Trading Assistant/Junior Trader

About Us

Founded in 1966 by Hampshire & Wiltshire farmers, United Oilseeds has grown into the UK’s leading break crop expert and one of its foremost agricultural co-operatives, with 4,500 farmer members nationwide.

With an annual turnover of £200 million and a net worth of over £18 million, we manage the largest oilseed rape pools in the country and hold a 30% market share in both UK-certified oilseed rape seed and the broader oilseed rape combinable crop sector. Beyond oilseed rape, United Oilseeds Marketing Limited trades significant volumes of oats, peas, beans, linseed, rye, sunflowers, and rape meal on behalf of farmers nationwide.

The Role

We're seeking an ambitious and commercially minded individual looking to develop a career in commodity trading. A driven and analytical junior trader with strong commercial awareness, excellent numerical skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, customers, and suppliers alike.

You'll receive hands-on responsibility from day one, working alongside and supporting our experienced trading team. As you develop, you'll gain increasing autonomy, learning the intricacies of physical commodities trading, including futures and options hedging and foreign exchange (FX) risk management.

Key Responsibilities

• Support trading activities across the full commodities portfolio, including grains, oilseeds and feedstuffs.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trading opportunities and risk management strategies.
• Work with senior traders and the execution team to support trading decisions.
• Take on responsibility for running our risk management and reporting tools, including for physical commodities, futures and options derivatives, and FX.
• Monitor and report on market conditions, price movements, and supply-demand trends.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay up to date with industry news, regulations, and technological advancements.
• Fairly quickly take on deal negotiation responsibilities with external counterparties as you progress.

Unlike many junior trading roles, successful candidates will gain early exposure to decision-making, customer interaction and live market activity. Working alongside experienced traders, you'll develop practical commercial skills and a detailed understanding of physical and derivative commodity markets.

 

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in trading and markets (not necessarily commodity-based).
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis and MS Excel.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
• A growth mindset, inquisitive and eager to continuously learn.
• An interest in agriculture would be a benefit, but not essential
• A proactive candidate, willing to get on the phone to seek new business.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, agriculture, computer science, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated interest in trading & markets.
• Familiarity with trading platforms, data analytics tools or market analysis software including AI.
• Basic understanding of risk management and hedging strategies.

This is a unique opportunity to develop real-world trading experience in a UK-based company with global market exposure. If you’re ready to accelerate your career in commodities trading, we’d love to hear from you!