Job Description

Main purpose

The Head of Corporate Finance will be responsible for leading the design and execution of Trafigura’s global funding strategy in alignment with the company’s growth ambitions as well as significantly contributing to balance sheet management objectives and engagement with financial stakeholders.

This is a strategic leadership position that requires deep technical knowledge, strong leadership, and broad experience across the corporate finance spectrum.

The successful candidate will lead a team of high-performing finance professionals and work closely with senior management, business units, and external financial stakeholders across the world.

The role encompasses the origination and execution of complex financing transactions, capital structure advisory, and long-term funding strategy for both the Group and its subsidiaries.

Key Responsibilities

1. Funding Strategy and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of Trafigura’s global funding strategy across a wide range of instruments and jurisdictions.

• Oversee origination and transaction execution in areas such as:

  • Unsecured syndicated loan facilities (e.g. RCF, TLF)

  • Public and private debt capital markets (e.g. Eurobonds, USPP)

  • Structured finance and securitisation platforms (public and private formats)

  • Project and asset finance

  • Acquisition financing

  • Export Credit Agencies (ECA) financing

  • Commercial paper and other short-term funding tools

2. Relationship and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strategic, trust-based relationships with:

  • International commercial and investment banks

  • Institutional debt investors

  • Export credit agencies (ECAs) and multilateral institutions

  • Credit rating agencies and other financial stakeholders

3. Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing Corporate Finance team.

• Ensure team alignment with Trafigura’s business objectives, while fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation.

• Promote best-in-class execution standards and internal coordination.

4. Internal Strategic Advisory

• Provide capital structure and financial advisory support to key senior stakeholders including ExCom, CFO, and Group Treasurer.

• Offer insight into balance sheet optimisation, capital allocation strategy, and financial risk management.

5. Support to Group Subsidiaries

• Guide and assist Trafigura subsidiaries in structuring and executing corporate finance initiatives.

• Facilitate access to external funding and advise on bespoke financing solutions tailored to business requirements.

6. Governance, Risk, and Operational Oversight

• Ensure compliance with internal policies, controls, and regulatory obligations related to financing activities.

• Oversee covenant compliance, internal reporting obligations, and other governance deliverables within the Corporate Finance remit.

7. Regulatory and Industry Engagement

• Monitor relevant regulatory, accounting, and financial market developments impacting Trafigura.

• Develop appropriate mitigation or positioning strategies.

8. ESG Strategy Integration

• Drive the implementation of Trafigura’s ESG objectives within the corporate finance function.

• Ensure alignment of financing activities with sustainability-linked frameworks and evolving market standards.

• Support the development of innovative ESG-linked financing structures and investor disclosures.

9. Financial Reporting Coordination

• Collaborate with the Group Accounting team to ensure accurate and timely financial statement inputs related to funding, capital structure, and treasury activities.

• Contribute to financial analysis, notes to the accounts, and external reporting relevant to corporate finance matters.

10. External Representation and Advocacy

• Act as a senior ambassador for Trafigura in external forums, including industry conferences, investor roadshows, and regulatory or credit rating engagements.

• Communicate the Group’s financing strategy, credit profile, and market positioning to key external stakeholders.

Required qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring at least 15 years of relevant experience, gained in one or more of the following environments:

• A leading international bank, with a focus on commodities, structured finance, or project finance

• A top-tier investment bank, particularly in debt capital markets or leveraged finance

• A major commodity trading company, in a corporate finance, treasury, or principal investment role

• A private equity firm, with exposure to deal structuring and capital raising

• A dynamic industrial or multinational company, in functions such as treasury, business development, or M&A

In addition, the successful candidate will demonstrate the following technical qualifications and experience:

• Debt capital markets expertise — proven track record originating and executing public and private debt transactions, including Eurobonds, USPPs, syndicated loans, and structured finance instruments across investment grade corporate issuers

• Balance sheet and capital management — demonstrated ability to design and implement frameworks for credit risk, asset recycling, and capital velocity, including transitioning platforms from asset ownership to asset distribution models

• Acquisition financing — experience advising on and executing acquisition financing for investment grade and large-cap corporate clients

• Senior stakeholder management — established track record as a trusted advisor to CFOs and Group Treasurers of leading global corporates, with the ability to engage credibly at ExCom and Board level

• Team and P&L leadership — experience building, leading, and developing high-performing finance teams across multiple geographies, with direct accountability for revenue and return on equity

• Governance and controls — experience designing and implementing governance frameworks covering covenant compliance, credit decision processes, and internal reporting obligations in a regulated environment

• Cross-regional experience — demonstrated ability to operate across EMEA, the Americas, and Emerging Markets, with an understanding of the regulatory, legal, and market dynamics in each

Attributes for success

We are seeking a highly motivated and seasoned finance professional who embodies the following qualities:

• Adaptable and resilient – Thrives in a fast-paced environment marked by rapid growth, evolving priorities, and cross-border complexity.

• Energetic and driven – Demonstrates strong initiative, a proactive mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence with a positive, solutions-focused attitude.

• Strategic and creative thinker – Capable of thinking beyond conventional frameworks to design and execute innovative financing solutions.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills – Able to engage effectively with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, banks, and investors.

• Results-oriented – Focused on delivering high-quality outcomes under pressure, with a strong sense of accountability.

• Analytical and detail-oriented – Brings robust quantitative skills, financial acumen, and a rigorous approach to execution and documentation.

• Effective communicator – Articulate in both written and verbal communication, with the ability to distill complex issues clearly and succinctly.

Reporting Structure

Reporting to the Group Treasurer, the role is based in Geneva and leads a team of seven experienced finance professionals.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.