Assistant Manager Trade Operations

Role Overview Standard Chartered India is looking for an experienced Assistant Manager in Trade Operations to join their Chennai team. This is a mid-senior level full-time opportunity within the bank's trade finance division, ideal for professionals with strong knowledge of ICC rules, trade finance instruments, and back-office banking operations. The role demands a client-centric approach combined with rigorous compliance awareness and process excellence. Key Responsibilities - Handle document checking, negotiation, and guarantee processing in line with ICC rules including URDG and ISP guidelines - Scrutinise trade documents against letters of credit, identify discrepancies, and communicate them clearly to clients for rectification - Ensure all trade transactions are accurately processed and released within approved limits, following Departmental Operating Instructions and internal policies - Monitor transactions using TD functionality and ensure timely completion of all client trade requests - Comply with Group Anti-Money Laundering policies and report any suspicious transactions to the line manager - Manage and mentor operations staff, ensure cross-training, plan for leave coverage, and maintain high team motivation - Identify and implement Continuous Improvement and LEAN initiatives to simplify processes and improve productivity - Engage proactively with key stakeholders including country offices, regulators, peers, and senior management - Comply with Group and Local Sanctions Policies and uphold the Group's Code of Conduct at all times - Support C3 and CSR initiatives and actively participate in quality improvement programmes Required Qualifications - Solid experience in trade finance operations within a banking environment - Strong working knowledge of ICC rules, letter of credit processing, bills dispatch, and guarantee text vetting - Familiarity with back-office trade operations, check processing, and trade payment messages - Understanding of AML policies, risk management, and regulatory compliance frameworks - CDCS certification or CSDG certification preferred or willingness to acquire the same - Proven ability to lead a small operations team and manage workloads effectively - Excellent communication skills for client interaction and discrepancy resolution Why Join Us Standard Chartered is a global bank with over 170 years of history, committed to making a positive impact for clients and communities. The bank offers a competitive compensation package, flexible working arrangements, extensive learning opportunities, and a genuinely inclusive culture that values diversity and employee wellbeing.

- Knowledge of ICC rules including UCP, URDG, and ISP - Experience in trade finance document checking and negotiation - Hands-on experience with letter of credit processing and guarantee handling - Understanding of AML policies and compliance procedures - Familiarity with TD functionality and trade transaction monitoring systems - Strong problem-solving and risk identification skills - Team management and staff development experience - Excellent client communication and stakeholder management skills - CDCS or CSDG certification preferred - Knowledge of LEAN or continuous improvement methodologies

- Competitive salary in line with Fair Pay Charter - Core bank funding for retirement savings and life insurance - Medical insurance coverage - Annual leave plus 30 days minimum combined holiday entitlement - Parental and maternity leave up to 20 weeks - Sabbatical leave option up to 12 months - Volunteering leave of 3 days per year - Flexible working arrangements combining home and office - Access to Unmind digital wellbeing platform - Global Employee Assistance Programme - Continuous learning and reskilling opportunities - Inclusive and values-driven workplace culture