Structured Trade Finance Lead

Entity:

Finance

Job Family Group:

Finance Group

Job Description:

This role forms part of the Finance Business & Technology (FBT) team supporting bp’s Supply, Trading & Shipping (ST&S) business. The position plays a key role to monitor and manage risk, maintain robust controls, and ensure the integrity of data across relevant systems and platforms. Based in Kuala Lumpur, the role provides support to a global, multi-commodity oil and gas trading business, offering exposure to a diverse range of products, markets, and stakeholders. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to collaborate with subject matter experts across regions and commodities, while contributing to the development, future direction, and strategic vision of the team.

 

Key Accountabilities

• Advise on and structure appropriate trade finance solutions, including Letters of Credit (LCs), to support risk mitigation, working capital optimization, and commercial objectives, measured by the effectiveness of solutions implemented and stakeholder satisfaction
• Manage the lifecycle of trade finance instruments, including amendments, extensions, and renewals of Letters of Credit (LCs), Standby Letters of Credit (SBLCs) and Bank Guarantees, ensuring timely execution and compliance with agreed terms.
• Prepare, review, and submit trade finance applications, based on approved commercial agreements and transaction requirements, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adherence to internal controls and external banking requirements
• Oversee the administration and settlement of trade finance claims under LCs, ensuring payment timeliness, data accuracy, robust record maintenance, and efficient discrepancy management.
• Manage relationship and communications with banks and counterparties, supporting receivables discounting, financing arrangements and broader trade finance activities while maintaining strong stakeholder engagement
• Maintain accurate trade finance and credit reference data, including onboarding of new counterparties, trading terms and credit rating updates
• Collaborate with settlements, credit and regional teams to ensure accurate representation of credit exposures, effective risk monitoring and timely communication of material changes
• Monitor credit portfolio exposures and limit utilization, identifying emerging risks and providing recommendations on credit limits, ratings, and risk mitigation measures to relevant stakeholders
• Ensure consistency, accuracy and integrity of trade finance and credit data across all systems, reports and underlying datasets, supporting decision making and regulatory compliance
• Support strategic projects, business initiatives and change programmes, contributing trade finance and credit expertise to deliver successful outcomes aligned with business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, identify opportunities to simplify processes, enhance controls, increase automation and improve team productivity and service delivery

 

Essential Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience
• Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) certification is an advantage

 

Essential Experience and Job Requirements

• 7-10 years of experience in trade finance, collections, credit risk management, or related disciplines
• Strong knowledge of international trade rules and practices, including UCP 600 and ISP98
• Proven experience in trade finance or operation roles within multinational corporations or international financial institutions
• Sound understanding of trade finance solutions, including prepayments, receivables securitization, receivables discounting, supply chain financing, inventory financing, and trade credit insurance
• Familiarity with accounting principles, particularly debt and non-debt classification requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Outlook, Work and Copilot  
• Experience working with commercial banks is advantageous
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
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Desirable criteria

• Expertise in trade finance instruments, including Letters of Credit, promissory notes, Bills of Exchange, documentary collections and bank guarantees
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills, with a high level of attention to detail
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships across functions, regions and cultures
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence in engaging and influencing stakeholders
• Strong understanding of trade finance, credit risk management, and associated risk mitigation instruments
• Sound knowledge of contractual terms, commodity trading structures, Incoterms, and title and risk transfer principles
• Demonstrated commitment to strong controls, compliance, and ethical business practices, with the confidence to escalate concerns where appropriate.
• Strong digital acumen, with the ability to leverage AI, automation, and data analytics tools to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and drive process improvements.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and resilient, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Maintains a professional and collaborative approach when engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

 

At bp, we provide the following environment and benefits to you:

• A company culture where we respect our diverse and unified teams, where we are proud of our achievements and where fun and the attitude of giving back to our environment are highly valued
• Possibility to join our social communities and networks
• Learning opportunities and other development opportunities to craft your career path
• Life and health insurance, medical care package
• And many other benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Travel Requirement

No travel is expected with this role

Relocation Assistance:

This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type:

This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Business process control, Commercial Acumen, Credit Management, Decision Making, Digital Fluency, Financial Reporting, Internal control and compliance, Negotiating, Risk Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Planning

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Legal Disclaimer:

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics like race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.