Trade Manager

Vallum Associates; Oxford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative energy trading firm in Oxford seeks a Shift Trading Manager to oversee real-time trading operations and guide junior traders. This leadership role requires proven power trading experience and a strong understanding of UK power dynamics. Candidates must be ready to work in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment and will be based in Oxford 4–5 days a week.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in power trading, ideally in a shift-based environment.
• Strong understanding of UK or European power markets and grid operations.
• Leadership qualities with prior management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage real-time power trading activity during shifts.
• Execute trading strategies across different markets.
• Monitor asset performance and manage junior traders.

Skills

Power trading experience

Understanding of UK power markets

Leadership qualities

Decision-making under pressure

Mentoring ability

Job description

Job description

About the Company

We are a fast-growing, tech-enabled energy trading firm operating at the forefront of the energy transition. Our team focuses on optimising flexible assets in real time, with a strong emphasis on battery energy storage systems (BESS), grid services, and wholesale power markets.

As we scale our trading operations, we’re looking for an experienced Shift Trading Manager to help lead a dynamic desk and drive performance in a 24/7 environment.

The Role

This is a key leadership hire within the trading function. You will oversee real-time operations during your shift, manage risk and strategy execution, and play a hands-on role in mentoring and developing junior traders. You’ll also work closely with cross-functional teams across analytics, optimisation, and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage real-time power trading activity during assigned shifts, including nights and weekends

• Execute trading strategies across day-ahead, intraday, and balancing markets

• Monitor asset performance, forecast deviations, and react to system events

• Manage and mentor junior traders, fostering a culture of discipline, curiosity, and accountability

• Ensure compliance with risk limits and internal controls

• Collaborate with data, tech, and optimisation teams to continuously improve performance

• Contribute to scheduling and coverage planning within a small, agile trading team

Requirements

• Proven experience in power trading, ideally within a shift-based or real-time environment

• Strong understanding of UK or European power markets, grid operations, and flexibility assets

• Experience trading BESS assets or a strong desire to gain exposure to this space

• Demonstrated leadership qualities — prior management experience , or a strong readiness to take that step

• Excellent decision-making under pressure

• Willingness to work a rotating shift pattern including nights and weekends

• Ability to be based in Oxford 4–5 days per week