Head of Risk/CRO- Commodities

A leading international financial institution is seeking a Head of Risk – Commodities to oversee risk for a diversified portfolio of energy and metals clients.

A leading international financial institution is seeking a Head of Risk – Commodities to oversee risk for a diversified portfolio of energy and metals clients. The role sits within the first and second line interface, working closely with front office, senior management and control functions to ensure robust risk management across physical and derivative activities.

Role overview

The successful candidate will:

• Own and oversee credit and market risk for a portfolio of commodity‑focused corporates and financial counterparties, including structured trade and hedging facilities.

• Lead the assessment, sanctioning and monitoring of counterparties, transactions and limits, ensuring alignment with the firm’s risk appetite and policies.

• Provide clear, commercially minded challenge to front‑office teams on new deals, structures and hedging strategies, balancing risk mitigation with business growth.

• Develop and maintain high‑quality risk MI, reporting and dashboards for senior management and governance committees, highlighting emerging trends and proposing actionable recommendations.

• Chair or act as key contributor to risk forums covering credit, market and portfolio risk, ensuring timely escalation of material issues.

• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of risk frameworks, including policies, procedures, rating methodologies and limit architectures for commodity portfolios.

• Lead day‑to‑day management of counterparty risk across a portfolio of commodity corporates and related entities, including setting and reviewing limits, monitoring utilisation and overseeing collateral and documentation considerations.

• Review and approve complex transactions such as borrowing base facilities, pre‑export finance, receivables structures and other structured commodity finance solutions.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Have significant experience in credit and/or market risk within commodities (energy and/or metals), gained at a bank, trading house, asset manager or similar financial institution.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of commodity corporate credit, structured trade and working capital solutions, and associated risk mitigants.

• Have experience managing or mentoring risk professionals, or be ready to step into a visible leadership role.

• Hold a strong academic background in finance, economics, engineering or a related discipline; professional qualifications (e.g. CFA, FRM) would be advantageous.

If you meet the above set criteria, please apply or send a copy of your CV to hadjra.sohawon@robertwalters.com.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates