Junior Metals Trader / Trader, Copper

Department: Petrochemicals

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London, UK

Reporting To: General Manager of Petrochemical

Who We Are

PetroChina Company Ltd is a state-owned business and the publicly listed arm of the China National Petroleum Corporation “CNPC”, one of the world’s largest global commodity trading companies. PetroChina International, a subsidiary of PetroChina Company Ltd, serves as the international trading arm and was founded in 2002 based in Beijing and has set up multiple subsidiaries and offices in 20+ countries, including three major Oil and Gas Trading and Operation Hubs in Houston (covering the Americas), London (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Singapore (Asia). PetroChina International is actively exploring international markets, developing value added trades, extending the value chain, innovating in trade models, and continuously enhancing trade methods.

Who You Are / Your Next Challenge

As part of our continued expansion into the trading market for metals critical to the green energy transition, we are expanding our dedicated Copper trading capability. PetroChina International London (PCIL) is now seeking to appoint a commercially minded and tenacious individual to be our Junior Metals Trader, Copper / Trader, Copper (dependent upon experience and scope). This role is ideal for a base metal – copper professional looking to develop further their prior trading experience gained within a commodities trading organisation (including Mining, Financial Institutions, Hedge Funds, NOC).

Whilst this is a fairly new Copper desk (circa. 2 years old), the successful candidate will join an ambitious Petrochemicals Team and operate within an established global trading organisation, with existing systems, risk frameworks and operational support already in place. Based in our London, Charing Cross office, you will report directly to the Trading Manager, Copper with a dotted line into the GM of Petrochemicals, and will collaboratively support the day‑to‑day management of the global copper trading book, with increasing responsibility over time trading refined copper, concentrates, scraps, blisters, anodes, cathodes autonomously. You will naturally be involved across exposure management, hedging, market analysis, trade execution and systems integrity, while progressively developing your commercial and trading skillset, given the role will have a strong emphasis on physical trading, supported by derivatives to grow a profitable portfolio with long‑term scale potential.

Therefore, the role requires previous experience in both the physical and derivatives markets, working closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders including counterparties. You will have significant exposure and working capability overseeing negotiations processes, i.e., preparation, identification and evaluation of potential sources of new business by leveraging PetroChina’s global footprint/platform for maximum synergistic opportunities. The successful candidate will need to be a self‑starter, and solution‑focused in approach, and be able to communicate effectively. So, if you’re open to a new challenge, in a fast‑paced environment, which brings extremely high rewards, we would like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Trading Manager with daily management of the global copper trading book, including positions, exposures and P&L.
• Produce accurate daily exposure and position reports using internal risk and trading systems.
• Assist with hedging activities and corresponding profit and loss analysis.
• Capture new trades, update positions and ensure system accuracy and data integrity.
• Analyse historical trades, market trends and price movements to support trading decisions.
• Help identify arbitrage opportunities and propose derivative strategies under supervision.
• Liaise with internal teams including Risk, Operations, Treasury, Settlement, Legal and KYC to ensure smooth trade execution.
• Maintain and update cost accruals and support deal reconciliation.
• Collect, interpret and distribute market information with developing commercial insight.
• Execute trades under the instruction and supervision of the Trading Manager as part of on‑the‑job development.

What we’re looking for / Skills that will help you in the role

• Previous trading experience and familiarity with the physical and derivatives Copper market (ideally Refined Copper, Concentrates, Cathodes, Scraps), with a focus on global physical trading is highly advantageous.
• Prior track record successfully generating revenue is highly advantageous.
• Have a pre-existing network amongst consumers of copper products and/or knowledge of typical trading counterparties and supply chain.
• Good understanding of the Copper markets, trading regulations, fundamentals, products, grades, qualities, geographies, and environmental influence on the market.
• Proficient analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret and assess market trends, news to make informed data‑driven decisions.
• Competent communicator and capable of building relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Proactive, collaborative mindset with a desire to learn in a fast paced trading environment.

Please note: This is a full‑time, permanent position with the job based in either Charring Cross, London, UK. The role is available to be worked in a hybrid capacity of 4 days in the office / 1 day from home.

What you get in return

This role offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience), plus a comprehensive benefits package including Insurance coverage; Private Medical (for self and family); Travel (for self and family); Dental (for self); Life Assurance, Gym membership, Pension contributory by Company, up to 30 days holiday allowance per annum rising after service.