Chemical Trader & Sales

Job Summary

The Chemical Trader & Sales Manager is responsible for driving international chemical and plastic resin trading activities, including market development, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and end-to-end import/export logistics. This role oversees risk management, compliance, and supply chain coordination while collaborating closely with U.S and Korea-based teams to support sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Chemical Trading & Market Development

• Engage in trading activities across major petrochemical and plastic resin products (PE, PP, PET, etc.) and engineering plastics (PC, ABS, HIPS, etc.) in U.S. and international markets.

• Develop new business opportunities in bio-based materials and emerging chemical sectors.

• Identify and expand international market channels, including import/export flows between Asia and North America.

• Manage and grow relationships with global suppliers, customers, and distribution partners.

2. Sales & Commercial Execution

• Lead commercial negotiations, pricing strategy, and contract structuring for domestic

and international chemical transactions.

• Monitor market trends, feedstock movements, and supply-demand dynamics to optimize trading margins.

• Execute spot and term sales while ensuring alignment with company profitability targets.

3. Procurement & Supply Chain Coordination

• Coordinate sourcing, allocation, and supply management of plastic resins and specialty materials.

• Collaborate with producers, distributors, logistics providers, and warehouse partners to ensure stable and cost-effective supply.

• Oversee truck, rail, and ocean freight logistics as applicable.

4. Export/Import Execution & Logistics

• Manage end-to-end execution of international trade contracts, including documentation, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance. • Oversee shipping schedules, warehouse coordination, and inventory control. • Ensure timely cargo movement through U.S. ports and domestic distribution networks.

5. Risk Management & Contract Handling

• Handle international trade contracts and ensure compliance with company policies and risk management protocols.

• Assess market, credit, operational, freight, and FX risks; recommend mitigation

strategies.

• Maintain disciplined exposure management across pricing, supply, and logistics risks.

6. Cross-Cultural Communication & Collaboration

• Work effectively in a multicultural corporate environment, collaborating closely with U.S. and Korean teams.

• Adapt communication and reporting styles to align with headquarters in Korea. • Build strong internal and external networks across global petrochemical markets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in chemical trading, plastic resin sales, execution, or supply chain management.

• Proven track record in handling international trade contracts and commercial negotiations.

• Strong communication skills in both English and Korean; ability to operate fluently in bilingual business settings.

• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Anaheim, CA for long-term employment. • Practical experience in trading operations, logistics coordination, and documentation management.

• Open to flexible working hours as needed for collaboration with international teams, including Korea.

• Strong sense of responsibility, accountability, and professional integrity. • Excellent time management, punctuality, disciplined work ethic, and proactive mindset.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally without restrictions. • Team-oriented, adaptable, and highly motivated with a strong entrepreneurial drive.

Preferred Experience

• Experience handling Plastic Resin and Engineering plastics.

• Exposure to bio-based materials, sustainable chemicals, or new business incubation projects.

• Practical experience in ocean freight, rail logistics, tank/warehouse operations. • Experience working with multinational trading houses or global chemical manufacturers. • Established network within U.S. chemical or plastics distribution markets.