Global Commodities Trading Graduate Programme

University of Delaware; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Trafigura is seeking high-potential graduates for its two-year Commercial Graduate Programme. You will rotate through Deals Desk and Operations, culminating with a Trader Assistant placement on a live trading desk, developing real commercial relationships and market insight from day one.

From day one you’ll confront live decision-making, with desks sponsoring your development. You’ll gain exposure to global markets, risk, and a broad commodity portfolio, building the foundations for a trading

Qualifications

• Quantitative degree (2:1 or international equivalent) in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or related STEM.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a real asset.
• Max 2 years post-graduate work experience; internships in commodities, trading, banking or related field are a plus.
• Genuine interest in commodities; curious about global markets and supply/demand.
• Globally mobile and open to working across geographies and cultures.
• Strong numerical and analytical aptitude; comfortable with data.
• Commercially sharp with a structured approach to problem-solving.
• Able to build strong commercial relationships across cultures.
• Resilient and composed under pressure.
• Proactive, self-directed and driven to perform.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a two-year Commercial Graduate Programme with structured rotations.
• Rotations include Deals Desk and Operations, embedding on trading desks.
• Work alongside traders and internal teams to build real relationships.
• Support traders by analyzing markets, pricing opportunities and proposals.
• Develop practical understanding of global supply chains and markets.

Skills

Fluent English

Global mobility

Numerical aptitude

Analytical mindset

Relationship building

Proactive attitude

Resilience

Commercial focus

Education

Quantitative degree (2:1 or international equivalent) in finance/economics/mathematics/engineering/computer science or related STEM

Job description

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Designed for exceptional talent with the ambition to build a career at the forefront of global commodity trading.

This two-year programme offers immersive, hands-on exposure to global markets and our diverse commodity portfolio, equipping high-potential graduates with the skills, instincts and experience to progress into junior trading roles.

We're looking for individuals who are ready to take the initiative, learn from the exposure and hit the ground running. If you thrive in fast-moving, high-pressure environments and want real responsibility from the start, this programme is built for you.

The Programme

Our two-year Commercial Graduate Programme begins in September 2027 with a one-month remote summer school - an intensive foundation in commodity trading, risk management, and Trafigura's business - designed to ensure you contribute meaningfully from day one.

This is followed by two 6-month structured rotations on Deals Desk and Operations, before concluding with a final 12 months as a Trader Assistant embedded directly on a trading desk, specialising in a specific commodity line.

You won't be shadowing. You'll be doing. From early in the programme, you'll be building real commercial relationships, with counterparties, traders and internal teams, developing the trust and credibility that underpin every successful career at Trafigura.

Throughout the programme, each participant is sponsored by a trading desk, providing direct exposure to live commercial decision-making and a clear line of sight to a trading career from day one.

We'll give you all the support you need to succeed. But the drive to learn, grow and take ownership of your development has to come from you.

Who We're Looking For

As with all our hiring, we want the best of the best. We recruit from a wide range of universities around the world and look for strong academic foundations combined with a genuine aptitude for markets.

• Quantitative degree (minimum 2:1 or international equivalent) in finance, economics, mathematics, engineering, computer science or related STEM field
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a real asset
• Maximum of 2 years post-graduate work experience - prior internship experience in commodities, trading, banking or a related field is a plus
• Genuine interest in the commodities industry - curious about global markets, geopolitical events and the forces that shape supply and demand
• Globally mobile and open to working across different geographies and cultures
• Strong numerical and analytical aptitude, and comfort working with data
• Commercially sharp, with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Able to build strong, lasting commercial relationships - with counterparties, colleagues and clients across cultures and geographies
• Resilient and composed under pressure
• Proactive, self-directed and genuinely driven to perform

Note: This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

Applications will close on 16th August 2026.

Rotations

Deals Desk (6 months)

The Deals Desk is an independent control function at the heart of Trafigura's trading operations - responsible for accurate mark-to-market valuation, daily P&L, and risk and exposure reporting. Working closely with commercial, middle and back-office teams, you'll ensure timely trade capture and precise management of trading positions across our global systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and verifying trades and trade terms with rigour and accuracy
• Producing daily P&L and exposure reports used by senior traders and management
• Liaising with traders, operations and finance to reconcile positions
• Investigating and resolving trade discrepancies independently and at pace

Operations (6 months)

Operations coordinates the physical movement and delivery of commodities across global markets, ensuring contracts are executed efficiently, profitably and in full compliance. This team sits where commercial intent meets real-world execution. You'll develop a deep, practical understanding of how complex global supply chains actually work.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing vessel or land logistics and end-to-end documentation
• Liaising directly with counterparties and terminals worldwide
• Tracking cargo movements and inventories in real time
• Ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements

As a Trader Assistant, you'll sit alongside the trading team working in real time in a live commercial environment. You'll support traders in managing and optimising their book, analysing market movements and pricing opportunities, preparing trade proposals and commercial summaries, and coordinating with operations, finance and risk teams to ensure seamless execution. You'll be expected to develop a sharp understanding of your commodity market, build relationships with counterparties, and contribute actively to commercial discussions. This is where you develop the commercial instincts, market knowledge and professional credibility required to trade independently.

Our Culture

Trafigura is a meritocracy. Progression is based on performance, accountability is direct, and the people around you are among the most talented professionals in the market.

We operate with a flat hierarchy and move fast. Decisions get made, problems get solved, and outstanding people get noticed - for those with the drive and motivation to learn, the opportunity is unrivalled.