Experienced Grain Trader - Global Sourcing & Procurement Leader

RAJESH PRASAD

Head of Procurement Commodity Trading Global Sourcing Leader

*********@*******.*** • +971-***-***-*** • Dubai, UAE SUMMARY

Accomplished Head of Procurement & Sales professional with 25+ yrs of experience in leading global sourcing initiatives and optimizing supply chain operations. Proven track record of reducing annual spending and implementing structured procurement strategies. Expert at building high performing teams, negotiating high value contracts and driving sustainable sales and procurement strategies to ensure compliance with the profitability of the company. EXPERIENCE

Fortuna Trading DMCC, Dubai

Senior Trader

Jun 2025 - Present

Overseeing end-to-end procurement and global trading operations of dairy commodities, grains, sugar, vegetable oils, and oil seeds across GCC, MENA, and international markets.

Driving strategic business development initiatives while expanding and institutionalizing an international supplier network. Orchestrating negotiation of high-value contracts & pricing frameworks with global suppliers to optimize cost structures & secure uninterrupted supply chains.

Conducting comprehensive market intelligence and trend analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic trading decisions.

Coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in international logistics.

Cultivating enduring strategic alliances with key suppliers & stakeholders to reinforce organizational credibility and sustainable commercial growth.

Food Specialities Limited, Dubai

Head of Dairy Trade

Jan 2021 - May 2025

Led global sourcing from the EU, United States, Vietnam, New Zealand, Australia, and India, ensuring uninterrupted supply, competitive pricing, and successful business closures across GCC, MENA, and African markets.

Oversaw five key strategic accounts, while motivating and leading a regional team of eight members across the GCC to deliver consistent business growth throughout the GCC, MENA region, and Africa.

Scaled the profitability of the dairy division from an annual revenue of AED 3.9 million to AED 6 million over five years, alongside increasing traded volumes from 10,000 metric tons to 15,000 metric tons.

Achieved and sustained a 10% year-on-year increase in both volume and revenue for the dairy division between 2021 and 2025 through strategic sourcing, pricing, and market expansion initiatives.

Retained and strengthened relationships with existing suppliers and customers while proactively identifying and cultivating new supplier and customer partnerships to support long-term growth.

Represented the organization at international exhibitions, trade fairs, and global industry platforms, undertaking extensive international travel to strengthen supplier alliances and customer relationships. Food Specialities Limited

KSA and UAE

Sales Manager

Jan 2014 - Dec 2020

Oversaw sales and trading of a diverse commodity portfolio, including edible nuts, spices, oil seeds, dairy products, and grains, through strategic procurement from the United States, European Union, Australia, Africa, Vietnam, Thailand, and India for customers across the GCC and Egypt.

Held full responsibility for an individual annual income budget of AED 1.25 million, delivering revenue targets across multiple commodity categories.

Maintained and expanded long-term relationships with existing suppliers and customers while identifying opportunities to find new suppliers and customers to strengthen market presence.

Represented Food Specialities Limited at global trade exhibitions (Anuga, INC, SIAL), traveling extensively worldwide to develop and sustain supplier and customer relationships across international markets. Dunar Spices Limited, India

Head - International Business

Oct 2012 - Dec 2013

Led the initiation & expansion of export operations for grains, spices & frozen foods, establishing structured frameworks for international market growth.

Oversaw end-to-end export execution, including order acquisition, pricing, contracts, logistics coordination, documentation, and shipment closure.

Developed and strengthened bilateral trade relationships, successfully onboard new customers across the EU and GCC, driving revenue growth and market expansion.

BLB Commodities Limited, India

Senior Manager - International Business

Sep 2011 - Sep 2012

Spearheaded international market expansion by identifying, evaluating, & onboarding new suppliers & customers, strengthening global trade networks.

Executed high-volume export operations, including 7,000 MT of standard rice and 1,500 MT of Basmati rice across Africa and the EU, while managing pricing, negotiations, and compliance.

Enhanced brand visibility & sustained long-term international customer relationships, driving sales growth, market penetration & turnover expansion.

Kumar Seeds Pvt. Limited, India

Head - India & International Operations

May 2005 - Aug 2011

Oversaw end-to-end procurement, production, import, and export operations for oil seeds, spices, paper products, and rice across domestic and international markets.

Optimized operational workflows, supply chain coordination, and vendor management to enhance efficiency, productivity, and turnaround times.

Aligned operational strategies with business growth objectives while ensuring regulatory compliance, quality standards, and cost control across multi-location operations. EDUCATION

Pune University, Pune, India

PGDIFM - Post Graduate Diploma in Investment & Financial Management Gossner College, Ranchi, India

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) •

Science

Gossner College, Ranchi, India

Intermediate of Science (I. Sc.) •

Science

St. Thomas School, Ranchi,

India High School (Class X)

SKILLS

Leadership Skills

Strategic Planning/Thinking

Team Motivation & Development

Delegation & Empowerment

Stake Holder Management

Procurement & Supply Chain

Strategic Procurement

Category Management

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Contract Negotiation

Cost Optimization

Trading & Commercial

Global Commodity Trading

Market Expansion

Pricing Strategy

Business Development

Operations & Risk

Import / Export Operations

Trade Finance

Risk Management & Hedging

Logistics & Distribution

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