About the Commodities Trading Company
An international commodities trading business based in the UAE is seeking a world-class Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its rapidly expanding operation. With HQ in Dubai, company specialises in buying and selling both soft and hard commodities, powered by sophisticated trade finance instruments such as letters of credit and block funds. Despite being in its early stages, the business has already achieved outstanding profitability and a growing portfolio of multi-billion-dollar contracts. With global reach across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and strict adherence to international compliance standards, the company is positioned for exponential growth — aiming for a USD 20 billion trading volume in the near term. The founder is a highly successful businessman with interests around the world, this role is for the commodities business based in Dubai.
CFO Role Overview
Based in Dubai, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will serve as the CEO’s closest strategic partner, driving the financial, banking, and compliance backbone of the business. This is a pivotal leadership position for a finance executive who thrives in dynamic, fast-scaling global trading environments.
Key Responsibilities of the CFO
- Lead all financial strategy, treasury management, and trade finance operations for the CEO’s business interests in the UAE
- Build and scale the finance function, implementing robust processes and reporting systems.
- Manage relationships with international and regional banks, presenting the company’s operations and securing strong institutional partnerships.
- Oversee letters of credit (LCs), bank instruments, and block fund management that power the firm’s trading model.
- Present financials at board meetings and support strategic decision-making alongside the CEO.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, financial transparency, and governance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Develop in-house legal and compliance capabilities in partnership with the CEO.
CFO background Requirements
Experience & Technical Expertise
- Senior financial leadership in commodities trading, investment banking, or international trade finance.
- Deep understanding of letters of credit, structured finance, and global banking operations – this is essential.
- Proven relationships with senior banking executives in the UAE and ability to engage at the C-suite and board level.
- Track record of building teams, systems, and financial infrastructure from the ground up.
- Strong background in global compliance, risk management, and complex transaction structuring.
Cultural & Personal Qualities
- Calm, credible, and relationship-driven — a trusted partner to banks and institutions.
- Able to work closely with a visionary, fast-moving CEO in a high-performance environment.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with exceptional integrity and professional maturity.
Why Join This Opportunity
- Play a founding role in one of the fastest-growing commodity trading firms.
- Partner directly with a visionary CEO driving a high-impact, global business.
- Shape the company’s financial structure, credibility, and long-term legacy.
- Be part of an organisation with massive growth potential and global reach.
- Potential for a small equity stake given the company’s exceptional financial trajectory.
Apply Now – CFO Role in UAE for Commodities Trading
If you are a seasoned finance leader with deep trade finance expertise and the drive to help build a world-class commodities trading enterprise, we want to hear from you.
If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.
Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Healthcare Communications, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out more about Hanson Search.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
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Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA
Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson Search and The Work Crowd, with over 20 years’ experience in executive search, specialising in C-suite and senior leadership placements...
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