ETG GROUP

ETG has developed into a global player with a presence in more than 45 countries, spanning 6 continents. The Group has a diverse portfolio of expertise across various industries, encompassing agricultural inputs, chemicals, logistics, food and food processing, energy, metals, and supply chain optimization. Over 35,000 employees and contractors contribute every day to achieve our vision and purpose and live our values.

ETG COFFEE

Using the strength of the ETG group, the Coffee business has seen a large growth in recent years. Volume has grown, more origin operations have been added, and revenue grew from 30 to 800 million USD. To realize and cope with this growth, people were added to multiple teams all over the globe, investments were made in sustainability teams and projects, and new warehouses and processing lines were added. The Coffee business is a real asset to the ETG group and has full support from the shareholders and management to continue with this growth

ROLE

As Head of Operations for the coffee commodities business, this role is critical in leading end-to-end operational excellence across global supply chains, ensuring smooth execution, customer satisfaction, and process efficiency. The role requires strategic oversight, hands-on problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration to enable commercial success and sustainable growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties include, but are not limited to the following:

End-to-End Trade Execution Leadership

• Oversee the full operational lifecycle of coffee trades, from contract confirmation to delivery and final settlement.
• Managing direct reports of diverse operational teams both in origin and destination to ensure performance optimisation and collaboration.
• Ensure that all physical, financial, and documentary aspects of execution (logistics, treasury, insurance, AP/AR) are aligned to deliver goods efficiently from origin to destination.
• Where possible improve the processes in terms of efficiency and control

Operational performance and continuous improvement

• Set and monitor operational KPIs to track execution speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction
• Identify process bottlenecks and lead initiatives to improve execution efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the client experience through scalable solutions and standard operating procedure (SOP) enhancements

Supply Chain and Logistics Network Mangement

• Maintain strong relationships with third-party logistics providers, including warehouses, shipping lines, freight forwarders, trucking companies, and insurers
• Negotiate service terms, manage operational KPIs, and ensure timely and cost-effective movement of goods while mitigating logistics risks

ERP/CRM system optimisation

• Support the development and continuous improvement of ERP/CRM systems to support high-performance trade execution.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to enhance automation, data accuracy, and operational visibility across functions and geographies

Cross-Functional collaboration

• Serve as the operational nexus between Trading, Finance, Credit and global clients
• Enable cross-departmental coordination and problem-solving to maintain transaction flow integrity and ensure rapid resolution of exceptions or delays

Risk mitigation and escalation management

• Proactively manage operational risks and handle high-impact escalations. Implement structured controls to minimize exposure related to shipment delays, quality claims, credit blocks, or contract discrepancies
• Drive a culture of accountability and structured risk response

Financial oversight and cost control

• Track and manage execution-related costs, including logistics, warehousing, and insurance
• Support P&L visibility by monitoring contract-level performance, payment status, and margin realization
• Work closely with Controlling and Treasury to reconcile execution costs and financial risk exposure

Customer-Centric execution and service

• Delivery Ensure that strategic clients receive prioritised, consistent service
• Provide reporting and regular performance reviews, incorporate customer feedback into service enhancements, and position Operations as a value-adding business partner

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Completed Supply Chain/Logistics/Business University Degree
• Post Graduate Qualification would be advantageous

Experience

• 8 years of experience as an Operations Manager
• Experience within the soft Commodity sector
• A minimum of 3 years of experience with leading a global team
• Experience with containerized transport is a must

Attributes

• Strong communicator
• Proven experience in developing and managing highly productive and successful teams
• Proven ability to manage various tasks in a high demanding environment
• Ability to cope with a growing business and the challenges this brings.
• Ability to see the big picture and prioritize own tasks and team tasks.
• Proactive and forward thinker with the drive to achieve operational excellence whilst identifying and navigating potential issues and problems
• Extremely strong attention to detail and ability to handle fast-paced environment with multiple tasks at the same time
• Willingness to travel