Trader (Nickel)

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Nickel Trader to develop and manage physical trading activities across regional and international markets. The successful candidate will source supply, identify sales opportunities, negotiate commercial agreements and manage the profitability and risk of the trading portfolio.

The role requires strong knowledge of nickel products, pricing mechanisms, supply chains and end-user markets, together with established relationships among miners, producers, smelters, stainless-steel manufacturers, battery-material companies and other trading counterparties.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute physical nickel trading strategies.
• Source nickel products from miners, producers, smelters and trading counterparties.
• Market and sell nickel products to industrial consumers and other buyers.
• Trade products such as refined nickel, nickel ore, nickel pig iron, ferronickel, matte or intermediate products, depending on the company’s portfolio.
• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, brokers and logistics providers.
• Identify new markets, counterparties and trading opportunities.
• Negotiate prices, volumes, payment terms, specifications, delivery conditions and contractual terms.
• Monitor global nickel supply, demand, inventories, premiums and price movements.
• Track developments affecting the stainless-steel, electric-vehicle and battery-material sectors.
• Prepare trading strategies, market reports and commercial recommendations.
• Manage physical positions, exposure limits and the profitability of assigned trades.
• Use LME instruments and other approved hedging tools to manage price exposure where required.
• Conduct counterparty assessments and work with Credit and Risk teams to manage commercial exposure.
• Coordinate with Operations, Logistics and Finance teams to ensure timely shipment, documentation, invoicing and settlement.
• Resolve issues relating to product quality, delivery delays, claims and contractual performance.
• Ensure all trading activities comply with internal policies and applicable sanctions, regulatory and compliance requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Approximately three to seven years of experience in nickel, base metals, mining, commodities or related physical trading activities.
• Strong understanding of nickel products, specifications, pricing and supply chains.
• Familiarity with LME pricing and hedging would be highly advantageous.
• Existing relationships with nickel producers, suppliers, traders or end users would be preferred.
• Strong commercial judgement, negotiation and deal-structuring capabilities.
• Able to analyse market information and make timely commercial decisions.
• Good understanding of contracts, trade finance, logistics and commodity risk.
• Strong numerical, analytical and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant trading or risk-management systems.
• Willingness to travel for customer meetings, supplier visits and industry events.