Senior Energy Trader - Power Markets

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 1,400,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Energy Trader for our client in Benoni, Gauteng. The role focuses on optimizing dispatch and selling power generation assets across South African markets.

You will analyze market trends, develop trading strategies, and execute trades to maximize profitability while maintaining grid stability. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in energy trading, deep knowledge of SA market rules, and strong quantitative skills in financial modeling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of energy trading or related financial experience.
• Proven success in profitable trading strategies in electricity markets.
• Strong understanding of SA power market rules and grid operations.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative and financial modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute trading strategies for electricity, capacity, and ancillary services.
• Monitor real-time market conditions and identify trading opportunities and risks.
• Analyze generation schedules, demand forecasts and fuel costs to optimize dispatch.
• Manage and mitigate market risks associated with energy trading.
• Build relationships with market participants, regulators, and grid operators.
• Prepare trading reports, performance analyses, and market outlooks for senior management.
• Collaborate with asset management and risk teams to align trading with business goals.
• Stay updated on market regulations, platforms, and industry best practices.

Skills

Energy trading

Market analysis

Financial modeling

Negotiation

Communication

Decision making

Pressure tolerance

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree (Finance/Economics/Engineering)

Master's degree

Tools

Bloomberg

Refinitiv

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent power producer, is seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Senior Energy Trader to join their trading desk in Benoni, Gauteng . This role is pivotal in optimizing the dispatch and sale of power generation assets across various electricity markets. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and sophisticated trading strategies to maximize profitability while ensuring grid stability. You will be responsible for analyzing market trends, developing trading strategies, and executing trades in real-time. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to significantly impact the financial performance of our client's energy portfolio within the dynamic South African power sector. The role is based in our Benoni office, a strategic hub for energy operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute trading strategies for electricity, capacity, and ancillary services in designated power markets.


• Monitor real-time market conditions, price movements, and news events to identify trading opportunities and risks.


• Analyze generation schedules, demand forecasts, and fuel costs to optimize dispatch decisions for power plants.


• Manage and mitigate market risks associated with energy trading activities.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with market participants, regulators, and grid operators.


• Prepare detailed trading reports, performance analyses, and market outlooks for senior management.


• Collaborate with the asset management and risk management teams to align trading strategies with overall business objectives.


• Stay abreast of evolving market regulations, trading platforms, and industry best practices.


• Ensure compliance with all relevant trading rules, policies, and reporting requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.


• A Master's degree is preferred.


• A minimum of 7 years of experience in energy trading, power market analysis, or a related financial role within the energy sector.


• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing profitable trading strategies in competitive electricity markets.


• Strong understanding of power system operations, market rules, and regulatory frameworks in South Africa.


• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and financial modeling skills.


• Proficiency in market data platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv) and trading systems.


• Exceptional negotiation, communication, and decision-making abilities.


• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, dynamic trading environment.


• Flexibility to adapt to market hours and potential demands outside of standard business hours.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive base salary, significant performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement savings. We provide opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading energy company. Join our energetic trading team in Benoni and play a key role in shaping the future of energy trading in South Africa.

• Highly competitive base salary


• Significant performance-based bonuses


• Medical aid


• Retirement savings