Overview
Director of Trade Development Jobs in Ukraine at Forward Global Markets Ltd
Title: Director of Trade Development
Company: Forward Global Markets Ltd
Location: Ukraine
Director of Trade DevelopmentLocation: Ukraine (Preferred) | Hybrid | Regular UK & International Travel RequiredSalary: €50,000–€70,000 + Performance Bonus + Future Equity ParticipationFull-TimeHelp Build the Future of International Trade
Forward Global Markets (FGM) has built the next-generation international trade platform designed to make cross-border trade more transparent, executable and accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Combining trade governance, operational oversight, trust scoring, compliance support, transaction management and trade intelligence, FGM has been developed to help businesses navigate international trade with greater confidence whilst reducing many of the barriers that continue to limit international growth.
Following successful demonstrations to major business organisations in both the UK and Ukraine, representing more than 4,000 businesses, we are now seeking an ambitious and commercially minded individual to help drive the next phase of our development.
This is not a traditional trade role.
We are looking for someone who wants to help build one of the next-generation trade infrastructure platforms operating between the UK, Ukraine and international markets.
The successful candidate will work directly with the Founder and leadership team and will have a genuine opportunity to grow into a senior strategic leadership position as the company scales. For the right person, this role is not simply a job—it is an opportunity to help shape the future direction of both the platform and the business itself.
Who We're Looking For
Mindset is more important than age.
We are not looking for someone who wants to manage an existing system.
We are looking for someone who wants to help build one.
The ideal candidate will be commercially aware, ambitious, proactive and excited by the challenge of helping create something with genuine international impact.
You should be equally comfortable speaking with exporters, manufacturers, importers, chambers of commerce, trade associations, investors, government stakeholders and international partners.
Most importantly, you must possess genuine first-hand experience of international trade and cross-border business operations.
Essential Experience
This role requires practical experience of international trade and an understanding of the real-world challenges businesses face when operating across borders.
You do not need decades of experience, but you must have been directly involved in international trade activities and understand how transactions move from opportunity to successful completion.
Your experience may include:
- Import and export operations
- International sales and procurement
- Trade finance and payment processes
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Customs and regulatory compliance
- International market development
- Cross-border project delivery
- International manufacturing or sourcing
The ideal candidate will not simply understand international trade in theory—they will have experienced it first-hand and be able to translate that knowledge into practical solutions, strategic insights and platform improvements.
Experience working with manufacturers, exporters, distributors, importers, trade associations, customs, chambers of commerce, international business networks or trade-support organisations would be highly advantageous.
The Role
Working directly with the Founder, you will help build the institutional trade knowledge, strategic partnerships and commercial ecosystem that supports the continued growth of Forward Global Markets.
You will play an active role in both business development and platform evolution, helping ensure that the solutions we build reflect the real-world challenges faced by businesses engaged in international trade.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing relationships with trade associations, chambers of commerce and industry organisations
- Supporting the development of UK–Ukraine and wider international trade corridors
- Identifying strategic partnerships and growth opportunities
- Assisting with onboarding key business networks and organisations
- Providing practical trade insight and market intelligence to support platform development
- Contributing to the development of trade guidance, operational frameworks and best-practice resources
- Identifying common barriers to international trade and supporting the development of scalable solutions
- Representing the company at trade events, conferences and stakeholder meetings
- Working closely with leadership on strategic growth initiatives and future expansion plans
Why This Role Matters
This is a rare opportunity to join a company at an early stage and help shape its future.
You will have direct exposure to senior business leaders, international trade organisations, government stakeholders and strategic partners across multiple markets.
You will help influence platform development, trade strategy, international partnerships and market expansion.
Most importantly, this role has a clear pathway into senior management and strategic leadership as the business grows.
We are looking for someone who wants to build, grow and leave a lasting mark on the future of international trade. Not some one who has a "that will do" attitude.
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 12 months, you will have helped:
- Expand FGM's international trade network and strategic partnerships
- Develop relationships with major trade organisations and business associations
- Contribute to the growth of UK–Ukraine and international trade initiatives
- Enhance the platform's trade intelligence and operational capabilities
- Establish yourself as a trusted and influential member of the leadership team
- All while providing practical and technical oversight of cross boader trade
To Apply
Please send your CV together with a short covering note explaining:
- Why international trade interests you.
- What experience you believe you would bring to Forward Global Markets.
- Why you believe you are the right person to help build the next generation of international trade infrastructure.
Applications from Ukraine are particularly encouraged, although exceptional international candidates will also be considered.
