The Development Programme

Based in Calgary, Geneva, Montevideo, Shanghai and Singapore, the two-year Development Graduate Programme offers structured rotations across key business functions.

Throughout the programme, graduates gain practical experience and exposure to the full trade lifecycle, working at the core of our operations. By building expertise across these critical functions, graduates develop a strong foundation for success in high-impact middle office roles in Operations and Deals Desk and are well-positioned to grow into future leadership positions.

Guided by some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, graduates receive ongoing support and development opportunities, providing them with the skills, mindset and confidence to help shape the next chapter of our business.

“Our programmes offer real responsibility from day 1, as our graduates work to solve real-world challenges, alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry.”

Prashanth Jayaraman

Global Head of Energy, Power and Bulk Deals Desk | 2013 Graduate Intake

Programme structure by location

Calgary – 3 x 8-month rotations: Deals Desk and Operations
Geneva – 2 x 12-month rotations: Deals Desk and Operations
Montevideo – 3 x 8-month rotations: Deals Desk, Operations, and Trade Finance
Shanghai – 3 x 8-month rotations: Deals Desk, Operations, and Trade Finance
Singapore – 3 × 8 months: Operations, Deals Desk, and Trade Finance

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

Trade Finance

Designs and implements the financing solutions that enable the physical movement commodities, while managing credit and performance risks.

Responsibilities include:
Structuring and executing real-world commodity trade finance deals
Drafting, negotiating and managing trade documents such as letters of credit, guarantees and receivables financing
Monitoring global trade flows, payment schedules and risk exposures across complex transactions
Collaborating with traders, operations, credit teams and banking partners to resolve day-to-day financing and logistics challenges

Recruitment process

Our recruitment process is designed to identify talented individuals whose skills, values and professional aspirations align with our Development 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: Screening interview with the Talent Acquisition team, including initial technical questions.
Step 3: Online numerical and logical reasoning assessments and a team and organisational compatibility evaluation.
Step 4: First-round virtual interviews with Middle Office professionals.
Step 5: Final-round virtual interview including the delivery of case study presentation.

Programme start date: October 2026

Programme locations

Calgary

Geneva

Montevideo

Shanghai

Singapore

Calgary

Calgary is known for its energy industry, rodeos, ice hockey, the Canadian-Pacific railway and its close proximity to several national parks in the neighbouring Rocky Mountains.

The third most populated city in Canada, Calgary has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Our Calgary office is fast growing and is situated in the city’s bustling business district.

Notify me when applications open for Calgary - Development See all Calgary job openings

Geneva

Nestled near the Alps on Switzerland's western border with France, Geneva is situated at the southern tip of one of the largest lakes in Europe with easy access to multiple ski resorts.

The city is recognised as a global hub for international diplomacy and banking and is admired for its cosmopolitan and multicultural feel. Our Geneva office is one of our largest global offices, with all our commercial teams and key functions represented.

Notify me when applications open for Geneva - Development See all Geneva job openings

Montevideo

Situated along Montevideo Bay, Uruguay’s capital city boasts large parks, tree-lined streets, beaches, vibrant nightlife and a thriving culinary scene.

Our purpose-built regional office for Latin America is located in Montevideo’s Zonamerica business park.

Notify me when applications open for Montevideo - Development See all Montevideo job openings

Shanghai

Located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is renowned for its Lujiazui skyline, museums, historic buildings, cuisine and vibrant international flair. It is a major global city and international trade hub.

Our Shanghai office is situated in the city’s Pudong financial district and serves as a regional hub.

Notify me when applications open for Shanghai - Development See all Shanghai job openings

Singapore

Situated on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula with four major communities, Singapore offers a rich tapestry of traditions making it a melting pot of global influences, with a renowned culinary scene. Despite its skyscrapers, nearly half of its land area is lush greenery.

Our Singapore office is situated in the bustling Raffles Place financial district and serves as Trafigura’s Asia Pacific headquarters.

Notify me when applications open for Singapore - Development See all Singapore job openings

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

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