Trader Development Programme

We are currently looking for high calibre talent to join our Trader Development Programme (TDP), to be based in either our London or Rotterdam office.

Shell Trading and Supply (T&S) is the world’s largest energy trader, and at the centre of the energy transition and decarbonisation plans, we have ambitious delivery goals and are looking for ambitious people to be part of the journey.

Shell Trading integrates a world-wide trading network with an unsurpassed global portfolio in crude oil, refined products, natural gas, LNG, power, environmental products and freight. As the world’s largest energy trading business, Shell Trading is a key segment of the Shell portfolio, leveraging scale, global reach, and financial strength to compete strongly and continue to grow in the evolving energy trading market.

What’s the role?

The Trader Development Programme is a unique opportunity for high calibre candidates to go through a 2-4 year structured program to become a trader. No prior experience in trading is necessary, candidates would need to have demonstrable work experience in a relevant role. The programme will be tailored based on prior experience and can be accelerated for those with some relevant skillset. Typically, rotations will include trading operation, risk analysis and market analysis. Towards the end of the programme it will cover paper and physical trading under supervision. Progress will be assessed and monitored through regular assessment by trading management. Support will be provided through on the job training and mentoring by senior trading staff as well as regular training courses.

The accountabilities will depend on the particular rotation, some examples below:

• Scheduling ship operations, communicating and aligning with various internal and external stakeholders such as inspectors, shipowners, trading counterparties
• Gain in depth understanding of various risk in trading, including market risk, counterparty and operation risk and how to best manage and mitigate those risks
• Gain in depth understanding of commodity markets, learn tools and techniques how to study each market and how to translate analysis views into trading positions
• Closely work with Shell assets to maximize value along the whole value chain
• Work closely with other parts of the global team on arbitrage opportunities
• Learn how to execute both physical and paper trades under supervision of senior traders
• Learn how to create trading strategies and how to build trading structures

What we need from you

While trading experience is not a requirement to join us, a Bachelor’s Degree or higher level of education is required with proven experience in Market Risk, Commercial Operations, Quantitative/Analytics, or other relevant roles within a financial services organisation.

Besides this, we would also like to hear from candidates with the following skills:

• Commercial Acumen - You’ll need to cultivate an incisive understanding of global energy markets work – that means you should be entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and commercially acute. With a keen interest in how business works, you’re passionate about working in trading and excited by the prospect of unearthing opportunities to create monetary value. 
• Analytical - You’re numerate and highly analytical. You’ve shown you can digest wide amounts of information from different sources, pinpoint the relevant details from a huge range of data, and synthesize it to form critical insights and trading strategies.
• Adaptable - The market changes by the minute so you need to be comfortable thinking on your feet and making quick decisions, even if you don’t have all the facts at your command. Speed of thought is vital; you’re someone who can move easily between a micro and macro view.
• Collaborative - This is a highly open, collaborative environment where we achieve results through teamwork. You’ll be talking to colleagues and contacts all over the world, so you’ll need to be able to change your social style to suit your audience. We value people who’ve proven they can persuade and influence.
• Responsible - In trading, the risks you take must be calculated and the decisions you make considered. You’ll be accountable: someone who takes responsibility for their decisions and can adhere to both the letter and the spirit of all relevant legislation. You’ll always work with Shell’s values of honesty, integrity, and respect for others firmly in mind.

If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that not everyone often applies when they do not feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.

More about Shell

Shell is an international energy company that aims to meet the world’s growing need for more and cleaner energy solutions in ways that are economically, environmentally, and socially responsible. It is one of the world’s largest independent energy companies, operating in more than 70 countries.

Shell has a global target to become a net zero emissions energy business by 2050. This means that Shell aims to be net zero on all emissions generated by its operations and the energy needed to power them. The company is working with customers, business, and governments to address emissions across different sectors.

An innovative place to work

There’s never been a more exciting time to work at Shell.

Join us and you’ll be adding your talent and imagination to a business with the ambition to shape the future – whether by investing in oil, gas and renewable energy to meet demand, exploring new ways to store energy, or developing technology that helps the world to use energy more efficiently, everyone at Shell does their part.

An inclusive place to work

To power progress, we need to attract and develop the brightest minds and make sure every voice is heard. Here are just some of the ways we are nurturing an inclusive environment – one where you can express your ideas, extend your skills, and reach your potential.

• We’re creating a space where people with disabilities can excel through transparent recruitment process, workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Feel free to let us know about your circumstances when you apply, and we’ll take it from there.
• We’re closing the gender gap – whether that’s through action on equal pay or by enabling more women to reach senior roles in engineering and technology.
• We’re striving to be a pioneer of an inclusive and diverse workplace, promoting equality for employees regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• We consider ourselves a flexible employer and want to support you finding the right balance. We encourage you to discuss this with us in your application.

A rewarding place to work

Combine our creative, collaborative environment and global operations with an impressive range of benefits and joining Shell becomes an inspired career choice.

We’re huge advocates for career development. We’ll encourage you to try new roles and experience new settings. By pushing people to reach their potential, we frequently help them find skills they never knew they had, or make career moves they never thought possible.