Carbon Trader

CFP Energy; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy and sustainability group in the UK seeks an experienced Carbon Trader to oversee trading activities in compliance and voluntary carbon markets. The successful applicant will leverage their expertise to optimize strategies and inform stakeholders on market trends. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in commodity trading, especially within the EU ETS or UK ETS, with proven risk management skills. Join a dynamic team committed to innovative solutions for a low-carbon economy.

Qualifications

• 8 - 10 years’ experience in commodity trading, specifically in carbon markets.
• Experience in model creation and validation for trading.
• Track record of successful proprietary trading in EU ETS and UK ETS.

Responsibilities

• Manage carbon trading activities across compliance and voluntary markets.
• Evaluate trading opportunities and monitor market developments.
• Conduct market and policy analysis to support trading decisions.

Skills

Commodity trading experience

Knowledge of carbon markets

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Strong communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Direct message the job poster from CFP Energy

Our mission is to facilitate the transition to a low‑carbon economy by providing innovative financial solutions to our clients.

We are not just any energy and sustainability group; we're a dynamic, award‑winning powerhouse! At the forefront of environmental innovation, we lead the charge in providing cutting‑edge solutions for large‑scale energy consumers. From guiding small business to corporate giants on their journey to achieve net zero emissions to expertly managing risks and supplying vital power and gas resources, we do it all. But wait, there's more! We're not content with just excelling in our current ventures – we thrive on pioneering new businesses and seizing energy investment opportunities.

Role

CFP Energy is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Carbon Trader to join our Trading team. This role offers a unique opportunity to operate at the cutting edge of environmental markets, managing carbon credit and allowance trading activity across compliance and voluntary schemes, and contributing to the firm’s broader decarbonisation and sustainability strategy.

As a Carbon Trader, you will take ownership of carbon trading activities, ensuring effective execution and optimisation of strategies across regulated and voluntary carbon markets, while collaborating with analysts, risk, and commercial teams to drive performance and unlock new opportunities in this rapidly evolving space.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and execute trading opportunities across compliance (e.g. EU ETS, UK ETS) carbon markets, with a focus on maximising risk‑adjusted returns.
• Monitor carbon market developments, including regulatory changes, auction calendars, and price movements, to inform strategy and identify emerging risks or opportunities.
• Conduct in‑depth market and policy analysis to support trading decisions and anticipate structural shifts in carbon pricing or supply/demand dynamics.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of pricing models and analytical tools for carbon credit valuation and market forecasting.
• Provide insights and recommendations to internal stakeholders on carbon market trends, risk management, and hedging strategies.
• Act as a resource to the sales team to share market knowledge and support client development. Be available to cover client pricing requests when other traders are absent.
• Continuously improve and streamline carbon trading processes, reporting standards, and position management frameworks.
• Act as a key interface between trading and functions including risk management, finance, and ESG, helping to align carbon market activity with broader corporate goals.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8 - 10 years’ experience in commodity trading, focused on carbon markets (compliance and/or voluntary). Proven experience of model creation and validation.
• Proven track record of successful proprietary or commercial trading in EU ETS and/or UK ETS, with strong P&L performance and risk management discipline.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to originate and execute structured carbon trades, including spot, futures, options, and cross‑product strategies.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced trading environment with the ability to manage complex positions, volatility, and regulatory constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage credibly across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong operational discipline, with attention to trade accuracy, reporting, and lifecycle management.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for environmental markets and the broader energy transition.

The CF Group is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, fairness of treatment, dignity and respect, and the elimination of all forms of discrimination in the workplace for all employees/contractors and job applicants.