Junior Natural Gas Option Trader - European Power, Gas and Emissions Trading Desk

The European Power, Gas and Emissions Trading Desk is a dynamic and critical part of our global commodities trading division. The desk is responsible for executing and risk‑managing client flow across a diverse portfolio of energy and environmental products. This includes physical and financial power, natural gas, emissions allowances and voluntary carbon certificates.

Our primary objectives are to:

• Generate Revenue: Through active trading and strategic positioning in volatile markets.
• Manage Risk: Employing sophisticated models and hedging strategies to mitigate exposure to price fluctuations, supply‑demand imbalances and geopolitical events.
• Provide Liquidity: Facilitating client transactions and contributing to efficient market functioning.
• Market Analysis: Conducting deep fundamental and technical analysis of energy markets, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic factors to inform trading decisions.
• Innovation: Continuously developing and implementing new trading strategies, technologies, and quantitative models.

The desk operates leveraging a blend of fundamental and quantitative analysis, state‑of‑the‑art technology, and deep market expertise to navigate complex and often unpredictable energy landscapes. Collaboration across sales, research, and technology teams is essential to our success.

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Junior Option Trader to join our Natural Gas Options team within the European Power, Gas and Emissions Trading Desk. This entry‑level position is designed for an ambitious individual eager to learn the intricacies of energy options trading and contribute to the desk's success. The successful candidate will work closely with senior traders, quantitative analysts, and other market participants to develop a comprehensive understanding of natural gas markets, options pricing, and risk management techniques. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands‑on trading experience in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Market Monitoring: Continuously monitor natural gas and related energy markets, including price movements, news flow, regulatory updates, and supply/demand fundamentals.
• Data Analysis: Assist senior traders in analysing market data, identifying trading opportunities, and assessing the impact of various factors on options pricing and volatility.
• Quantitative Support: Support the development, testing, and implementation of quantitative models for options pricing, risk management, and strategy back‑testing.
• Risk Management: Learn and apply desk risk management policies and procedures, including monitoring positions, calculating P&L, and understanding various risk metrics (e.g., Greeks). Work in collaboration with Technology and Quantitative Analysis teams to enhance risk transparency and report automation.
• Trade Execution Support: Execute orders under supervision and ensure accurate booking and settlement of trades.
• Reporting: Generate regular risk, market and performance reports for internal stakeholders.
• Strategy Development: Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new trading strategies, portfolio optimisation and improvements to existing models.
• Technology Utilisation: Become proficient in using proprietary trading platforms, risk management infrastructure, market data terminals, and analytical tools.
• Compliance: Ensure all trading activities adhere to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
• Continuous Learning: Actively seek to expand knowledge of energy markets, derivatives products, and trading strategies.

Expected Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in a highly quantitative field such as Finance, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in options trading and/or commodities a plus but not a must.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with a solid understanding of financial markets and derivatives concepts.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Proven quantitative skills, including proficiency in statistics, probability, and numerical methods.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in programming languages commonly used in quantitative finance (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, C++). Strong Excel skills, including VBA for data analysis and modelling. Familiarity with market data platforms (e.g., Bloomberg, Refinitiv) is a plus.
• Market Interest: Demonstrated passion for financial markets, particularly energy commodities and options trading. Prior exposure through internships, personal trading, or academic projects is highly valued.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Work Ethic: High level of self‑motivation, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively within a team‑oriented environment.
• Adaptability: Eagerness to learn new concepts and adapt to evolving market conditions and trading strategies.

Certification Regime

Candidates applying for this role must be aware that it is a Certified Role, subject to the FCA and PRA Certification Regime. The Certification Regime is one element of the Individual Accountability Regime which came into effect on 7 March 2016. Under the Certification Regime, Citi UK regulated entities (Citi entities) must ensure that employees working in certain roles categorised as specified significant harm functions (Certified Roles) are assessed as fit and proper to carry out their role. Under the guidance provided by the FCA and PRA, firms should have regard to the following when assessing fitness and propriety: Honesty, integrity and reputation; Financial soundness; Competence and capability. In order to comply with the requirements of the Certification Regime, Citi entities must take reasonable care to ensure that an employee does not perform a Certified Role without first being certified as Fit and Proper. For this reason, you will be assessed for this role against the Fit and Proper requirements, as described above. This assessment will be carried out through extensive interviews, self‑disclosures, permitted criminal record checks, regulated reference checks, credit checks and other background screening checks.

Equal Opportunity

Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.