Coffee Trader

Company overview

Louis Dreyfus Company is a major global buyer, processor, and seller of agricultural commodities. Its operations cover the full journey from farm production to final consumption, supported by a wide network of assets and activities across more than 100 countries. The business is structured across six geographic regions and ten platforms, and it employs around 18,000 people worldwide.

Role summary

This position focuses on trading and commercial execution within the coffee business. The role involves negotiating purchase and sale contracts, managing customer relationships, tracking market conditions, handling contract execution, and supporting risk, credit, and reporting activities for Louis Dreyfus Commodities East Africa.

Key duties

• Negotiate trade agreements covering pricing, quality, shipment windows, payment terms, and FOB Incoterms.
• Build and manage a customer base that includes roasters, traders, and importers.
• Take the lead on customer discussions and key strategic accounts.
• Join origin trips, crop inspections, and producer visits.
• Manage FOB contracts from the point of confirmation until shipment is completed.
• Address shipment, quality, and contract-related issues quickly and effectively.
• Share market intelligence and pricing direction with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Spot new commercial opportunities and prospective customers.
• Assess crop conditions, transport limitations, and country-level risk factors.
• Check the accuracy of contracts, confirmations, and shipping instructions.
• Ensure trading activities comply with international trade rules, sanctions, and internal control requirements.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of trades, contracts, and business communications.
• Support audits and reporting tasks as required.
• Assist with the management of trade positions on behalf of Louis Dreyfus Commodities East Africa.
• Help maintain trading P&L records and related reporting.
• Follow up on overdue payments and possible customer defaults.
• Report to senior platform personnel as needed.
• Monitor port lineups.
• Handle documentation and contract approval or verification.
• Track risk exposure and credit terms.

Experience and knowledge

The ideal candidate should understand Kenya coffee grades and quality standards, as well as cash and futures markets. A strong grasp of regional and global coffee supply and demand is important, along with the ability to deal confidently with different types of customers and business counterparts. The role also calls for solid Excel skills, including formulas and models, plus general proficiency with Microsoft Office. Knowledge of macroeconomics, microeconomics, finance, accounting, and basic mathematics is needed. The person should be able to stay calm under pressure, think fast, work accurately, and maintain efficiency.

Qualifications

A university degree in business or a related field is required. Strong Excel and computer skills are needed. Experience in agriculture is considered an advantage. English fluency is required.

Additional information

Louis Dreyfus Company promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer. The company supports local communities and environmental initiatives and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds.

The organization is committed to sustainability and aims to create fair, lasting value for the business, its partners, the communities it serves, and the environment.

The role offers a dynamic international working environment with opportunities for growth and career development in one of the world’s largest private companies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits package
• Hybrid working may be available for some roles, though not for every position
• Private pension contributions
• Training and development access
• Concierge partnership access
• Meals for certain employees at asset locations
• Transport support for employees at asset facilities
• Private medical insurance
• 21 days of leave
• Life insurance