Energy Trader and Analyst

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + performance bonus

Medical & dental coverage

Provident fund

Life insurance

Professional development and training

Wellness initiatives

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Energy Trader and Analyst to join its Durban trading floor, managing the energy portfolio and executing trades across electricity, gas, coal and derivatives. The role requires strong quantitative skills and real-time market insight.

The successful candidate will develop models, assess risks, and provide strategic market analysis to support decision-making in a fast-paced environment on the South African energy desk in Durban.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or related quantitative field.
• Master's degree or CFA certification is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years in energy trading, financial markets, or quantitative analysis.
• Proven experience executing trades and managing risk in energy commodity markets.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in statistical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Execute trades for energy commodities (electricity, natural gas, coal, derivatives) within strategy and risk limits.
• Monitor markets in real-time for opportunities and risks.
• Develop analytical models to forecast prices, supply and demand.
• Perform fundamental and technical analysis to inform decisions.
• Manage energy trading portfolio and monitor risk exposure.
• Ensure compliance with trading policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provide timely market intelligence and trading recommendations to seniors.
• Build relationships with brokers and counterparties.
• Contribute to development of trading strategies and tools.
• Record and reconcile all trading activities accurately.

Skills

Energy trading

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Quantitative modeling

Market analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Math/Engineering

Master's degree or CFA (advantage)

Tools

Trading platforms

Statistical software

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African energy market, is seeking an accomplished Energy Trader and Analyst to join their bustling trading floor in Durban , KwaZulu-Natal . This critical role involves managing the company's energy portfolio, executing trades in various energy commodities, and providing insightful market analysis to support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess a sharp analytical mind, a deep understanding of energy markets dynamics, and a proven track record in trading and risk management. You will be responsible for identifying profitable trading opportunities, managing market exposure, and contributing to the overall profitability of the energy trading desk. This position requires a dynamic individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and possesses excellent quantitative and communication skills. Working closely with senior management and cross-functional teams, you will play a vital role in navigating the complexities of the energy trading landscape. This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in the energy sector with a respected organization based in the vibrant city of Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Execute trades for various energy commodities (e.g., electricity, natural gas, coal, derivatives) in accordance with company strategy and risk limits.
• Monitor energy markets and industry news in real-time, identifying trading opportunities and potential risks.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated analytical models to forecast market prices, supply, and demand.
• Conduct fundamental and technical analysis to inform trading decisions and market outlook.
• Manage the company's energy trading portfolio, including position monitoring and risk exposure assessment.
• Collaborate with risk management teams to ensure adherence to trading policies and regulatory requirements.
• Provide timely and accurate market intelligence and trading recommendations to senior management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, counterparties, and other market participants.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of trading strategies and tools.
• Ensure all trading activities are accurately recorded and reconciled.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• A Master's degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CFA) is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in energy trading, financial markets, or quantitative analysis.
• Proven experience in executing trades and managing risk within energy commodity markets.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with proficiency in statistical modeling and data analysis.
• Deep understanding of energy market structures, trading mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling software and trading platforms.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, make quick decisions, and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to Durban , KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based bonus.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a substantial provident fund, and life insurance are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conference attendance, are available.
• The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, situated in a prime Durban location.
• We also offer wellness initiatives and support for employees seeking a healthy work-life balance.
• Career progression within a leading energy trading firm offers exciting long-term prospects.
• This role is integral to our client's trading operations in Durban .