Commodity Trader

Job Description

Commodity Trader

Position Summary


The Commodity Trader is responsible for buying and selling recyclable and secondary materials across the organization's operations and external markets. This role sits at the intersection of commerce and sustainability - managing material flow, capturing margin, and building long-term relationships with mills, brokers, and end-market buyers. The ideal candidate is a sharp, data-driven negotiator with deep knowledge of secondary materials markets and the agility to thrive in a fast-moving, price-volatile environment.


Key Responsibilities

Trading & Market Execution

• Buy and sell recyclable commodities including OCC, mixed paper, scrap metals, plastics, and glass across domestic and international markets.
• Monitor commodity pricing indices, market conditions, and demand signals to inform trading decisions.
• Execute spot and contract trades, managing timing and positioning to optimize margin.
• Manage inventory levels across facilities to minimize carrying costs and maximize throughput.
  Contract & Relationship Management
  
  
• Negotiate and manage supply and offtake contracts with mills, brokers, MRFs, and industrial buyers.
• Build and maintain a robust book of buyer and supplier relationships across targeted commodity categories.
• Ensure contract compliance and proactively resolve quality or volume disputes with counterparties.
  Analysis & Strategy
  
  
• Analyze market data, pricing trends, and competitive dynamics to develop short- and long-term trading strategies.
• Produce regular market reports and forecasts for internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Identify emerging commodity opportunities and new end-market channels.
  Cross-Functional Collaboration
  
  
• Work closely with operations teams to align material quality specifications with buyer requirements.
• Coordinate with logistics and transportation teams to optimize outbound material movement and freight costs.
• Partner with finance on pricing models, margin reporting, and budget planning.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in commodity trading, recyclable materials, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of secondary materials markets and pricing dynamics (fiber, metals, plastics, and/or glass).
• Proven track record of contract negotiation and managing buyer/supplier relationships.
• Ability to make fast, decisive, data-driven decisions in volatile market conditions.
• Proficiency with trading and market reporting tools, and strong Excel/data analysis skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Economics, or a related field.
  Preferred
  
  
• Experience with domestic and international commodity export markets.
• Familiarity with recycling operations, MRF processing, and material quality grading standards.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements governing secondary materials trade.
• Experience with commodity trading software or ERP platforms.

Why Join Us


We sit at the intersection of commerce and sustainability - every trade you make keeps materials out of landfills and in productive use. You'll have real autonomy, a dynamic market to work in, and the satisfaction of knowing your work drives both financial and environmental returns. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on business performance and our broader sustainability mission.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.