West Coast Trader - Metals, Fiber & Plastics 

West Coast, USA /  On-site & Remote | Ref: WCT - 0826 

Want to build a business instead of just manage a book? 

We are looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial West Coast Trader to join our growing team and help expand our presence across the U.S. recycling and recovered materials markets.  

We are especially interested in someone with experience (preferably in metals), a trader who understands commodities, knows how to build relationships, can identify an opportunity and is not afraid to pick up the phone and make a deal.  

You don’t need to be an expert in every commodity on day one.

What matters most is that you understand how trading works, how to develop relationships, how to negotiate, and how to find opportunities.  We will help you build on your experience and expand to other commodities.  

What you’ll do

This is a hands-on trading and business development role.  You will have the opportunity to:

• Grow our West Coast Presence by developing new suppliers, customers and trading opportunities.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, processors and other industry partners.

• Identify new market opportunities and develop strategies to grow volume and profitability.

• Purchase and sell recyclable and recovered commodities while monitoring changing market conditions.

• Leverage your metals experience while expanding your knowledge into recovered fiber and plastics.

• Visit suppliers, processing facilities and customers to develop relationships and better understand their operations.

• Negotiate pricing, quality, freight and commercial terms.

• Monitor commodity markets and use that information to make smart purchasing and selling decisions.

• Work closely with our operations, logistics and commercial teams to make sure transactions are executed successfully.

• Help identify new opportunities, new markets and new ways for the company to grow.  

This is a field-driven trading role

Relationships are at the heart of commodity trading.  We want someone who enjoys getting out from behind the desk, meeting people and seeing the business firsthand.  

The successful candidate should have 50-60% travel availability, including regular travel throughout the West Coast and other relevant markets to meet suppliers, customers and industry partners and visit processing facilities.  

Travel expenses are paid by VIPA.

Who we are looking for

We’re less interested in checking every box and more interested in finding the right trader.  

You may be a great fit if you: 

• Have experience in metals, recycling, commodities or another related trading environment.

• Have a strong understanding of buying, selling, pricing and negotiating commodities.

• Are naturally competitive and motivated by finding and closing deals. 

• Know how to build relationships and earn trust with suppliers and customers.

• Are comfortable working independently and taking ownership of your results.

• Have strong analytical and numerical skills and pay close attention to the details.   

• Are adaptable and comfortable operating in a fast-moving market.

• Are comfortable with 50-60% business travel.

• Want to grow beyond your current commodity expertise and learn fiber and plastics.  

Why VIPA?

Great people.  Great leadership.  A global business.  Real opportunity

VIPA is an international company with a strong position in the global recycling and recovered materials industry. 
We are one of the top exporters in our industry, giving our team the opportunity to work in a truly global trading environment.  

But what really makes VIPA different is our people.

You’ll work with strong leadership and a great team that values collaboration, initiative and getting things done.  We believe in supporting our employees and giving them the opportunity to grow.  

You’ll also have the resources and reach of an established international trading company while working in an environment where your individual contribution matters.  

Only candidates currently residing in the US will be considered

VIPA is an equal opportunity employer

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, or any other status protected under law.