Energy Trading Analyst

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Energy Trading Analyst for our client in Nelspruit to analyze market data, build models, and develop trading strategies across electricity, natural gas, and renewables. You will work closely with traders and risk managers to maximize profitability and manage risk within a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has a quantitative background, 3+ years in energy trading or market analysis, and proficiency in Excel VBA, Python, R, and MATLAB.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in energy trading, market analysis, or quantitative finance.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and statistical software (Excel VBA, Python, R, MATLAB).

Responsibilities

• Analyze energy market data to identify trading opportunities.
• Develop and refine trading strategies for energy commodities and financial instruments.
• Build and maintain complex financial models for price forecasting and scenario analysis.
• Monitor market movements and provide real-time insights and recommendations to traders.
• Assess and manage risks associated with energy trading positions.
• Collaborate with traders to execute trades efficiently and effectively.
• Prepare regular reports on market performance, trading P&L and risk exposure.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes and developments in the energy trading sector.
• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify improvements.
• Contribute to the development of new trading tools and methodologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

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

Tools

Excel VBA

Python

R

MATLAB

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic energy trading firm, is seeking a sharp and analytical Energy Trading Analyst to join their operations team in **Nelspruit**. This role is integral to the company's success, focusing on analyzing market trends, identifying trading opportunities, and optimizing energy portfolio performance. You will be responsible for gathering and interpreting complex market data, developing trading strategies, and providing crucial insights to the trading desk. The ideal candidate will possess a strong quantitative background, a deep understanding of energy markets (electricity, natural gas, renewables), and proficiency in analytical and modeling tools. You will play a key role in maximizing profitability and managing risk within the volatile energy trading landscape in **Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, ZA**. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment and contribute directly to the company's financial performance. You will collaborate closely with traders, risk managers, and other quantitative analysts to develop and execute effective trading strategies. The position demands exceptional analytical rigor, attention to detail, and the ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze energy market data (prices, volumes, weather, generation, demand) to identify trading opportunities.
• Develop and refine trading strategies for various energy commodities and financial instruments.
• Build and maintain complex financial models for price forecasting and scenario analysis.
• Monitor market movements and provide real-time insights and recommendations to the trading desk.
• Assess and manage the risks associated with energy trading positions.
• Collaborate with traders to execute trades efficiently and effectively.
• Prepare regular reports on market performance, trading P&L, and risk exposure.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes, market developments, and technological advancements in the energy trading sector.
• Conduct post-trade analysis to evaluate strategy performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to the development of new trading tools and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in energy trading, market analysis, or quantitative finance.
• Strong understanding of energy markets, including wholesale electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy certificates.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, data analysis, and statistical software (e.g., Excel VBA, Python, R, MATLAB).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly.
• Ability to work under pressure and make sound decisions in a fast-paced trading environment.
• Experience with trading platforms and risk management systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with energy market regulations and compliance requirements.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in financial markets.
• Hybrid work model offering a blend of office and remote flexibility.
• Exposure to a dynamic and rewarding energy trading environment.
• Collaborative team culture with significant learning opportunities.