Head of Trade Services

Leads the day-to-day activities of the trade operations team responsible for the fulfillment of Letters of Credit, which include reviewing files and collecting information to ensure adherence to regulatory compliance, policies, and procedures related to due diligence, legal documentation, and lien perfection items. Works in partnership with other areas of the bank to achieve or surpass department goals.

• Oversee the team responsible for reviewing and processing transactions to ensure accuracy, appropriate fees are billed, and adherence to regulation. 
• Serves as a liaison between various stakeholders, credit approvers, attorneys, title agents, third-party vendors, and other internal departments to ensure accurate and timely closings and Letters of Credit issuance while maintaining the bank’s risk and controls. 
• Conducts document examination and processing for both import and export Letters of Credit, issuance of Letters of Credit, handling incoming and outgoing payments and wire transfers, and managing Bankers Acceptances and Standby Letters of Credit. 
• Examines and processes documents for import and export Letters of Credit. Issues Letters of Credit and manages incoming/outgoing payments and wire transfers. Processes Bankers Acceptances and Standby Letters of Credit, including issuance and processing. 
• Serves as the primary contact for responding to inquiries and resolving problems. Investigates and documents findings, takes corrective actions, and makes recommendations for corrections. Assists in day-to-day processing to ensure timely completion of work. 
• Oversees system/platform testing and upgrades as requested. Builds test cases ensuring implementation is working. Assists product managers in providing data solutions to issues impacting customers. 
• Serves as a point of contact for resolving system issues and submitting tickets to the vendor. Serves as an escalation point for resolving the most difficult issues. Researches, resolves and responds to escalated cases and problems through direct action or referral to the appropriate person/department. 
• Assists Product Managers and Sales Managers with team member education, customer support and product support on developing training courses, designing demos and positioning products as requested. Partners with other internal areas including technology, compliance, and accounting to ensure the product is functioning as intended. 
• Manages the annual performance management and merit processes for direct reports. Coaches and develops team members and builds a work environment where team members are engaged and feel a positive sense of achievement about their role in the company. Works closely with Human Resources regarding employee relations, compensation, training, posting and filling vacant positions and other Human Resources related matters. 
• Each team member is expected to be aware of risk within their functional area. This includes observing all policies, procedures, laws, regulations and risk limits specific to their role. Additionally, they should raise and report known or suspected violations to the appropriate Company authority in a timely fashion.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance or a related field or equivalent education experience can be substituted.
• Experience: 15 years of experience including reviewing and analyzing trade finance requests, letters of credit, bank guarantees, and documentary collections. Must have experience monitoring and managing trade finance transactions throughout the transaction lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulations and policies. Experience leading or supervising team members.
• Required Skills:
  • Strong working knowledge of international products. 
  • Familiarity with Boycott Regulations, the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Know Your Client (KYC), and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD). 
  • Strong analytical skills to independently research and resolve problems. 
  • Broad knowledge of treasury management and/or commercial bank products. 
  • Broad experience in database management. 
  • Broad research and analytical skills. 
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks/projects. 
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written. 
  • Proficiency using word processing and spreadsheet software programs.
• Preferred Skills:
  • Certified Treasury Professional or other related certifications.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages 5+ employees and is responsible for the coaching, development, and performance management of those employees.

Position requires schedule flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

This position requires up to 25% travel.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.