Senior Trader (Oil Products)

Richard James Recruitment Specialists Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Richard James Recruitment Specialists Ltd in London seeks an experienced Senior Trader (Products) to lead physical and paper trading strategies across regions, maximise P&L, and drive growth in a global energy and commodities desk.

You will structure arbitrage, develop proprietary trading ideas, monitor exposures, and collaborate with Risk, Finance and Operations to ensure compliant, high-impact execution in a fast-paced international environment.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have extensive experience in commodity trading.
• Proven track record of growing a trading desk.
• Strong knowledge of futures, options, swaps and energy derivatives.
• Proficiency in trading platforms and financial modelling.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute physical and paper trades to maximise P&L within defined risk parameters.
• Structure and execute arbitrage opportunities across regions and markets.
• Develop and implement trading strategies including spread trading and volatility strategies.
• Support business growth through new initiatives and ideas for desk development.
• Monitor and hedge market exposures using futures, swaps and derivatives.
• Collaborate with Risk, Finance, Operations and Credit for smooth execution.
• Communicate market views and risk assessments to senior management.
• Mentor Trading Analysts and Junior Traders, aiding their development.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Skills

Commodity trading

Track record

Derivatives knowledge

Python/VBA/SQL

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Resilience under pressure

Risk/regulatory

Teamwork

Global exposure

Education

Engineering/Mathematics/Finance/Economics degree

Job description

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Products Trader to join a leading international energy and commodities business and play a key role in the growth of its trading activities.

Our client operates at the forefront of the global energy market, with a strong focus on physical and financial trading, innovation and the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

They are looking to appoint a Senior Trader (Products) to join their London team. The role offers broad exposure across the full commodity trading lifecycle, working closely with Front Office colleagues as well as Risk, Finance, Operations, Credit and other business functions.

This is an opportunity for an established trader with a strong commercial mindset and proven track record to develop and execute trading strategies, identify new market opportunities and contribute to the continued growth of the desk. You will work in a diverse, collaborative and international environment where innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and knowledge sharing are encouraged.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute physical and paper trades to maximise P&L within defined risk parameters.
• Structure and execute arbitrage opportunities across regions and markets.
• Develop and implement proprietary trading strategies to capture arbitrage, hedging and speculative opportunities, including spread trading and volatility strategies.
• Support business growth through new initiatives and ideas that contribute to the sustainable development of the desk.
• Monitor and hedge market exposures using futures, swaps and derivatives.
• Track market fundamentals, pricing trends, freight, refining margins and inventory levels.
• Analyse macroeconomic trends, geopolitical risks and market sentiment to inform trading decisions.
• Utilise technical analysis, quantitative models and real-time data to identify trading opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with refiners, trading houses and end users.
• Negotiate contracts, offtake agreements and term supply deals.
• Collaborate with Operations, Risk, Finance and Credit teams to ensure smooth execution.
• Work closely with Risk Management to monitor exposures and adhere to position limits.
• Communicate market views, trade ideas and risk assessments to senior management.
• Guide and mentor Trading Analysts and Junior Traders, contributing to their professional development.
• Ensure all trading activity complies with relevant regulatory requirements and internal controls.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Finance, Economics or a related discipline preferred.
• Extensive experience in commodity trading.
• Proven track record of delivering results and contributing to the growth of a trading desk.
• Strong understanding of futures, options, swaps and structured energy derivative products.
• Knowledge of Python, VBA or SQL would be advantageous for quantitative analysis and modelling.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in trading platforms and financial modelling.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Solid understanding of risk management principles and regulatory requirements.
• High level of integrity and commitment to ethical standards.
• Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Experience working within a global and international organisation is preferred.