Trading Academy Programme

Are you interested in learning about energy trading from industry experts and embrace a future-driven approach that is working towards achieving Net Zero by 2040?

ESB Trading is responsible for the commercial management of the largest and most diverse portfolio of generation assets and customers of any Irish utility with significant positions in a range of power, commodity and emissions markets. The Trading group is also responsible for developing and implementing innovative trading, settlement and risk management processes which enable the business to respond successfully to the challenges and opportunities of the markets we operate within.

Whether you are a Graduate or have some experience, ESB’s Trading Academy offers a unique opportunity to join the ESB Trading Team and work across three areas over a period of 2 years with opportunity for career progression at the end of the programme.

Don’t miss this opportunity to start a career in energy trading!

Where will you work?

Market Modelling & Analytics

The Modelling and Analytics team provide insights to our trading team in the short and medium term and to provide long term forecast which inform key strategic decisions for our business. This multi-disciplinary team uses an integrated set of modelling tools to forecast future energy market prices and analyse market dynamics for the markets in which we operate. To provide this essential information to our traders and portfolio managers, we rely on thorough analyses of energy market fundamentals supported by robust data solutions. We constantly seek to improve and innovate our analysis techniques and keep up to date with the most recent advances in modelling and predictive analytics.

Front Office

The Front Office team trade the largest and most diverse of generation portfolio in the Irish and GB market including Coal, Gas, Wind, Solar, Hydro generation and battery optimisation. The team is responsible for monetizing the generation assets, optimising the gross margin within the generation business and shaping the ESB Trading strategy.

You will get an opportunity to enhance your commercial skills and learn about commodity hedging activities on international markets, gain an understanding of the main international commodity markets and how they operate and learn about trading electricity in both day ahead and forward markets in Ireland and Great Britain and on international commodity markets to buy gas, coal, carbon and oil associated with sales of electricity.

You will also learn how ESB enters into long terms Power purchase agreements with various renewable generators and how these are managed and optimised across the various trading desks. Learn about generation capacity markets in UK & Ireland and how ESB engages in these. This area also works on optimising and prioritizing the running of the generation assets in the numerous Electricity markets in Ireland & GB, the Day Ahead, Intra-day, and Balancing Markets.

Middle Office

The Middle Office function plays a critical role in delivering value to ESB through risk management, credit and governance activities and monitoring compliance with REMIT, EMIR, MAR and other financial regulations. Middle Office is responsible for monitoring trading activities in line with the strategy and authority limits and rules.

You will get an opportunity to learn and understand activities related to quantifying market risks of trading initiatives and activities, work closely with other teams in Trading to ensure risks are effectively identified, measured and managed and be involved in providing effective market risk reporting in line with ESB’s risk control framework.

What You’ll Learn over the 2 Year Programme

Throughout the course of the programme you will gain a variety of skills which will enable you to progress your career in a Trading related discipline:

• In depth understanding of the Irish, GB Energy Markets and international commodity markets and how ESB Trading functions in these markets.
• Commercial expertise in trading decision making
• Subject matter expertise knowledge in each of the functions you work in supported by the opportunity to complete accredited courses and apply your learnings whilst gaining valuable experience. Data visualisation (e.g. Power BI)
• Knowledge of energy modelling tools and how they can be used to model energy markets
• Understanding of data analytics tools and how they can be used in a progressive environment to support decision making
• Data analytics
• Market Modelling
• Commercial analysis and decision making
• Risk analysis and Governance

In return

In return, you will enjoy our many benefits including a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package built on our four pillars of reward, career, community and well-being.  More importantly you will have a solid base to build a career in Trading. 

What we look for?

• You should have (or be working towards) a minimum of 2.1 Honours Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Commercial or other relevant course. Applications are welcome from Graduate candidates.
• Excellent IT skills.
• You need good communication skills, excellent analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly. 
• Be innovative in your approach and able to demonstrate your ability to continuously contribute to the team.   

Location 

This role is based in ESB Head Office Dublin.