Trader Trainee, Commodities

About the Role

Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) is seeking ambitious, analytical, and curious graduates for its Trader Trainee Program. This is a two-year development journey designed to prepare the next generation of commodity traders and commercial leaders. This role is focused on the business of moving and merchandising physical agricultural commodities, not traditional financial markets trading.

Program Start Date: July 2027.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trader Trainee, you will:

• Learn how physical agricultural commodities are traded in domestic and international markets.
• Develop an understanding of market fundamentals, pricing, risk management, and trade execution.
• Analyze supply and demand trends, market research, and commercial opportunities.
• Gain exposure to logistics, execution, research, operations, and commercial teams.
• Participate in formal development courses covering trading fundamentals, market analysis, risk management, execution, and business communications.
• Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced traders and commercial leaders.
• Build a global network through LDC's international commercial organization.
• Work on meaningful projects that contribute directly to commercial decision-making.

By the end of the program, you will develop experience in:

• Understanding the physical flow of commodities through domestic and export markets.
• Identifying market trends and commercial opportunities.
• Negotiating and managing risk.
• Using market intelligence to support trading and merchandising decisions.
• Leveraging data and analytics to drive commercial insights.
• Understanding logistics, quality, customer needs, and supply chain economics.
• Building strong relationships across customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's degree by Summer 2027.
• Open to relocate to either Memphis, TN or Wilton, CT.

Qualifications

We're hiring for potential, not prior trading experience. You may be a great fit if you are:

• Preferably graduating with a degree in economics, finance, or mathematics.
• Passionate about global trade, agriculture, economics, supply chains, or commodity markets.
• Excited by the idea of building a career in physical commodity trading and merchandising.
• Analytical and comfortable working with large amounts of data and information.
• A strong communicator who enjoys collaborating and building relationships.
• Curious, resilient, and motivated to continuously learn.
• Able to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments.

Preferred Areas Of Study:

• Agricultural Economics
• Economics
• Finance
• Mathematics
• Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Data Analytics

Equivalent degrees and experiences will also be considered.