ScrapCart Head of Trading

Strategic Leadership Role for Metal Scrap Trading Division

Reports to: Founder

Team Size: 8-15 direct/indirect reports

Compensation: ₹40-60 lakhs + aggressive equity + performance bonuses

Location: Ahmedabad/Mumbai preferred (proximity to Alang), with pan-India travel

Role Overview & Strategic Opportunity

"Lead India's first technology-enabled metal scrap trading division with deep-rooted market relationships spanning ship-breaking yards, import channels, and traditional wholesale markets. Transform centuries-old trading practices with modern marketplace infrastructure while leveraging your established networks and market intelligence."

Why This Role Will Transform Your Career:

• Technology Revolution: Bring your deep market knowledge to India's most advanced scrap trading platform
• Scale Amplification: Leverage your relationships across a unified digital marketplace reaching 100K+ users
• Market Integration: Connect fragmented traditional markets (Alang, Mandi Gobindgarh, Jalan) with modern buyers
• International Expansion: Scale import/export operations with proper technology and compliance infrastructure
• Wealth Creation: Significant equity stake in India's fastest-growing metal marketplace
• Industry Legacy: Pioneer the digital transformation of India's traditional scrap trading ecosystem

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Market Development (30% of role) Ship-Breaking Yard Partnerships (Alang Focus)

• Establish exclusive partnerships with major ship-breaking yards in Alang, Sosiya, and other Gujarat locations
• Develop volume-based trading agreements for HMS 1&2, ship plates, and marine scrap materials
• Create standardized grading systems for ship-breaking materials and quality specifications
• Implement forward contracting for predictable ship-breaking material availability
• Build relationships with ship owners and international shipping companies for direct disposal
• Coordinate with port authorities and customs for streamlined material clearance

Import Channel Development

• Establish direct relationships with international scrap suppliers (USA, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia)
• Negotiate long-term import contracts for containerized scrap and bulk shipments
• Handle customs clearance and regulatory compliance for scrap imports
• Manage foreign exchange and international payment mechanisms
• Develop quality control systems for imported material inspection and certification
• Create import financing solutions for working capital and letters of credit

Wholesale Market Integration

• Build comprehensive networks in Mandi Gobindgarh (Punjab steel hub)
• Establish presence in Jalan Complex (Howrah, West Bengal) for eastern market access
• Develop relationships in Nagpur (central India steel trading hub)
• Create partnerships in Raipur (Chhattisgarh steel cluster)
• Build networks in Bellary (Karnataka iron ore and steel region)
• Establish connections in Ludhiana (Punjab industrial belt)

Trading Operations & Market Making (25% of role) Price Discovery & Market Intelligence

• Establish daily price benchmarks for different scrap grades across regional markets
• Monitor international scrap prices (LME, Platts, AMM) and correlate with Indian markets
• Track steel mill demand patterns and adjust trading strategies accordingly
• Analyze seasonal variations in scrap availability and pricing
• Monitor competitor activities and market positioning strategies
• Create market intelligence reports for internal strategy and client advisory

Volume Trading & Risk Management

• Execute large-scale trades (1000+ MT per transaction) with established risk parameters
• Manage inventory positions across multiple material grades and locations
• Implement hedging strategies for price volatility and currency fluctuations
• Handle working capital optimization for maximum trading efficiency
• Coordinate logistics for large-volume material movements across regions
• Ensure quality compliance and dispute resolution for all trading transactions

Business Development & Relationship Management (25% of role) Strategic Partnership Development

• Leverage existing relationships with ship-breaking yard owners and operators
• Build strategic alliances with major scrap importers and international suppliers
• Develop exclusive supplier partnerships with wholesale market leaders
• Create financing partnerships with banks and NBFCs for trade finance
• Establish logistics partnerships for efficient material transportation
• Build insurance partnerships for cargo and trade risk coverage

Enterprise Client Acquisition

• Target major steel mills (Tata Steel, JSW, JSPL, Vedanta, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel)
• Develop relationships with secondary steel producers and induction furnace operators
• Build partnerships with foundries and specialty steel manufacturers
• Create corporate scrap programs for large manufacturing companies
• Establish export channels for value-added scrap processing
• Develop international trading relationships for cross-border transactions

Team Building & Organizational Development (20% of role) Trading Team Development

• Recruit specialized traders with expertise in different scrap categories and regions
• Build regional teams in key markets (Gujarat, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra)
• Develop training programs for traditional market integration with digital platforms
• Create performance management systems with clear trading targets and risk parameters
• Establish trading desk operations with modern technology and market data systems
• Implement compliance and risk management frameworks for all trading activities

Market Expansion Strategy

• Identify new market opportunities in emerging steel clusters and industrial regions
• Develop new product categories beyond traditional ferrous scrap trading
• Create value-added services including material processing, logistics, and financing
• Build strategic alliances with complementary businesses and service providers
• Establish international presence for export/import operations expansion
• Drive digital adoption among traditional market participants

Required Qualifications & ExperienceEssential Experience (Must-Have) Ship-Breaking Industry Expertise (5+ years)

• Deep relationships with Alang ship-breaking yards and major yard owners/operators
• Understanding of ship demolition processes and material recovery operations
• Knowledge of marine scrap quality and international ship disposal regulations
• Experience with ship auction processes and vessel acquisition strategies
• Understanding of environmental compliance for ship-breaking operations
• Network of relationships with ship owners and international shipping companies

Import/Export Operations (5+ years)

• Hands-on experience with scrap import operations including customs clearance and documentation
• Established relationships with international scrap suppliers in USA, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia
• Knowledge of import regulations and quality control requirements for scrap materials
• Experience with trade finance including letters of credit, export financing, and currency hedging
• Understanding of international shipping and logistics for bulk scrap movements
• Familiarity with port operations and cargo handling procedures

Wholesale Market Networks (7+ years)

• Deep relationships in Mandi Gobindgarh with major scrap dealers and steel traders
• Established network in Jalan Complex (Howrah) with key market participants
• Connections in other major wholesale markets (Nagpur, Raipur, Bellary, Ludhiana)
• Understanding of traditional trading practices and market dynamics
• Knowledge of regional pricing variations and transportation logistics
• Experience with large-volume wholesale transactions and market-making activities

Industry Knowledge & Networks Steel Industry Relationships

• Established relationships with steel mill procurement teams across major integrated and secondary producers
• Understanding of steel production processes and scrap material requirements
• Knowledge of steel industry cycles and demand patterns
• Network of relationships with induction furnace operators and mini steel plants
• Understanding of specialty steel and alloy material requirements
• Experience with steel export markets and international steel trading

Financial & Risk Management

• Experience with large-scale commodity trading and risk management
• Knowledge of trade finance instruments and working capital management
• Understanding of commodity price hedging and derivative instruments
• Experience with credit evaluation and counterparty risk assessment
• Knowledge of insurance products for commodity trading and cargo coverage
• Understanding of foreign exchange and currency risk management

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge

• Deep understanding of scrap import/export regulations and customs procedures
• Knowledge of environmental compliance for scrap trading and processing
• Understanding of steel industry regulations and quality standards
• Familiarity with port and shipping regulations for cargo handling
• Knowledge of tax implications for interstate and international scrap trading
• Understanding of labor regulations for ship-breaking and scrap processing industries

Personal Attributes & Skills Leadership & Business Acumen

• Proven track record of building trading businesses and managing P&L responsibility
• Strong negotiation skills with ability to structure complex multi-party transactions
• Strategic thinking capability with understanding of market dynamics and competitive positioning
• Team building experience with ability to attract and retain high-performing trading professionals
• Cultural adaptability to work with traditional market participants and modern technology platforms
• International business experience with cross-border transaction management

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills for trading decision support
• Understanding of commodity trading systems and market data platforms
• Knowledge of quality control processes and material testing procedures
• Experience with logistics optimization and supply chain management
• Basic understanding of technology platforms and willingness to adopt digital tools
• Data analysis capabilities for market intelligence and trading strategy development

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