Head of Business Development (Trading)

Company Overview

A BSE-listed enterprise with strong financial fundamentals (surplus of ₹300+ crores), poised for strategic expansion into the trading sector. We are seeking a visionary leader to establish and scale our new trading division from the ground up.

Position Summary

We are looking for a seasoned business leader to conceptualize, establish, and lead our multi-commodity trading house. This is a high-impact entrepreneurial role within a corporate framework, offering the opportunity to build a profitable trading vertical across diverse product categories including chemicals, commodities, metals, plastics, electronics, and agro products.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Business Setup

• Develop comprehensive business strategy and roadmap for establishing the trading house division
• Identify and prioritize product categories based on market potential, margins, and competitive advantage
• Create detailed P&L projections, investment plans, and scalability models
• Establish operational infrastructure including systems, processes, compliance frameworks, and quality standards
• Define risk management protocols and trading limits across product categories

Team Building & Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing team across sourcing, sales, operations, logistics, and finance functions
• Recruit domain specialists for specific product verticals
• Develop organizational structure aligned with business growth phases
• Create performance metrics and incentive structures to drive results
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking

Sourcing & Supply Chain Management

• Identify and onboard reliable domestic and international suppliers across multiple product categories
• Negotiate favorable commercial terms, payment structures, and long-term partnerships
• Establish quality assurance and vendor evaluation frameworks
• Develop alternative sourcing strategies to mitigate supply chain risks
• Build relationships with manufacturers, traders, and industry associations

Sales & Business Development

• Identify target customer segments across B2B and B2C channels
• Develop go-to-market strategies for each product category
• Build sales channels including direct sales, distributors, and digital platforms
• Establish pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability
• Create customer acquisition and retention programs
• Develop key accounts and strategic partnerships

Operations & Execution

• Oversee end-to-end trade execution from order placement to delivery
• Manage working capital efficiently to optimize cash conversion cycles
• Implement inventory management systems and warehouse operations where required
• Coordinate logistics, customs clearance, and documentation for domestic and international trades
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, GST, import-export norms, and industry standards

Financial Management

• Achieve revenue and profitability targets as per approved business plan
• Manage credit policies, payment terms, and collection processes
• Monitor trading margins, operational costs, and return on investment
• Implement financial controls and audit mechanisms
• Regular reporting to senior management and board on business performance

Required Qualifications

Education

• MBA from a premier institute or equivalent post-graduate qualification in Business, Commerce, or related field
• B.Tech/B.E. or B.Sc. in relevant disciplines would be an added advantage

Experience

• 15-20 years of progressive experience in trading, sourcing, or business development

• Minimum 7-10 years in leadership roles with P&L responsibility

• Proven track record of establishing or scaling trading operations from scratch

• Deep experience in at least 2-3 product categories (chemicals, commodities, metals, plastics, electronics, agro)

• Strong understanding of domestic and international trade dynamics

Core Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to build business from ground zero
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Extensive network of suppliers and buyers across relevant industries
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability
• Excellent understanding of trade finance, working capital management, and risk mitigation
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and documentation
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities

Behavioral Attributes

• Self-starter with high ownership and accountability
• Resilient and comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Data-driven decision maker with sharp analytical abilities
• Ethical and transparent in all business dealings
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

What We Offer

• Strategic Role

  : Opportunity to build and lead a new business vertical with full autonomy

• Financial Backing

  : Strong balance sheet with ₹300+ crores surplus to support growth ambitions

• Competitive Compensation

  : Industry-leading fixed compensation with attractive performance-linked incentives

• Leadership Visibility

  : Direct reporting to MD/CEO with board-level exposure

• Growth Potential

  : Clear path to CXO-level role as the business scales

Location

Ahmedabad with extensive travel expected (domestic and international)

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Managing Director/CEO