Senior Crude Oil Trader
Overview
A leading global energy trading house is seeking a highly experienced Senior Crude Oil Trader to join its trading team in Switzerland. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and expanding the company's North Sea and West Africa (WAF) crude trading portfolio, with a strong focus on both paper trading (Dated Brent, derivatives, spreads, structure) and physical crude operations. This role requires deep market knowledge, strong commercial instincts, and a proven track record of generating P&L in volatile crude markets.
Key Responsibilities
Market & Trading Activities
- Trade North Sea crude oil grades, with particular expertise in Dated Brent, CFDs, spreads, ICE Brent futures, and related derivatives.
- Manage exposure across the crude oil forward curve, optimizing structure, time spreads, and differentials.
- Execute and manage WAF physical cargo trading, including securing supply, managing offtake positions, and optimizing arbitrage flows into Europe, Asia, and the US.
- Identify and monetize short‑term and long‑term trading opportunities across paper and physical markets.
- Develop and implement trading strategies aligned with risk limits and corporate objectives.
Physical Trading & Operations
- Oversee cradle-to-grave management of physical cargoes, including:
- Sourcing and marketing crude grades such as Forties, Ekofisk, Oseberg, Troll, and WAF grades (e.g., Nigerian and Angolan crudes).
- Chartering and freight optimization in coordination with the shipping desk.
- Managing storage, blending, and logistical constraints.
- Scheduling and coordinating with terminals, counterparties, and operations teams to ensure flawless execution.
- Maintain strong relationships with producers, refiners, brokers, shipowners, and physical counterparties.
Market Intelligence & Relationship Management
- Build and maintain a network of market contacts in the North Sea, West Africa, and global crude trading community.
- Monitor market fundamentals, geopolitical developments, refinery demand, freight markets, and arbitrage economics.
- Represent the company with counterparties, brokers, and industry stakeholders.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Manage position limits, risk exposures, and mark‑to‑market performance in line with internal risk frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with trading policies, regulatory requirements, and contractual terms.
- Collaborate with risk, legal, finance, and operations teams to ensure transparency and robust control processes.
Qualifications & Experience
- 7-12+ years of proven experience in crude oil trading, with significant exposure to North Sea and WAF markets.
- Strong track record of P&L generation in both physical and paper markets.
- Deep understanding of the Dated Brent complex, including CFDs, EFP/EFS, ICE Brent futures, spreads, and physical pricing mechanisms.
- Strong physical trading execution skills, including logistics, chartering knowledge, and cargo operations.
- Established relationships within the North Sea and WAF crude trading ecosystem.
- Excellent analytical, quantitative, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced trading environment.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus.
FAQs
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