Junior Trader

Johannesburg, South Africa, South Africa

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Drive origination, trading and market analyses in order to support the growth of the grains and oilseed business in Southern Africa.

• Oversee physical trade operations with a focus on origination of grains (yellow and white corn) and oilseeds (focus on soybeans) for both domestic basis contracts and exports (either cross border or deep sea)
• Identify, execute and optimise PnL on cash trading opportunities with respect to market spreads vs. cost of carry and delivery arbitrage
• Identify, execute and optimise PnL on prop trading opportunities with respect to relative value trades (parities), calendar spreads and flat positions in ZAR and USD
• Ensure trade to cash process is implemented (validation of contracts, exchanges of futures, FX hedge for sales, collection of funds, collection of cargo in case of prepayment)
• Follow execution of the programme, assist in solving daily issues (interface with execution, freight team, and destination teams)
• Drive external commercial interactions (industry events, tender submissions, regular meetings)
• Build personal relationships with key stakeholders (internal and external)

• Develop and operate intelligence/trading tools (export and import parities, crush margins, domestic and cross border basis)
• Support research team with market intelligence tools for S&D modelling across multiple products / regions
• Send out key market information, analysis and updates to the platform (line ups, SAF values, competitor updates, S&D updates)
• Identify trends and market developments, ensuring the exchange of information and the production of market and other reports

• 3-5 years of experience in a commercial/trading position in the South African agricultural sector with existing relationships in the industry

• Ability to manage a high level of complexity and good problem solving skills
• Analytical mindset, at ease with numbers and proven negotiation skills
• Possesses a certain layer of finesse and tact to represent the company in front of customers
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi cultural and cross functional team
• Flexibility, ability to cope with fast paced changes within a growing company

• University degree in a relevant field, such as agricultural economics

• Fluent in Afrikaans and English - any other language would be a plus

• Advanced user of Excel and PowerBI
• Any programming knowledge would be useful

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company. We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us.

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)
• Pension contributions
• Access to training and development
• Access to concierge partnerships
• Attractive social and financial benefits
• Flexible working environment