China Graduate Programme

Our new China Graduate Programme is a two- to three-year programme designed to cultivate the next generation of trading talent in China. 

Programme structure

Successful candidates will undertake a series of three structured eight-month rotations across our core business areas, including the Deals Desk, Operations, and Research Analysis teams. Those who demonstrate strong potential and an interest in commercial roles will have the opportunity to complete an additional 12-month rotation on a commercial desk, gaining hands-on experience in physical and derivatives trading as well as business development. 

This comprehensive programme provides participants with a diverse skill set and an in-depth understanding of the trade lifecycle and the complexities of our business. It helps individuals identify their ideal roles based on their strengths, nurtures an entrepreneurial mindset, and equips them with the knowledge and experience needed for a successful and long-term career with Trafigura Group. 

  • Programme length: 2 to 3 years
  • Rotation length: 3 x 8-months
    • Eligible candidates who demonstrate strong potential will be offered an additional 1 year in a commercial role.
  • Rotation departments:
    • Main rotation: Operations / Deals Desk / Research Analysis 
    • Additional commercial rotation: Physical trading / Derivatives Trading / Business Development
  • Programme start: October 2027 (Applications now open below)
  • Fluent spoken and written English and Mandarin Chinese mandatory

"Trafigura is an ideal place for anyone who wants to start their career in the fast lane and take up a lot of responsibility at an early age.”

Kate Qian

Head of China Domestic Lead and Zinc Concentrates Trading – Shanghai, China

Rotation departments

Deals Desk

Responsible for accurate mark-to-market valuation, daily P&L and risk and exposure reporting, Deals Desk is an independent control function that works closely with commercial, middle and back office teams to ensure timely trade capture and effective management of trading positions in our trading and risk management systems.

Responsibilities include:
Reviewing and verify trades and trade terms
Producing daily P&L and exposure reports
Liaising with traders, operations and finance to reconcile positions
Investigating and resolving trade discrepancies

Operations

Coordinates the physical movement and delivery of commodities, ensuring contracts are executed efficiently and profitably.

Responsibilities include:
Managing vessel or land logistics and documentation
Liaising with counterparties and terminals 
Tracking cargo movements and inventories
Ensuring compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements 

Research Analysis

Provides market insights, commercial analysis and strategic research to support trading and investment decisions.

 

Responsibilities include: 
Analysing supply-demand trends and trade flows
Developing pricing models and market forecasts
Monitoring macroeconomic and geopolitical developments
Producing internal research reports and presentations, active engagement with commercial teams

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is designed to identify talented individuals whose skills, values and professional aspirations align with our China Graduate Programme.  

Candidates are assessed across a range of areas, including technical ability, team and organisational compatibility and potential for growth, to ensure the selection of those best placed to thrive in our fast-paced environment.  

The recruitment process includes: 

  • Step 1: Online application via our website (Workday portal), including CV submission and a short questionnaire.
  • Step 2: Online numerical and psychometric assessment.
  • Step 3: Screening interview with the Talent Acquisition team, including initial technical questions.
  • Step 4: First-round virtual interviews with Middle Office and trading professionals.
  • Step 5: Final-round virtual interviews including the delivery of case study presentations.

Programme start date:
October 2027.  

Our Shanghai office

280 +
employees
45
departments
7
nationalities

Trafigura Investment (China) Co., Ltd
56F Tower 2, IFC Building, 8 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, 200120, China

Applications now open

Submit your application before 23 October 2026.

Apply now on Workday

Other Graduate Programmes

Commercial Programme

Designed for individuals with the ambition to become the next generation of traders, this two-year programme offers immersive exposure to global markets and our diverse commodity portfolio.

Learn more

Development Programme

Created to develop tomorrow’s leaders within the key pillars of our business, this two-year programme develops expertise in key Middle Office functions such as Operations, Deals Desk and Trade Finance.

Learn more

Technical Programme

Built for curious innovators, this two-year programme gives exceptional talent the opportunity to apply their technical skills to develop transformative solutions to shape how our business operates in a fast-moving world. 

Learn more