Spec Trading Manager

SSE Enterprise; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company is seeking a Spec Trading Manager to lead a team in energy trading. This hybrid role involves developing trading strategies and ensuring compliance with regulations while driving P&L in European gas and power markets. The ideal candidate will have extensive trading experience and strong technical skills. A competitive salary range of £78,400 - £117,600 plus benefits is offered.

Benefits

Private healthcare discounts

Free online GP

24/7 counseling service

Interest-free loans on tech

Generous family entitlements

Qualifications

• Proven trading expertise with strong commercial acumen.
• Deep understanding of market structure and P&L mechanics.
• Skilled in developing complex models using relevant tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate a high-performing trading team.
• Design and execute trading strategies in energy markets.
• Ensure adherence to governance and compliance policies.

Skills

Energy trading experience

Advanced analytical skills

Strong communication

Leadership abilities

Technical skills in Excel, VBA, Python

Tools

ETRM

Bloomberg

Web ICE

Job description

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SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

secures the energy needed to power customers' lives, while creating value for SSE. Our Energy Markets trading teams buy the fuel needed to deliver cleaner energy and sell power generated in our wind farm, hydro and thermal assets back to the markets.

Base Location: Perth, Edinburgh or Glasgow – this is a hybrid role working from one of the advertised locations.

Salary: £78,400 - £117,600 + car/car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available

The role

The Spec Trading Team is responsible for deploying capital, within a controlled risk framework, in liquid gas and power markets across Europe, developing and executing trading strategies across multiple markets. The role will primarily focus on generating P&L across different verticals (gas, power and carbon) and different time horizon, while building a framework for consistently taking the right risk/reward profile.

As the Spec Trading Manager, you’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, deploying capital within a controlled risk framework to drive P&L. This hands-on role combines strategy, execution, and leadership—working closely with other trading desks, risk, and origination teams to identify and capture market opportunities. Be part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment shaping the future of energy trading at SSE.

You will

• Champion a strong safety culture by modelling best practices, complying with all legislative obligations, and inspiring teams.
• Deploy capital within a £6M VaR limit to deliver strong speculative trading returns (targeting 3x VaR annually). Communicate strategies clearly and contribute to EM budget targets.
• Design and execute trading strategies across EU gas, power, and carbon markets. Develop trading tools, drive market insights, and lead analyst support work to unlock value opportunities.
• Ensure strict adherence to internal governance, compliance policies, and external regulatory frameworks. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all relevant legislation and license conditions.
• Work closely with Trading, Risk, and Origination teams to enhance cross-market outlooks. Identify cost efficiencies, improve service delivery, and strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships.

You have

• Proven Trading Expertise: Energy trading experience with strong commercial acumen, a track record of delivering desk value, and deep understanding of market structure, traded products, trade life cycle, and P&L mechanics.
• Advanced Analytical & Technical Skills: Skilled in developing and operating complex models and tools using Excel, VBA, and Python; experienced in market platforms like ETRM, Bloomberg, Web ICE, and trading analytics.
• Strategic Thinking & Communication: Capable of creating and articulating complex trading strategies, generating ideas under pressure, and presenting insights to senior stakeholders, including at board level.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Natural leader with experience mentoring junior team members, working cross-functionally with Risk, Compliance, and other key stakeholders to support trading activities.
• Resilience & Integrity: Highly driven, detail-oriented, and dependable with strong organisational skills and a firm commitment to governance, regulation, and corporate best practices.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further. If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.