Head of Trade

Role Summary: The Head of Trade will be responsible for building W2A Trade into a profitable, structured, and scalable trade facilitation and execution business. The role will focus on developing the systems, processes, supplier networks, transaction structures, documentation, reporting, and team capacity required for W2A to facilitate trade between buyers effectively and sellers across Nigeria, Africa, and international markets. The Head of Trade will work from clear commercial mandates generated at WELCOME2AFRICA INVESTMENT AND TRADE GROUP - HOLDCO level. Where the HoldCo has secured buyer interest, trade demand, or commercial opportunities, the Head of Trade will be responsible for converting those opportunities into properly structured transactions. This includes supplier verification, product readiness, pricing, negotiation support, contract execution, quality assurance, logistics coordination, delivery, payment, and repeat business. Key Responsibilities: 1. Build W2A Trade as a Profitable Business Unit • Develop W2A Trade into a commercially viable and revenue-generating business function, including building the operating model, supplier networks, and execution framework. • Ensure W2A's role in every trade opportunity is clearly defined (facilitator, distributor, broker, agent, commercial representative, exporter, or transaction partner). • Protect W2A's commercial interest through clear margins, commissions, facilitation fees, or distribution fees. 2. Execute Trade Mandates from HoldCo • Manage the pipeline from opportunity to execution once buyer interest or trade demand is secured at the HoldCo level. • Identify suitable suppliers, verify seller capacity, confirm product availability, assess quality, review pricing, coordinate negotiations, and manage documentation. • Ensure buyer-seller connections are properly structured and followed through to repeat business. 3. Develop Supplier Networks and Seller Readiness • Build and manage a reliable network of sellers, suppliers, producers, processors, exporters, aggregators, distributors, and logistics partners. • Ensure suppliers are credible, capable, and ready to meet buyer requirements (quality, volume, pricing, packaging, certifications, and timelines). • Develop supplier verification processes, preferred supplier lists, and supplier scoring systems. 4. Grow Cocoa Nibs Export Activities (Immediate Priority) • Grow and structure W2A's cocoa nibs export activities by building a reliable supply chain and improving aggregation/cleaning coordination. • Work with processors, warehouses, logistics providers, and inspection agents to ensure cocoa nibs meet required specifications (nibs percentage, FFA, moisture level, cleanliness). • Move cocoa nibs activities from irregular or one-off transactions into repeatable, profitable export contracts. 5. Support Product Sales and Distribution Where Mandated • Support sales and distribution when a clear mandate is received from HoldCo to represent a product, portfolio company, manufacturer, or processor. • Develop distribution structures, identify channels, prepare product briefs, and ensure W2A's commercial terms are agreed upon. 6. Build Trade Systems, Processes, and Documentation • Create systems and processes to make W2A Trade structured, accountable, and scalable. • Develop trade trackers, supplier databases, mandate trackers, transaction files, pricing templates, quality checklists, and logistics workflows. • Ensure every trade opportunity has clear records, defined responsibilities, and visible execution status. 7. Build and Lead the Trade Team • Identify the roles needed within the trade function, recommend hires, and manage trade officers or interns. • Assign responsibilities and train team members across supplier management, logistics, and transaction tracking. • Build a strong trade unit capable of handling multiple transactions without over dependence on the CEO or HoldCo leadership.