Trader Trainee - Commodities

Louis Dreyfus Company • Wilton, CT

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

At Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), we're seeking ambitious, analytical, and curious graduates to join our Trader Trainee Program, a structured two-year development journey designed to prepare the next generation of commodity traders and commercial leaders. Program Start Date: July 2027. This is more than an entry-level role. It's an opportunity to learn how global agricultural commodities move from farm to customer, gain hands-on exposure to international markets, and develop the commercial skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced trading environment. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about the business of moving and merchandising physical commodities. Success in this program comes from curiosity about supply chains, market fundamentals, customer relationships, and global trade. While futures and risk management are important components of the role, this is first and foremost a career path in physical commodity trading and merchandising, not a traditional financial markets trading role. At LDC, you'll learn how commodities are sourced, transported, stored, marketed, and sold around the world. You'll gain exposure to supply and demand dynamics, logistics, risk management, customer relationships, and commercial strategy while helping move essential products through the global food and agriculture supply chain. Whether it's understanding crop conditions, analyzing market trends, evaluating trade flows, or supporting commercial decisions, you'll develop the skills and business acumen needed to build a long-term career in commodity trading. As a Trader Trainee, you'll participate in LDC's Global Commercial Graduate Program and gain exposure to multiple areas of the business through structured rotations, formal training, mentorship, and real-world commercial experience. The program is designed to develop market awareness, analytical rigor, commercial acumen, adaptability, and relationship-building skills required for success in commodity trading.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• Agricultural Economics
• Economics
• Finance
• Mathematics
• Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Data Analytics
• Equivalent degrees and experiences will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Understand the physical flow of commodities through domestic and export markets.
• Identify market trends and commercial opportunities.
• Negotiate and manage risk.
• Use market intelligence to support trading and merchandising decisions.
• Leverage data and analytics to drive commercial insights.
• Understand logistics, quality, customer needs, and supply chain economics.
• Build strong relationships across customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
• 401k with Company Match
• Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree