Biomass Trader
Job Title: Senior Biomass Trader
Location: London, United Kingdom
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Biomass Trader to lead and expand our biomass trading activities from London. The role will focus on origination, trading, and optimisation of biomass products across international markets, with a strong emphasis on utility, industrial, and sustainability‑driven demand.
The successful candidate will have deep market knowledge across biomass value chains (e.g. wood pellets, chips, agri‑biomass, SAF feedstocks where relevant), strong commercial instincts, and a proven ability to build long‑term relationships with producers, utilities, and offtakers.
Key Responsibilities
Trading & Origination
- Lead physical trading of biomass products across domestic and international markets
- Originate long‑term supply and offtake contracts with producers, utilities, industrial users, and developers
- Structure and negotiate spot and term contracts, including pricing, logistics, and sustainability criteria
- Identify arbitrage and optimisation opportunities across regions, specifications, and logistics
Market Development
- Grow the firm's biomass franchise, identifying new markets, products, and customer segments
- Develop relationships across the biomass ecosystem, including suppliers, utilities, traders, brokers, and logistics providers
- Monitor supply/demand fundamentals, regulatory developments, and subsidy regimes impacting biomass markets (UK, EU, Asia)
Risk & Portfolio Management
- Manage price, basis, logistics, and counterparty risk in line with internal limits
- Work closely with risk, operations, and sustainability teams to ensure compliant execution
- Contribute to portfolio optimisation across freight, storage, and optionality
Execution & Operations
- Oversee trade execution from contract to delivery, working with operations and logistics teams
- Ensure accurate trade capture, documentation, and settlement
- Support continuous improvement of processes and systems
Leadership & Collaboration
- Act as a senior market expert internally, supporting strategy discussions and investment decisions
- Mentor junior traders and commercial staff where applicable
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with sustainability, legal, risk, finance, and credit teams
Required Experience & Qualifications
- 8-12+ years of experience in physical commodities trading, with strong focus on biomass or adjacent bioenergy markets
- Proven track record of profitable trading and origination
- Deep understanding of:
- Biomass products (e.g. wood pellets, chips, agri‑residues)
- Logistics (ocean freight, inland transport, storage)
- Sustainability frameworks and certification (e.g. SBP, FSC, GHG accounting)
- Strong negotiation skills and commercial judgment
- Experience trading or originating into utilities or large industrial users preferred
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree or professional certifications a plus
Key Skills & Attributes
- Highly commercial and entrepreneurial mindset
- Strong analytical ability and market intuition
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
- Comfortable operating in fast‑moving, international trading environments
- High integrity and strong risk awareness
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a broader trading team
FAQs
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