What to Expect from Trading and Supply Jobs

Jobs at Shell

The global energy sector is transforming, and Shell Trading and Supply is central to this change. As one of the largest energy trading organisations in the world, Shell T&S

operates from major hubs in London, Houston, Singapore, Dubai and Rotterdam, delivering 6 million barrels of fuel daily and trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil. This global network creates opportunities for skilled professionals in trading and supply roles.

This guide covers what trading and supply jobs involve, required skills, work environment expectations, and professional development opportunities. Whether you're learning how to get job as a trader or exploring supply and trading positions, this overview explains what to expect from these careers.

What do trading and supply jobs at Shell involve?

Trading and supply roles encompass the complete energy value chain, optimizing the trade and delivery of crude oil, refined products, low-carbon fuels, power, liquefied natural gas (LNG), chemical feedstocks, environmental products, and freight services. Trading & Supply consists of separate businesses within the Shell group, providing access to an integrated network of supply and distribution activities.

Shell T&S operates through specialized business lines:

• Products Team: Ensures customers receive fuels on time by sourcing refined products and feedstocks from global suppliers, delivering 6 million barrels of fuels to customers each day
• Crude Team: Active in most crude oil markets, trading more than 8 million barrels of physical oil daily, serving both internal and external customers
• Energy Team: Provides LNG, gas, power, and environmental products by growing integrated value chains while leading industry sector decarbonisation efforts including carbon capture and storage (CCS)
• Commercial Operations: Makes Trading and Supply an easy organisation to work, transact and partner with by advancing processes, platforms, and data capabilities

Energy trading

Energy trading involves buying and selling energy commodities across global markets. Energy traders track price changes, spot opportunities, and complete transactions that balance supply with demand.

Day-to-day work includes reviewing market data, managing trading positions, and working with refineries. You'll use advanced trading platforms and work with market analysts to make smart decisions about energy portfolios.

Supply chain operations

Supply chain operations manage the physical movement of energy products from production to customers through structured supply chain process methodologies. You'll manage procurement contracts, handle transportation, and make sure products meet quality standards. The role includes demand and supply management, matching market needs with available resources while working with cross-functional teams.

A successful supply chain professional in this field combines operational expertise with commercial awareness to maintain seamless energy delivery across global markets.

Market risk management

Risk management professionals assess and mitigate financial exposures from market volatility, currency fluctuations, and operational disruptions. This involves building risk models, monitoring exposure limits, and developing strategies through experience in risk management processes. The role combines analytical thinking with strategic planning, working with business teams to develop risk management processes that support trading objectives.

Responsibilities of trading and supply professionals

Trading and supply professionals manage diverse responsibilities that directly impact the energy business:

• Monitoring global energy prices and identifying trading opportunities
• Managing procurement relationships and negotiating supply contracts
• Coordinating international logistics and transportation networks
• Analyzing market trends and preparing risk assessments
• Collaborating with refineries and production teams on supply planning
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies
• Supporting business teams with strategic planning and decision-making
• Contributing to ongoing maintenance process improvements and system upgrades

Key skills and qualifications for trading and supply roles

To succeed in these roles, you need analytical skills, commercial awareness, and relationship management abilities along with strategic thinking capabilities.

Critical Soft Skills

While technical skills are the engine, commercial and interpersonal skills are the steering wheel, translating analytical power into profitable action.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Professional certifications in energy trading, risk management, or supply chain management
• Experience with financial modeling, data analysis, or commodity markets
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and logistics operations

Experienced professionals

can learn more about transitioning their skills to the energy industry through our dedicated application guidance. You can also explore all career opportunities at Shell and access helpful resources through our candidate resource centre.

What is it like to work in trading and supply at Shell?

Working in Trading and Supply involves being part of a fast-paced environment where market conditions shift quickly and decisions affect global operations. You'll work with professionals who have deep knowledge in energy markets, logistics, and risk management while adding your own insights.

Projects involve cross-functional teams collaboration, bringing together trading, supply, and technical teams to address complex challenges. Career moves within trading and supply can take various directions, from specialized technical roles to broader commercial positions.

You can read about colleague experiences in our employee stories to gain insights into what it's really like working in these dynamic roles.

What Shell offers you

Grow your skills

You can build technical skills while learning about the business side of global energy markets. The job gives you access to advanced trading systems, market data platforms, and analytical tools. Shell supports your growth through training programs, job shadowing opportunities, and mentoring support.

You can find detailed information about how to apply for these development opportunities.

Collaborate with experienced colleagues

Trading and supply teams have people with years of experience in energy markets, logistics, and risk management. This teamwork goes beyond your immediate group to include working relationships with refineries, production facilities, and external suppliers around the world.

Achieve your balance in a values-led culture

Shell cares about employees' wellbeing, offering flexible work options when possible. Honesty, integrity, and respect shape how people work together, building a workplace where you can be the best version of yourself.

Develop the energy solutions of today and tomorrow

Trading and supply roles contribute directly to the energy transition by managing portfolios that include both traditional energy products and renewable certificates. This includes developing trading strategies for renewable energy, optimizing supply chains for lower-carbon products, and supporting new energy solutions such as carbon capture and storage. The work involves building a sustainable future while ensuring stable energy reaches millions of communities worldwide.

Apply for trading and supply jobs today!

Shell Poland offers various opportunities in trading and supply for experienced professionals.

These positions appeal to people motivated by market analysis, building commercial relationships, or contributing to energy solutions. You can build your professional path alongside the industry's transformation.

Ready to power your progress in energy?

Visit the Shell Poland Careers page to discover current trading and supply openings and take the first step toward an exciting career at the heart of the global energy transformation.