Commodity Trader

Our client is a leading firm dealing in the Oil and gas sector & Energy Commodity Trading. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, it strives to deliver high-quality products/services while fostering a positive work environment for its employees. In continuation of its expansion and growth, the company is seeking a dynamic & experienced individual to drive the Commodity Trader desk.

Job Summary:

Our client seeks a highly driven and experienced Commodity Trader with a versatile background in the oil & gas trading ecosystem, covering refined petroleum products, crude oil, and gas. The ideal candidate will possess a substantial book of clients and trading relationships, along with the ability to leverage AI-powered trading tools and analytics. This trader must have a deep understanding of commodity markets, a proven ability to originate and close profitable deals, and an existing network of off-takers, suppliers, and financial institutions across West Africa and beyond. This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, market agility, operational know-how, and technological savvy to grow trading volumes and margins sustainably while utilizing cutting-edge AI solutions for competitive advantage.


Key Responsibilities:

Originate and execute profitable oil and gas trading deals across West Africa, including spot and term contracts.
Originate, negotiate, and execute trading contracts for crude oil, refined products (e.g., PMS, AGO, DPK, LPG), and/or natural gas.
Build and manage a strong portfolio of clients, suppliers, and partners across key markets in West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Monitor global oil & gas markets, benchmark indices (e.g., Platts, Argus), and supply-demand dynamics to inform pricing and trading strategies.
Bring and actively maintain a substantial "book" of clients, including suppliers, off-takers, and financial institutions, demonstrating the ability to convert relationships into profitable trades.
Utilize AI-powered market intelligence platforms to identify trading opportunities, price anomalies, and arbitrage possibilities before competitors.
Develop and implement algorithmic trading strategies for specific market conditions when appropriate.
Collaborate with data science teams to build predictive models for price movements, supply-demand dynamics, and geopolitical impacts.
Leverage natural language processing tools to extract actionable insights from news, social media, and industry reports affecting commodity markets.
Implement AI-based risk assessment tools to evaluate counterparty credit risk and transaction exposure.
Utilize machine learning to optimize trade timing, volumes, and hedging strategies based on historical performance.
Incorporate satellite imagery analysis and alternative data sources for real-time monitoring of supply movements and storage levels.
Design and implement structured trade finance solutions supported by AI-based risk assessment tools
Apply advanced data visualization techniques to communicate complex market dynamics to stakeholders.
Identify arbitrage and hedging opportunities to maximize trading margins and mitigate exposure.
Coordinate with internal operations, logistics, risk, and finance teams to ensure efficient deal execution.
Manage commercial risk, counterparty exposure, credit terms, and delivery schedules.
Maintain up-to-date records of contracts, lifting schedules, product specs, and compliance documentation.
Represent the company in high-level negotiations and industry events to expand the trading footprint.
Contribute to business development strategies by opening new markets or launching new products.


Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. A master's degree or professional trading certification(s) is an added advantage
7-12 years of experience in commodity trading with a focus on oil & gas markets
Demonstrable book of business with verifiable transaction history showing successful deal origination and execution
Experience in structured trade finance and ability to bring financial partners to support complex transactions
Proven expertise in utilizing AI and data analytics tools for trading advantage (e.g., predictive analytics platforms, algorithmic trading systems)
Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages used for quantitative trading analysis
Experience with machine learning applications in commodity price forecasting and risk management
Strong network of off-takers, suppliers, refineries, marketers, and financiers in Africa and globally, with proven ability to convert relationships into transactions
Demonstrated ability to integrate alternative data sources into trading decisions
Solid understanding of trade finance instruments, INCOTERMS, vessel chartering, and supply chain coordination
Experience in structuring complex S&P (Sale and Purchase) transactions in the oil and gas markets


Core Competencies

Trade Finance Structuring
AI-Powered Market Intelligence
Algorithmic Trading Strategy Development
Trade Finance Structuring with Technology Integration
Client Portfolio Management and Relationship Conversion
Alternative Data Utilization and Analysis
Machine Learning for Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Digital Contract Management and Documentation
Predictive Analytics for Market Movements
Blockchain Applications for Trading Transparency
Real-time Data Integration for Decision Making
Quantitative Trading Model Development
API Integration with Trading Platforms


Special Note on Client Book Requirement:

The successful candidate must demonstrate a proven history of bringing and maintaining a substantial book of business. This includes:

Verifiable transaction history showing successful deal origination and execution
Established relationships with key players in West and East African markets
Connection to financial institutions that can facilitate structured trade finance
Ability to immediately activate these relationships to generate revenue
Experience in leveraging these relationships specifically for S&P (Sale and Purchase) transactions in the oil and gas markets


Our client will provide comprehensive support for these relationships through advanced trading infrastructure, robust operational backing, and innovative AI-powered tools to maximize the value of the trader's network.