Spec Trading Manager

Spec Trading Manager

Glasgow Full-Time 62400 - 88200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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SSE Enterprise

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in energy trading, focusing on gas, power, and carbon markets.
  • Company: Join SSE, a pioneering energy company committed to a net zero future with significant investments in renewable energy.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, discounts on healthcare, gym memberships, and generous family entitlements.
  • Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment shaping the future of energy trading while driving impactful strategies.
  • Qualifications: Proven energy trading expertise, advanced analytical skills, and strong leadership abilities required.
  • Other info: This is a hybrid role based in Perth, Edinburgh, or Glasgow with a competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.

The predicted salary is between 62400 - 88200 £ per year.

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SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We\’re investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world\’s largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

secures the energy needed to power customers\’ lives, while creating value for SSE. Our Energy Markets trading teams buy the fuel needed to deliver cleaner energy and sell power generated in our wind farm, hydro and thermal assets back to the markets.

Base Location: Perth, Edinburgh or Glasgow – this is a hybrid role working from one of the advertised locations.

Salary: £78,400 – £117,600 + car/car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | options available

The role

The Spec Trading Team is responsible for deploying capital, within a controlled risk framework, in liquid gas and power markets across Europe, developing and executing trading strategies across multiple markets. The role will primarily focus on generating P&L across different verticals (gas, power and carbon) and different time horizon, while building a framework for consistently taking the right risk/reward profile.

As the Spec Trading Manager, you’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, deploying capital within a controlled risk framework to drive P&L. This hands-on role combines strategy, execution, and leadership—working closely with other trading desks, risk, and origination teams to identify and capture market opportunities. Be part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment shaping the future of energy trading at SSE.

You will

  • Champion a strong safety culture by modelling best practices, complying with all legislative obligations, and inspiring teams.
  • Deploy capital within a £6M VaR limit to deliver strong speculative trading returns (targeting 3x VaR annually). Communicate strategies clearly and contribute to EM budget targets.
  • Design and execute trading strategies across EU gas, power, and carbon markets. Develop trading tools, drive market insights, and lead analyst support work to unlock value opportunities.
  • Ensure strict adherence to internal governance, compliance policies, and external regulatory frameworks. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all relevant legislation and license conditions.
  • Work closely with Trading, Risk, and Origination teams to enhance cross-market outlooks. Identify cost efficiencies, improve service delivery, and strengthen internal and external stakeholder relationships.

You have

  • Proven Trading Expertise: Energy trading experience with strong commercial acumen, a track record of delivering desk value, and deep understanding of market structure, traded products, trade life cycle, and P&L mechanics.
  • Advanced Analytical & Technical Skills: Skilled in developing and operating complex models and tools using Excel, VBA, and Python; experienced in market platforms like ETRM, Bloomberg, Web ICE, and trading analytics.
  • Strategic Thinking & Communication: Capable of creating and articulating complex trading strategies, generating ideas under pressure, and presenting insights to senior stakeholders, including at board level.
  • Leadership & Collaboration: Natural leader with experience mentoring junior team members, working cross-functionally with Risk, Compliance, and other key stakeholders to support trading activities.
  • Resilience & Integrity: Highly driven, detail-oriented, and dependable with strong organisational skills and a firm commitment to governance, regulation, and corporate best practices.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

We\’re dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We\’ll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we\’ll be taking your application further. If you\’re offered a role with SSE, you\’ll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

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Spec Trading Manager employer: SSE Enterprise

SSE is an exceptional employer, committed to leading the energy transition towards a net zero future while investing significantly in homegrown energy solutions. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible benefits, and a collaborative work culture, SSE offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic environment. Located in vibrant cities like Perth, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, employees enjoy a supportive atmosphere that champions diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in energy trading.
SSE Enterprise

Contact Detail:

SSE Enterprise Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Spec Trading Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with SSE's current projects and initiatives, especially their focus on renewable energy and net zero ambitions. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the energy trading sector, particularly those who have experience with gas, power, and carbon markets. Engaging with industry experts can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your previous trading experiences in detail, focusing on how you've successfully managed risk and generated P&L. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your analytical skills and strategic thinking.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership abilities by discussing any mentoring or team-building experiences you've had. Highlight how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals, as this is crucial for the Spec Trading Manager role.

We think you need these skills to ace Spec Trading Manager

Energy Trading Expertise
Commercial Acumen
Market Structure Knowledge
Trade Life Cycle Understanding
P&L Mechanics
Advanced Analytical Skills
Technical Proficiency in Excel, VBA, and Python
Experience with ETRM and Bloomberg
Strategic Thinking
Effective Communication Skills
Leadership and Mentoring
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams
Resilience and Dependability
Strong Organisational Skills
Commitment to Governance and Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Spec Trading Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in energy trading and your ability to lead a team.

Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your trading expertise, analytical skills, and leadership experience. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully deployed capital and developed trading strategies in previous roles.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the energy sector and your alignment with SSE's mission to create a cleaner future. Highlight your strategic thinking and communication skills, and explain how you can contribute to the company's goals.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a role that involves significant financial responsibility.

How to prepare for a job interview at SSE Enterprise

✨Showcase Your Trading Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your previous trading experience in detail. Highlight specific examples where you successfully deployed capital and generated P&L, particularly in energy markets. This will demonstrate your understanding of market structures and your ability to deliver value.

✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills

Since the role requires advanced analytical skills, be ready to talk about the complex models and tools you've developed or used in the past. Familiarity with Excel, VBA, and Python is crucial, so mention any relevant projects that showcase your technical prowess.

✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Effective communication is key, especially when presenting strategies to senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts on trading strategies and market insights clearly. Use examples from your experience to illustrate your points and show how you can generate ideas under pressure.

✨Emphasise Leadership and Collaboration

As a Spec Trading Manager, you'll need to lead a team and work cross-functionally. Share experiences where you've mentored junior team members or collaborated with other departments like Risk and Compliance. This will highlight your leadership qualities and ability to foster teamwork.

Spec Trading Manager
SSE Enterprise
Location: Glasgow
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