Company Overview
A global independent energy trading house with a rapidly growing presence in middle distillates is seeking an experienced Middle Distillates Trader to join its Dubai office. The company maintains a diversified sourcing and supply network across EMEA, the Middle East, and Asia, with middle distillates-gasoil, ULSD, and jet fuel-representing a significant portion of its overall traded volumes.
As a mid-size but agile market player, the company leverages deep regional networks, flexible credit structures, and opportunistic trading strategies to compete effectively in a dynamic market shaped by changing fuel standards, shifting flows, and emerging niche opportunities in Africa and Asia.
Role Overview
The Middle Distillates Trader will be responsible for managing, optimizing, and growing the company's physical middle distillates portfolio. This includes sourcing, transporting, storing, blending, and delivering products globally, with a particular focus on expanding flows into Africa and Asia.
The ideal candidate will have strong physical trading expertise, excellent market relationships, and a proven track record in gasoil, diesel, and jet markets.
Key Responsibilities
Trading & Commercial Activities
- Trade physical middle distillates-including gasoil, ULSD, and jet fuel-across EMEA, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Identify and capture arbitrage opportunities across global trade lanes.
- Develop and execute trading strategies that align with market conditions, refinery economics, and company objectives.
- Grow the company's footprint in emerging/niche markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, where shifting trade flows create new opportunities.
- Optimize blending opportunities, storage positions, freight decisions, and product quality management.
- Manage term and spot supply arrangements with refiners, NOCs, independents, and distributors.
Physical Supply, Logistics & Operations
- Oversee end-to-end physical cargo execution, covering:
- Vessel scheduling and laycan management
- Chartering decisions and freight optimization (in collaboration with the shipping desk)
- Storage and blending operations
- Product quality, specifications, and regulatory requirements
- Terminal coordination, inspection, and risk mitigation
- Ensure efficient, safe, and compliant execution of all cargo movements.
Market Intelligence & Relationship Management
- Maintain strong relationships with refining majors, regional producers, traders, brokers, shipowners, and market participants.
- Monitor market trends, pricing structures, supply/demand fundamentals, and shifts in fuel standards (e.g., sulfur mandates, spec changes).
- Provide insights on global and regional middle distillates flows, including East-West dynamics, AG/Asia arbitrage, and Africa import programs.
- Contribute to internal market analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Manage position exposures, P&L, and trading risks in line with company risk frameworks.
- Ensure adherence to compliance policies, sanctions rules, KYC, and regulatory standards.
- Collaborate with risk, operations, legal, and finance to maintain governance discipline.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5-12+ years of physical middle distillates trading experience (gasoil, ULSD, jet fuel).
- Strong network in EMEA, Middle East, and/or Asian distillates markets.
- Demonstrated ability to generate consistent P&L and manage physical trading risk.
- Solid understanding of freight markets, blending economics, and product specifications.
- Experience with storage optimization, tender participation, and crossregional arbitrage strategies.
- Proven ability to build new markets, especially in Africa and Asia.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced qualifications a plus.
Personal Attributes
- Entrepreneurial commercial mindset with a drive to grow trading flows.
- Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Hands-on, detail-oriented execution approach.
- Able to work autonomously while contributing to a collaborative global team.
- High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to compliance.
- Ability to perform in a fast-moving, volatile market environment.
