry trends, and applying advanced methodologies to enhance performance and innovation. Proficiency in relevant tools and technologies is essential, as is the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive excellence and achieve strategic objectives. This role requires adaptability, analytical thinking, and a passion for staying ahead of industry advancements to deliver exceptional results.

Directs and manages individuals, ensuring optimal performance, clear communication, and adherence to established protocols, while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

In a dynamic and evolving environment, we seek individuals who thrive amidst transformation and adapt swiftly to new challenges. Candidates must demonstrate resilience, flexibility, and a proactive approach to navigating shifting priorities and unforeseen circumstances. The ideal professional embraces innovation, values continuous learning, and maintains a positive attitude when faced with ambiguity. By fostering a culture of adaptability, they contribute to the organization’s growth while ensuring alignment with evolving business objectives.

We evaluate and analyze data to extract meaningful insights, ensuring thorough understanding and accurate interpretation of available information. This role requires meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in identifying trends, patterns, and discrepancies within datasets. Responsibilities include assessing the validity and reliability of information, synthesizing findings into clear reports, and providing actionable recommendations based on data-driven conclusions. Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex information effectively are essential for success in this position.

Analyzing data, evaluating options, and determining optimal courses of action are core responsibilities of this role. The position requires the ability to assess risks, weigh potential outcomes, and select the most effective solutions in alignment with organizational objectives. Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the capacity to make timely decisions under pressure are essential qualifications. Additionally, the role may involve collaborating with stakeholders to gather insights, ensuring decisions are both informed and impactful.

In addressing disputes, the role involves mediating disagreements and fostering constructive resolutions to maintain a harmonious work environment. This position requires strong interpersonal skills to navigate sensitive situations diplomatically, ensuring all parties feel heard and respected. Additionally, the ability to analyze underlying issues and propose fair solutions is essential for effective conflict resolution.

Collaborates effectively with colleagues across various departments to achieve shared objectives, fostering a cooperative and productive work environment through active participation and mutual support.

Upholding and enforcing established standards with precision and consistency remains a core responsibility. This role demands meticulous adherence to protocols while ensuring all operations align with regulatory and organizational guidelines. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying discrepancies and implementing corrective measures to maintain compliance and operational integrity. Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and a commitment to excellence are essential to fulfilling these duties effectively.

Technical Competencies:

Demonstrates proficiency in utilizing specialized technical tools, systems, and methodologies essential for executing job responsibilities with precision. Exhibits a deep understanding of industry-specific software, hardware, and technical frameworks required to support operational objectives. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and best practices to enhance efficiency and problem-solving capabilities. Applies analytical skills to troubleshoot complex technical issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal system performance. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to integrate technical solutions and align with organizational goals. Possesses strong documentation skills to maintain accurate records of technical processes, configurations, and resolutions.

Proficiency in Trade Finance Products encompasses a practical grasp of Letters of Credit, Collections, Guarantees, Standby Credits, and Supply Chain Finance.

ICC Rules: Demonstrates a robust understanding of UCP 600, ISBN, ARC, URDU, and additional ICC standards regulating trade instruments.

Proactively identifies and escalates operational, compliance, and credit risks in transactions with urgency and precision.

Possesses a solid understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) mandates, sanctions screening protocols, and both local and international trade regulations.

Skilled in transaction processing, review, and reconciliation, with a strong capability in documentation management, ensuring operational excellence.

As a seasoned leader, you will spearhead the delivery of trade finance platforms and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and strategic alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Conduct comprehensive trend analysis and compile detailed reports to provide actionable insights. Utilize data-driven methodologies to identify patterns, forecast future developments, and assess performance metrics. Prepare clear, concise, and visually engaging reports to support strategic decision-making across departments.

Qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , Professional Certificate

Experience Required

3 - 4 years

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