Junior Metals Trader / Trader, Copper

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, it has set up multiple subsidiaries and offices in 20+ countries, including three major Oil and Gas Trading and Operation Hubs in Houston (Americas), London (Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Singapore (Asia).

PetroChina International is actively expanding into international markets, developing value-added trades, extending the value chain, innovating in trade models, and continuously enhancing trade methods. The Company’s trading activities cover more than 100 product types and, through merger, acquisition, investment, and equity participation, has formed several business centres integrated with storage facilities, refining capabilities, oil tanks and terminals, as well as transportation capabilities in global energy regions. These investments provide strong support for the Company’s international businesses.

Role Overview / Your Next Challenge

As part of our continued expansion into the metals trading market for copper, we are growing our dedicated Copper trading capability. PetroChina International London (PCIL) is seeking to appoint a commercially minded and tenacious individual as a Junior Metals Trader, Copper, or Trader, Copper (dependent on experience and scope). This role is ideal for a base metals professional looking to develop further trading experience within a commodities trading organization (including mining, financial institutions, hedge funds, NOC).

Although the copper desk is relatively new (about two years old), the successful candidate will join a dynamic Petrochemicals Team within an established global trading organization with existing systems, risk frameworks, and operational support. Based in London, Charing Cross, you will report to the Trading Manager, Copper, with a dotted line to the GM of Petrochemicals. You will collaboratively support the day-to-day management of the global copper trading book, with increasing responsibility over time to trade refined copper, concentrates, scraps, blisters, anodes, and cathodes autonomously. You will be involved in exposure management, hedging, market analysis, trade execution, and systems integrity, while progressively developing commercial and trading skills with a strong emphasis on physical trading supported by derivatives to grow a profitable portfolio with long-term scale potential.

The role requires prior experience in both physical and derivatives markets, and close collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including counterparties. You will oversee negotiations, including preparation, identification, and evaluation of potential new business opportunities by leveraging PetroChina’s global footprint for maximum synergies. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, solution-focused, and an effective communicator. If you’re open to a new challenge in a fast-paced environment with 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 related profit and loss analysis.
• Capture new trades, update positions, and ensure system accuracy and data integrity.
• Analyze historical trades, market trends, and price movements to support trading decisions.
• 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 to develop commercial insight.
• Execute trades under the instruction and supervision of the Trading Manager as part of on-the-job development.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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 of generating revenue is highly advantageous.
• Pre-existing network among copper product consumers and/or knowledge of typical trading counterparties and supply chains.
• Good understanding of copper markets, trading regulations, fundamentals, products, grades, qualities, geographies, and environmental influences on the market.
• Proficient analytical and numerical skills with the ability to interpret and assess market trends and news to make informed data-driven decisions.
• Competent communicator 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 based in Charing Cross, London, UK. The role is available in a hybrid capacity of 4 days in the office and 1 day from home.