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Case Study: Sales Trader


A Sales Trader from our London office shares the key elements of being a Trader and what you will be expected to do in your role at Peninsula. ​


Alexander Macfayden joined Peninsula as a Trader after graduating from the University of Bath with a BSc in International Management. He has shared some insights into his role and responsibilities.

Outbound Prospecting

On the commercial desk, a key responsibility is to market Peninsula’s product offerings to potential clients, these product offerings come in many forms, alternative fuels, EUA trading, new physical locations. You are essentially trying to build a portfolio of clients with whom you can begin to trade and bolster your PNL.​ 

Building your portfolio can be a challenge, especially in the current market, where changing legislation and competition create constant shifts.

As such, you must ensure you utilise Peninsula’s unique assets and product offerings, as well as the tools at your disposal, to provide a competitive edge and set yourself apart from the competition, all the while remaining compliant. 

Day-to-Day Trading Activity

The day-to-day activities can vary subject to market conditions, if the market is bullish, you may expect fewer enquiries, on a bearish day, you may be flooded.

​​You must also actively respond to and anticipate your customers’ requirements. This could simply be a case of responding to adhoc enquiries, for example, a tanker needing ‘X’ amount of VLSFO in Gibraltar next week, or, proactively, review clients vessel movements and suggest competitive / strategic locations to refuel at, while considering various market dynamics alongside product availability and operational constraints.

As such, it is important to manage your time effectively and continue to ensure you are seeking new opportunities, whether it be on the outbound prospecting side, or studying your customers fleet movements and anticipating their upcoming requirements.​ 

Name: Raul Frias Herrero

Area: Sales

Date of joining: 2022 

What is your favourite part about being a Trader?

I know it’s a cliché to say you find your job fun but its true – I get to speak with customers from all over the world and develop strong relationships. 

Name: Jesse Llambias

Area: Physical Trader

Date of joining: 2022 

What skills do you need to be a Trader?

You need to be sales focused, curious and think outside of the box. In addition to being able to build relationships, you need to have an analytical skillset because of the ever-changing market. 

Name: Raul Frias Herrero

Area: Sales

Date of joining: 2022 

What is it like working in the Bunker Industry?

The Bunker industry is very dynamic because its always changing! Of course, you are exposed to conventional marine fuels but now also biofuels and LNG and new legislation is always changing the market landscape. You never get bored and there is always something new to learn.  

Name: Hope Balshaw

Area: Physical Trader

Date of joining: 2023

What can you do to succeed at Peninsula?

Really make the most out of your time with the different departments, don’t be afraid to ask questions and you will be able to get an in-depth idea of what the business does and how all the different teams interact. 

Good Image Maybe
Name: Irene Gonzales Munoz
Area: Biofuels Desk
Date of joining: 2022 

What to expect from the application process?

I really enjoyed the assessment day, it wasn’t like other interviews I had been to that were very transactional and quick. I got the chance to meet a lot of people inside the business and other applicants in the same position as me. I appreciated the opportunity to get a firsthand feel for the company culture.  

How can candidates impress in their application?

I studied Industrial Engineering and had no prior knowledge or experience in Bunkering. I think its key that you have an open mind and are willing to learn. No one expects you to already be an expert in Trading or the Bunker Market but doing something outside of your studies can really help. I was finishing an internship in a similar industry at the time I applied which I think showed I was proactive and eager to jump into the world of work. 

Ready to find out more or apply?

Click here for the Job Description and further information

Apply: Send your CV and a Cover Letter to graduate@peninsula360.com

Next Steps

 

Our Talent Acquisition team will review all applications and be in touch shortly​​. 

​​Please note as part of the application process you may be invited to attend one of our in-person assessment days in early May 2025.