Energy Trader - Power Markets

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Growth opportunities

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Energy Trader to join a dynamic desk focused on South African power markets. Based in East London, Eastern Cape with a hybrid work setup, you will execute trading strategies, manage risk, and identify profitable opportunities in wholesale electricity.

The role requires 3-5 years of energy trading experience, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of power market dynamics and regulations in SA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or related quantitative field.
• 3-5 years of energy trading experience in SA electricity markets.
• Proven track record in trading performance and risk management.
• Deep understanding of power market structures, derivatives, and trading mechanisms.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills for data interpretation.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and trading platforms.
• Excellent decision-making under pressure and strong negotiation/communication skills.
• Familiarity with SA energy market regulations and participants.

Responsibilities

• Execute trading strategies in spot and forward electricity markets to maximize profitability.
• Monitor market conditions, news and events affecting energy prices.
• Analyze supply/demand fundamentals, generation schedules, and transmission constraints.
• Manage trading positions and risks within established limits.
• Develop and refine trading models and algorithms.
• Communicate market insights and trading recommendations to senior management.
• Liaise with market operators, regulators and counterparties.
• Ensure compliance with trading rules and internal policies.
• Contribute to development of new trading strategies and market entry opportunities.
• Maintain detailed trading records and generate performance reports.

Skills

Energy trading

Risk management

Financial modeling

Quantitative analysis

Decision making under pressure

Negotiation

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Trading platforms

Financial modeling tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a dynamic energy trading firm seeking an experienced Energy Trader to join their expanding desk focused on the South African power markets. This role is based in East London, Eastern Cape, with a hybrid working arrangement. You will be responsible for executing trading strategies, managing risk, and identifying profitable opportunities in the wholesale electricity market. The successful candidate must possess a deep understanding of power market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and factors influencing energy prices. This is a high-pressure, performance-driven environment where sharp analytical skills and quick decision-making are paramount. Your contribution will directly impact the company's profitability and market position.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute trading strategies in the spot and forward electricity markets to maximize profitability.
• Monitor market conditions, news, and events that could impact energy prices.
• Analyze supply and demand fundamentals, generation schedules, and transmission constraints.
• Manage trading positions and associated risks within established risk limits.
• Develop and refine trading models and algorithms.
• Communicate market insights and trading recommendations to senior management.
• Liaise with market operators, regulators, and counterparties.
• Ensure compliance with all trading rules, regulations, and internal policies.
• Contribute to the development of new trading strategies and market entry opportunities.
• Maintain detailed trading records and generate performance reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in energy trading, preferably within the South African electricity market.
• Proven track record of successful trading performance and risk management.
• Deep understanding of power market structures, derivatives, and trading mechanisms.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and trading platforms.
• Excellent decision-making abilities and capacity to perform under pressure.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Familiarity with South African energy market regulations and participants.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced trading environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and significant performance-based bonus potential.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading trading firm.
• Hybrid work model providing a balance between office and remote work.
• Exposure to high-stakes trading environments and strategic decision-making.
• Be at the forefront of the evolving South African energy market.