Trading Operator
Trading Operator - European Operations (Copenhagen)
Be the Operational Backbone of a Fast‑Scaling Trading Organisation
Our client is a rapidly evolving energy trading business undergoing a significant commercial transformation. Over the past year, they have strengthened their senior trading leadership layer with high‑calibre hires from major oil companies and top global trading houses, building a leadership bench capable of driving sharper decision‑making, deeper market engagement, and stronger commercial competitiveness.
This transformation marks a shift from a traditional supply‑driven mindset to a true market‑led trading organisation. To support this evolution, the European Operations team in Copenhagen is hiring a highly experienced Trading Operator who will sit at the heart of the physical trading engine.
This role is positioned as the key operational partner to the Head of Operations, you will be the person they rely on to ensure execution excellence, mentor junior operators, and help shape a high‑performing operations function that keeps pace with a more sophisticated trading strategy.
The Opportunity
You'll join an organisation investing heavily in commercial capability, systems, and people, to play a pivotal role in ensuring the trading desk runs with the precision, discipline, and flexibility required in a modern trading environment.
This role offers:
- daily proximity to experienced traders and operational leaders;
- influence in how day‑to‑day operations are run;
- opportunities to guide and develop less experienced operators;
- and a platform to contribute to the next maturity phase of a growing trading house.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and execute fuel deliveries for the company's fleet and third‑party customers across Europe.
- Lead the planning and management of supply, demand, and delivery schedules, including involvement in blending preparations.
- Act as a core operational point of contact for barge operators, suppliers, terminals, surveyors, and key partners.
- Monitor fuel quality and operational performance, ensuring on‑spec deliveries and minimal losses.
- Optimise barge operations, reduce idle time, and reinforce best‑practice operating discipline.
- Oversee barge maintenance cycles and support contingency planning for operational challenges.
- Support financial controls, including accurate reconciliation, stock validation, and gain/loss analysis.
- Provide guidance and day‑to‑day support to junior members of the team, helping develop their operational capability and confidence.
- Work closely with the Head of Operations to embed improved processes, strengthen execution frameworks, and raise standards across the function.
What We're Looking For
- A commercially astute operator with strong physical operations experience in marine fuels, low carbon fuels (biofuels, LNG, methanol, ULSFO, etc) and shipping.
- Someone comfortable taking ownership, stepping into a trusted second‑in‑command position, and supporting team capability growth.
- A clear communicator with the confidence to handle multiple stakeholders and complex, time‑sensitive operations.
- A proactive problem-solver with attention to detail and a drive to improve systems and processes.
- Fluent in English, with a collaborative, multicultural mindset.
Why This Role Matters
This isn't a traditional operational support role - it sits at the forefront of a trading organisation that is:
- competing more aggressively,
- responding faster to market opportunities,
- building stronger optionality,
- and investing in cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
You'll be a critical enabler of that strategy. The Head of Operations needs a partner - someone reliable, seasoned, and commercially aware - who can keep the operational side running to the highest standard while helping elevate the capability of the team.
Join a Business on the Move
If you want to be part of a trading organisation sharpening its edge, scaling its commercial ambitions, and building a more dynamic operational foundation, this is a rare and exciting opportunity.
Step into a role with real influence and help shape the backbone of a modern, commercially ambitious trading platform.
FAQs
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