Spot Trader - Energy Markets

About the Opportunity

Our client is a global leader in renewable energy with significant operations across multiple continents. With substantial renewable generation assets, battery energy storage systems and a strong commitment to the energy transition, they are a major participant in Australia's National Electricity Market.

They are seeking an experienced Spot Trader to execute trading strategies across the NEM, managing real-time dispatch decisions for their portfolio of renewable generation and storage assets. This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced trading environment, optimising portfolio performance and capturing value from market volatility whilst supporting the growth of renewable energy in Australia.

As Spot Trader, you will be responsible for executing intraday and real-time trades across energy and FCAS markets, managing dispatch of generation and battery storage assets and responding dynamically to market conditions. You will work closely with commercial, operations and technical teams to maximise portfolio value whilst managing risk and ensuring operational reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Real-Time Trading & Execution

• Execute trading strategies across NEM spot energy markets and frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) markets including regulation, contingency and fast services. Monitor market conditions continuously and respond to price signals, dispatch patterns and system events.
• Manage real-time dispatch decisions for renewable generation assets (solar, wind) and battery energy storage systems. Optimise dispatch to capture energy arbitrage opportunities, provide FCAS services and respond to price volatility whilst managing operational constraints.
• Submit and modify dispatch bids and offers in real-time through AEMO systems. Adjust bidding strategies dynamically based on market conditions, forecasts, network constraints and portfolio positions. Ensure compliance with bidding rules and market obligations.
• Monitor and respond to pre-dispatch forecasts, dispatch outcomes and five-minute settlement prices. Identify trading opportunities and execute decisions within tight timeframes to maximise portfolio value.

Market Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor real-time market conditions including spot prices, dispatch levels, network constraints, interconnector flows and system frequency. Track market events, intervention pricing, directions and system security conditions affecting trading decisions.
• Analyse intraday price formation, supply-demand dynamics and market participant behaviour. Identify patterns, anomalies and trading opportunities arising from market volatility, outages, weather conditions and operational events.
• Monitor renewable generation forecasts, battery state of charge and asset availability. Coordinate with operations teams to understand asset status, operational constraints and capability to respond to market opportunities.
• Track position limits, risk exposures and trading mandates. Ensure trading activities remain within approved risk parameters and escalate exposures requiring management attention.

Strategy Implementation & Optimisation

• Implement intraday and real-time trading strategies developed in collaboration with commercial and risk teams. Adapt strategies based on evolving market conditions, forecast updates and portfolio requirements.
• Optimise battery energy storage dispatch across energy arbitrage, FCAS provision and network support services. Balance competing value streams and manage state of charge to maximise revenue whilst maintaining operational flexibility.
• Coordinate trading decisions with renewable generation dispatch, managing curtailment decisions, network constraints and operational limitations. Optimise portfolio outcomes across multiple assets and market timeframes.
• Identify and capture value from market inefficiencies, basis trading opportunities and short-term price dislocations. Execute opportunistic trades when market conditions present attractive risk-reward profiles.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Monitor and manage trading risk including price risk, volume risk and operational risk. Ensure trading activities comply with risk limits, trading mandates and organisational policies.
• Maintain detailed records of trading decisions, rationale and execution. Ensure accurate position reporting and trade reconciliation. Support audit processes and compliance reviews.
• Respond to AEMO intervention events, directions and market suspension periods. Ensure compliance with AEMO dispatch instructions and market participant obligations during system security events.
• Identify operational incidents, system issues or unusual market conditions requiring escalation. Communicate effectively with management, risk teams and operations during high-impact events.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with portfolio managers, commercial analysts and risk teams to align trading execution with broader portfolio strategies. Provide feedback on market conditions, trading performance and strategy effectiveness.
• Coordinate with asset operations teams, control room personnel and technical specialists. Communicate asset requirements, operational constraints and dispatch expectations clearly and promptly.
• Liaise with AEMO, network service providers and market participants on operational matters, market events and system conditions. Maintain professional relationships with market counterparties and industry participants.
• Contribute to post-trade analysis, performance reviews and strategy refinement. Share market insights and trading observations to support continuous improvement.

Systems & Technology

• Utilise trading platforms, market systems and analytical tools to execute trades and monitor market conditions. Maintain proficiency with AEMO dispatch systems, bidding platforms and market data services.
• Support the development and enhancement of trading tools, automation and decision support systems. Identify opportunities to improve trading processes, data flows and analytical capabilities.

About You

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Mathematics or related quantitative discipline
• 3-5+ years of experience in energy trading, market operations or related roles within electricity markets
• Demonstrated experience with spot trading, real-time dispatch or short-term energy trading
• Strong understanding of NEM operations including spot market, FCAS markets and dispatch processes
• Track record of making effective real-time trading decisions under pressure

Market Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of NEM spot market structure, dispatch process and five-minute settlement
• Knowledge of FCAS markets and market dynamics
• Understanding of pre-dispatch, dispatch and pricing mechanisms
• Familiarity with network constraints, marginal loss factors and regional price separation
• Strong understanding of battery energy storage dispatch optimisation and revenue stacking strategies
• Knowledge of renewable energy generation operations, operational constraints and curtailment management
• Understanding of electricity derivatives and hedging instruments
• Knowledge of electricity supply-demand dynamics, generation mix and demand patterns
• Technical background in electrical engineering, power systems or energy systems

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to process complex information rapidly
• Proficiency with trading systems, market data platforms and analytical tools
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with data analysis tools advantageous
• Excellent decision-making capability with ability to assess risk-reward trade-offs quickly
• Composure and focus during high-pressure situations and market volatility
• Effective communicator with ability to articulate trading rationale clearly

What's on Offer

• Competitive remuneration package
• Opportunity to trade renewable generation and battery storage assets in dynamic markets
• Fast-paced trading environment with direct impact on commercial outcomes
• Exposure to cutting-edge energy storage technology and renewable energy operations
• Professional development and training opportunities in energy trading and market operations
• Collaborative team culture working with experienced traders and commercial specialists
• Career progression opportunities within a global renewable energy leader
• Flexible working arrangements with recognition of trading role requirements

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant trading experience, NEM knowledge and motivation for the role.

For enquiries, contact:

Ivan Pignataro | Director
D'Arcy Weil
E: [email protected] T: +61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856

Only candidates with Australian working rights will be considered.