Senior Trading & Risk Architect - Electricity Markets

Acumen Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Acumen Group is seeking a senior leader to build and run its trading and risk functions in South Africa. The role oversees ETRM deployment, GPPA/CPPA integration and regulatory licensing with NERSA, while shaping risk controls as the trading book grows.

Experience across electricity trading and cross-functional leadership is essential. The successful candidate will drive market access readiness, engage with Eskom, municipalities and SAETA, and grow the team with a strong governance culture.

Qualifications

• Six years of post-graduate professional experience across electricity operations, wheeling, metering and trading.
• At least three years in a senior leadership or executive role with P&L or risk ownership.
• Hands-on experience within SA electricity trading, CPPA/GPPA structures and NERSA-licensed trading.
• Familiarity with SAWEM, NERSA rules, Eskom and municipal wheeling frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Design, procure and implement ETRM and supporting systems for end-to-end operations.
• Operationalise signed GPPAs/CPPAs including settlements, invoicing and dispute management.
• Lead regulatory licensing and market authorisations with NERSA and market operators.
• Build trading desk capabilities and establish desk culture and conduct standards.
• Provide regular risk, liquidity and credit reporting to the CEO and Board.

Skills

Trading operations

Risk management

Executive leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering/Finance/Economics

Postgraduate qualification in energy/finance

Job description

Acumen Group is seeking a senior leader to build and run its trading and risk functions in South Africa. The role oversees ETRM deployment, GPPA/CPPA integration and regulatory licensing with NERSA, while shaping risk controls as the trading book grows.

Experience across electricity trading and cross-functional leadership is essential. The successful candidate will drive market access readiness, engage with Eskom, municipalities and SAETA, and grow the team with a strong governance culture.