Lead Energy Trader

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive base salary

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Dynamic work environment

Influence strategic trading decisions

Relocation assistance

Career advancement prospects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Energy Trader to join our client’s trading floor in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on optimizing the portfolio, managing risk, and capitalizing on market opportunities in electricity, natural gas, and derivatives.

You will lead trading strategies, mentor junior traders, and ensure regulatory compliance while collaborating with finance and operations for settlements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in energy or commodity trading.
• Proven track record of P&L responsibility in energy markets.
• Deep understanding of South African energy markets and regulation.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Execute energy trading strategies in domestic and international markets to maximize profit and manage risk.
• Monitor market dynamics, price trends, and regulatory changes impacting energy commodities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with energy suppliers, customers, and market participants.
• Analyze market data to identify trading opportunities and forecast price movements.
• Manage the company's energy portfolio, ensuring optimal balance between supply and demand.
• Oversee risk management activities, including setting trading limits and hedging strategies.
• Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to ensure smooth settlement of trades.
• Lead and mentor junior traders, fostering a high-performance trading environment.
• Ensure compliance with all trading regulations and internal policies.
• Prepare regular reports on trading performance, market analysis, and risk exposure for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Financial modeling

Risk management

Trading platforms

Education

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

Master's degree or MBA (preferred)

Tools

Trading platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the South African energy market, is actively seeking an experienced and strategic Lead Energy Trader to join their dynamic trading floor in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This senior role is responsible for managing the company’s energy trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electricity, natural gas, and related derivatives. You will play a crucial part in optimizing the company’s portfolio, managing risk, and capitalizing on market opportunities to ensure profitability and supply reliability. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of energy markets, sophisticated analytical skills, and a proven track record in trading. This position offers a challenging and rewarding career path within a critical sector of the economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute energy trading strategies in domestic and international markets to maximize profit and manage risk.
• Monitor market dynamics, price trends, and regulatory changes impacting energy commodities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with energy suppliers, customers, and market participants.
• Analyze market data to identify trading opportunities and forecast price movements.
• Manage the company's energy portfolio, ensuring optimal balance between supply and demand.
• Oversee risk management activities, including setting trading limits and hedging strategies.
• Collaborate with the finance and operations teams to ensure smooth settlement of trades.
• Lead and mentor junior traders, fostering a high-performance trading environment.
• Ensure compliance with all trading regulations and internal policies.
• Prepare regular reports on trading performance, market analysis, and risk exposure for senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in energy trading, commodity trading, or a related financial markets role.
• Proven track record of successful trading strategies and P&L responsibility in the energy sector.
• Deep understanding of South African energy markets, regulatory frameworks, and participants.
• Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and trading platforms.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced trading environment.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience managing a team.

Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary and significant performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Access to ongoing professional development and market training.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment in the heart of the energy sector.
• Opportunity to influence strategic trading decisions in Nelspruit .
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.
• Performance incentives and career advancement prospects.