Energy Trader - Commodities

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Energy Trader in Welkom, Free State, to optimize trading strategies across electricity, natural gas, and related energy assets. The role demands strong analytics, rapid decision-making under pressure, and effective risk management to maximize portfolio returns.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of energy trading experience and a solid background in quantitative finance, market microstructure, and trading platforms such as Bloomberg and Reuters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in finance/economics/math/engineering or related field.
• Master's or CFA designation is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience in energy/commodity trading or quantitative finance.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with modeling proficiency.
• Familiarity with trading platforms and market data providers (Bloomberg, Reuters).
• Excellent understanding of market microstructure and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Execute trading strategies for energy commodities in physical and financial markets.
• Monitor market trends and indicators to identify opportunities.
• Analyze supply/demand, weather, and geopolitical impacts on energy prices.
• Develop quantitative trading models and algorithms.
• Manage positions, monitor risk, and comply with trading limits.
• Collaborate with risk management and analytics teams to optimize strategies.
• Build relationships with market participants and brokers.
• Prepare reports on performance, analysis, and risk positions.
• Stay up-to-date with regulatory changes and market structures.
• Communicate ideas and strategies to senior management.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Quantitative skills

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or related quantitative field

Master's degree or CFA designation is a plus

Tools

Bloomberg

Reuters

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading energy trading firm, is seeking a highly motivated and analytical Energy Trader to join their desk in Welkom, Free State. This is a fast-paced role focused on optimizing trading strategies for electricity, natural gas, and other energy commodities. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of market dynamics, sophisticated analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to make quick, profitable decisions under pressure. You will play a key role in managing risk and maximizing returns for the company's energy portfolio in the Free State region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute trading strategies for various energy commodities (electricity, natural gas, oil derivatives) in both physical and financial markets.
• Monitor market trends, news, and economic indicators to identify trading opportunities.
• Analyze supply and demand fundamentals, weather patterns, and geopolitical events impacting energy prices.
• Develop and refine quantitative trading models and algorithms.
• Manage trading positions, monitor risk exposure, and ensure compliance with trading limits and policies.
• Collaborate with the risk management and analytics teams to optimize trading strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with market participants, brokers, and counterparties.
• Prepare reports on trading performance, market analysis, and risk positions.
• Stay current with regulatory changes and market structures affecting energy trading.
• Effectively communicate trading ideas and strategies to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field. Master's degree or CFA designation is a plus.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in energy trading, commodity trading, or quantitative finance.
• Demonstrated success in trading energy markets (e.g., electricity, natural gas, power derivatives).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in statistical analysis and modeling.
• Familiarity with trading platforms and financial market data providers (e.g., Bloomberg, Reuters).
• Excellent understanding of market microstructure, risk management principles, and trading strategies.
• Ability to perform under pressure and make rapid, well-informed decisions.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-starter with a high degree of motivation and ability to work independently.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Welkom, Free State.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package including a base salary and significant performance-based bonuses. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a retirement savings plan, and relocation assistance if required. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to operate at the forefront of the energy trading market within South Africa.