Junior Trader (Lithium)

Scope

This role supports the Lithium Trading team in RtMI and to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the desk, including operations, physical trading, derivatives operations and market research. The candidate would report to the General Manager, Lithium.

Responsibilities

1. Physical Trading and Operations (50%)

• Develop relationships with lithium refineries, including those in China to identify trading opportunities as the individual learns more about the business.

• Maintain customer relationships and manage existing business, including contract flows and operations.

• The junior trader is expected to start with handling contract operations and post deal operations as a part of the learning process.

• Understand customer’s needs and develop solutions and strategies to address them effectively.

• Gain a detailed understanding of the lithium supply chain, including identifying challenges and concerns of customers across the value chain.

• Acquire strong knowledge of the raw material value in use, and the production process of intermediate and end products.

• Develop a deep understanding of the market fundamentals, work with senior traders and managers to manage analytical models and provide analysis.

2. Business Development and Transaction Support (25%)

• Engage with industry players, consultants and develop leads for strategic, structured investment and trading opportunities.

• Support due diligence of assets and opportunities.

• Work with corporate counterparties to understand their business and build financial models to evaluate assets and opportunities, provide transaction support for longer-term deals.

• Build financial models, conduct analysis on company financials, contributing to longer term structured transactions.

• Travel regularly to meet with market participants and to industry conferences.

• Conduct site visits of mine, end users for due diligence purposes

• Prepare explanation material, including reports and presentations to management and clients, support management on strategy update materials.

• Internal project management support, provide support including preparation of explanation materials, analysis and research in contribution to internal projects.

3. Market Research (15%)

• Maintain and improve on fundamental supply and demand model for lithium products

• Buildup database of trade flow, mine supply and end demand, provide regular internal reporting on data and analysis.

• Conduct research on including pricing, supply/demand forecasting, VIU, cost models, working.

• Provide daily/weekly market reports to management and external clients.

• Prepare quarterly and annual market forecasts and analysis.

• Prepare presentations to management on market conditions from time to time, supporting the trading manager.

• Conduct market analysis based on robust information and networks, to effectively provide market reports to the stakeholders.

• Develop multiple analytical models as well as databases by capturing information and insights from daily activities.

• Think creatively utilizing generative AI tools to improve workflow.

4. Derivative Operations Support (10%)

• Execute derivatives transactions when required, including liaising with brokers.

• Trade entry into internal systems, including CTRM and other risk management tools.

• Provide risk and P&L analysis, supporting senior traders.

• Deal ticket processing, and other derivative related operational issues.

• Provide quantitative analysis, write market summary reports and learn to analyze price movements.

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, International Trade, or a relevant discipline

• Relevant experience in the finance industry (e.g., equity research, sales, corporate finance, or trading-related roles)

• Experience working with corporate clients, preferably with exposure to regional or international markets.

• Good communication skills in English

• Mandarin proficiency is required due to the need to communicate with Mandarin-speaking customers and counterparties in key markets, including China.

• Strong work ethic with the ability to manage multiple tasks and transactions

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

• Detail-oriented, systematic, and well-organized

Personal Attributes

• Team player with a collaborative and inclusive mindset

• Flexible and able to thrive in a dynamic work environment

• Demonstrates honesty and integrity

• Open to feedback and continuous improvement

• Logical, resourceful, and forward-thinking

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• Able to manage responsibilities effectively

• Able to work within deadlines

• Confident in communication and decision-making

• Good listener with strong interpersonal awareness

Environment/ Working Conditions

• The role is primarily office-based, with occasional travel required for business purposes.

• The role involves managing multiple projects concurrently.

• This role may require responding to ad hoc requests and addressing stakeholder needs as they arise.