Trader Trainee - Commodities at Louis Dreyfus Company in Cordova, TN, United States

Job description

• 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: September 1, 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.
• When people hear the word "trader," they often think of hedge funds, investment banks, or trading financial instruments from behind a screen.
• That's not what this role is.
• 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.
• For more than 170 years, LDC has connected farmers, markets, and consumers around the world. As part of our Trader Trainee Program, you'll gain exposure to global commodity markets, work alongside experienced commercial professionals, and participate in a structured development journey designed to accelerate your growth.
• Through rotations, formal learning, mentorship, and hands-on commercial experience, you'll build the foundation for a successful career in commodity trading, merchandising, marketing, research, or other commercial leadership roles. Graduates who successfully complete the program may have the opportunity to transition into permanent commercial positions within the organization.
• If you're ready to launch a career at the intersection of global markets, agriculture, analytics, and commercial strategy, we encourage you to apply and join the next generation of trading talent at LDC.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Who We're Looking For
• We're hiring for potential, not prior trading experience.
• 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.
• Agricultural Economics
• Economics
• Finance
• Mathematics
• Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Data Analytics
• Equivalent degrees and experiences will also be considered.

Skills

Required

• Analytical
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Resilience
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Data analytics
• Market research
• Risk management
• Trade execution

Benefits

• We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.
• - 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
• - Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)