Cotton - Documentation Specialist

Job Description

Role Overview

We're currently looking for an Export Documentation & Trade Execution Specialist who will play a vital role in our global operations function. This position is responsible for ensuring cotton shipments move swiftly and smoothly across borders, driving timely delivery and full payment in line with contract terms. You’ll collaborate closely with a network of colleagues as well as domestic service providers, global customers, ocean carriers and banking partners to coordinate and compile all critical export documentation. This is a great chance to join the fast-paced soft commodities industry.

With a strong focus on accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork, you’ll help ensure every shipment clears without delay. In an international environment, proactive and clear communication across time zones is key to making sure you act as an essential link in our mission to deliver excellence worldwide.

Business Overview

ED&F Man Cotton was established in mid-2025, driven by an ambition to become a leading trader of raw cotton, serving customers around the world. The breadth of ED&F Man Commodities’ existing operations provides ED&F Man Cotton with offices in all major cotton producing regions and expertise in operating sustainable containerized supply chains, underpinned by robust risk management procedures.

We are part of ED&F Man Commodities, a world leading trader of agricultural products including coffee, sugar, cotton, molasses and animal feed.

Key Accountabilities

• Take full ownership of the end-to-end documentation process for global shipments, ensuring proactive resolution of issues and continuous improvement of documentation workflows.
• Review and verify sales contracts, shipping instructions, and Letters of Credit (LCs) with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation; proactively clarify and revise terms in collaboration with trade finance and commercial teams.
• Execute ocean carrier AES / SI filings, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to prevent container splits or rolls.
• Lead the coordination and verification of all third-party documentation, including Phytosanitary Certificates, Quality Certificates, Ocean Bills of Lading, and Certificates of Origin.
• Generate precise and compliant commercial and intercompany invoices.
• Liaise with USDA and PCIT offices to obtain Phytosanitary Certificates, ensuring compliance with importing country regulations.
• Ensure that all required documentation is assembled, verified, and submitted to banks and customers in alignment with LC and contractual deadlines.
• Manage presentation of shipping documents to banks for LC negotiation, acceptance, or payment processing across multiple global contracts.
• Coordinate seamlessly with internal and external stakeholders including merchants, logistics teams, banks, ocean carriers, suppliers, and customers to ensure smooth, on-time shipment execution.
• Provide proactive updates to customers and internal teams on documentation and shipment status, using digital tools and systems to maintain transparency and visibility.
• Identify and implement process improvements, embracing automation or system enhancements that increase documentation speed, accuracy, and compliance.

Skills and Experience

We recognise that talent comes in many forms, and we value potential just as much as experience. If this role excites you but you don’t meet ever requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Our Offer

We provide a fast-paced, stimulating and truly global environment, which will stretch your abilities and channel your talents. We also offer competitive salary and benefits combined with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the global leaders in soft commodity trading.

Our Values

Respect, Integrity, Meritocracy, Client Focus, Entrepreneurship

Our values define who we are. They are the fundamental beliefs that determine our actions and guide our behaviour. They influence the way we communicate and collaborate, and define the way we engage with our clients, partners, and communities. Our values are underpinned by a set of essential behaviours, which form part of our performance management approach. Delivering on our objectives is very much about ‘what’ we do, but these essential behaviours also provide a guide and measure for ‘how’ we do things. Our performance essentials are Take Initiative, Self‐Management, Deliver Results and Collaboration

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and diverse work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and are focussed on actively building and developing diverse teams. All qualified applicants will receive equal treatment without regard to race, colour, sex, gender, age, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment (identity, gender expression), genetic information or any characteristic protected by local law.

We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

To apply you must have the right to work for the provided location.