We are a Berlin-based startup that has successfully established a leading B2B marketplace for industrial metals across Europe.

The multi-billion-euro metal trading industry is operated on Excel, PDF and Email. We are on a mission to transform buying and selling in one of the oldest industries of the modern world with seamless and intuitive digital solutions. Our technologies increase liquidity, accelerate transactions, reduce scrapping rates and enhance buying convenience for hundreds of steel and metal distributors across Europe.

As a lean team of young, international, and passionate talents, we've recently reached breakeven and are gearing up for the next phase of growth.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Trader to join our Berlin office. The ideal candidate will bring a minimum of 3 years of experience in the steel industry, with a proven track record of executing deals from lead sourcing to deal closing and after-sales services. This role is crucial for transferring knowledge to our junior traders and driving the company’s growth by leveraging your extensive industry expertise across various regions.

• Market Management: Oversee and manage multiple regional markets, identifying key opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Deal Execution: Execute deals from A to Z, including spotting opportunities, price negotiation, deal closing, and after-sales services (order processing, logistics and financing).
• Client Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key clients across different regions. Act as a key account manager for both suppliers and buyers in various markets.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership and mentorship to junior traders, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Business Development: Proactively reach out to potential new clients, initiate cold contacts, and arrange meetings to expand our customer base.
• Strategic Initiatives: Collaborate with senior management to drive strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing Vanilla Steel’s market presence and profitability.

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in the steel industry, with hands-on experience in deal execution from lead sourcing to deal closing and after-sales.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills, structured thinking, and a hands-on attitude. Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Languages: Professional proficiency in English is essential. Knowledge of additional languages, such as German, Italian, French, or Polish is a bonus.
• Interpersonal Abilities: Demonstrated interpersonal skills with a target-driven and entrepreneurial mentality.
• Leadership: Experience in team leadership and knowledge transfer, with the ability to mentor and develop junior traders.

• Leadership Exposure: Direct report to the C-level, working closely with an experienced and driven sales team.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for career advancement and professional development within the company.
• Compensation: Competitive salary with commission-based variable compensation.
• Work Environment: Open and fun working environment/culture, located in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin.
• Perks: Friday drinks and social events to foster team bonding.