Lecithin & Vegetable Oil Trader
Our story goes back more than 150 years. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark, we’ve grown into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant-based oils, employing more than 4,000 people across the globe. We work with our customers to make the products you love even better. The oils we produce go into making your chocolate extra-creamy or putting the crunch into your croissant. And it’s not just food — we work across industries to make products that are higher quality, healthier and better for the planet.
Everything we do is about Making Better Happen™.
AAK Location
This position is based in Zaandijk, the Netherlands.
About the role
The Lecithin & Vegetable Oil Trader is part of AAK’s European Sourcing & Trading team and is responsible for developing and executing lecithin trading and sourcing strategies for the European business, while supporting selected global trading activities. The role combines commercial, analytical, and operational responsibilities, with a strong focus on market positioning, supplier management, risk management, and value creation.
Working closely with the Regional Senior Sourcing & Trading Manager Europe and key stakeholders across supply chain, sales, finance, and operations, the Lecithin & Vegetable Oil Trader plays a central role in ensuring a competitive, reliable, and sustainable lecithin supply chain. The position requires a proactive market approach, identifying trading opportunities, managing supplier and customer relationships, and translating market intelligence into commercial decisions. In addition to daily trading and sourcing activities, the role contributes to strategic projects within the Sourcing & Trading organization and may lead selected initiatives aimed at improving profitability, supply security, and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
Develop and execute sourcing and trading strategies for lecithin and certain vegetable oil categories across the European business.-
Manage supplier relationships, commercial negotiations, and contract portfolios to secure competitive supply and maximize value creation.
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Monitor global lecithin and vegetable oil markets, analyzing supply-demand dynamics, pricing trends, and market developments to identify opportunities and risks.
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Execute trading transactions and manage positions in line with business objectives, risk parameters, and governance requirements.
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Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and trading partners, ensuring optimal terms and long-term strategic relationships.
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Collaborate closely with supply chain, sales, finance, QA, and operations teams to align trading decisions with customer demand and business priorities.
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Contribute to market intelligence activities, including forecasting, price benchmarking, competitor analysis, and strategic market assessments.
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Ensure compliance with AAK’s standards for risk management, financial governance, sustainability, and responsible sourcing.
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Drive and participate in cross-functional projects focused on supply chain optimization, cost reduction, and business development.
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Support selected global sourcing and trading initiatives, leveraging market insights and regional expertise.
About you
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5–6 years of experience in commodity trading, sourcing, procurement, or commercial supply chain roles, preferably within agricultural commodities, ingredients, oils & fats, or the food industry.
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Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Agribusiness, Finance, or a related field.
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Strong commercial mindset with proven experience in supplier negotiations, contract management, and value creation.
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Solid understanding of commodity markets, market fundamentals, and risk management principles.
Demonstrated ability to analyze market data and translate insights into profitable trading and sourcing decisions. -
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across a matrix structure and different cultures.
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Self-driven, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented, with the confidence to make decisions in a dynamic market environment.
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Experience managing complex supplier portfolios and commercial relationships.
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Proficient in English, both written and verbal; additional European languages are considered an advantage.
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Available for occasional travel within Europe and internationally as required.
In return AAK offers
Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.
In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.
AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.
You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability-focused approach.
Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate and confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care. Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.
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