What to Expect from Trading and Supply Jobs at Shell

Shell Trading and Supply is one of the world's leading energy trading organizations. Serving as the central nervous system of one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, T&S manages the global trade and delivery of energy products.

This guide covers what Trading and Supply jobs involve, required skills, work environment expectations, and professional development opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate learning how to get a job as a trader or an experienced professional exploring energy trading and Supply Chain positions, this overview explains what to expect from these jobs at Shell.

What do Trading and Supply jobs at Shell involve?

Trading and Supply roles encompass the complete energy value chain, managing energy products from sourcing through to delivery. Our portfolio includes buying and selling physical crude oil, refined products, and feedstocks, as well as trading on exchanges like The New York Mercantile Exchange and The Chicago Mercantile Exchange.

Shell T&S operates through specialized business lines:

• Products Team: Manages fuel distribution networks by sourcing refined products and feedstocks globally
• Crude Team: Handles acquisition, sales and trades of domestic crude oil and products
• Energy Team: Provides LNG, Gas Trading, power, and environmental products while working on balanced energy transition efforts
• Commercial Operations: Integrates marine chartering and risk management services

Energy trading

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

Supply chain operations

Supply chain operations manage the physical movement of energy products from production to customers. You'll handle procurement contracts and transportation through energy infrastructure networks, and make sure products meet quality standards while working with cross-functional teams.

Market risk management

Risk management professionals assess and mitigate financial exposures from market volatility across commodities markets. This involves building risk models, monitoring exposure limits, and creating strategies that support trading objectives.

Responsibilities of Trading and Supply professionals

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

• Monitoring global energy markets and identifying trading opportunities across commodities
• Managing procurement relationships and negotiating supply contracts
• Coordinating international logistics and marine chartering through energy infrastructure
• Analyzing market trends and preparing risk assessments using market analytics
• Supporting strategic planning for balanced energy transition goals that provide more and cleaner energy while maintaining energy security

Key skills and qualifications for Trading and Supply roles

Success in these roles requires analytical skills, commercial awareness, and relationship management abilities. Both new graduates and experienced professionals can build successful jobs in Trading and Supply with the right foundation.

Skills for all Trading and Supply jobs:

• Analytical and quantitative abilities for market analytics and risk assessment
• Commercial negotiation skills for supplier relationships and contract management
• Technical proficiency with trading platforms and Supply Chain Management systems
• Communication skills for internal collaboration and external partnerships
• Problem-solving capabilities for supply chain disruptions and market challenges
• Stress resilience and ability to make quick decisions in fast-moving market conditions
• Adaptability to rapidly changing market circumstances and trading environments

For new graduates (0-3 years of experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
• Strong academic performance with relevant coursework in quantitative analysis
• Demonstrated interest in commodities markets through coursework, projects, or workplace experience

For experienced professionals:

• 3+ years of experience in finance, energy trading, supply chain management, or risk management
• Professional certifications in energy trading, commodities markets, or supply chain management (preferred)
• Experience with financial modeling, market analytics, or commodity markets
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and energy infrastructure

The energy sector employs 8.4 million Americans

and demonstrates strong job prospects, with securities and commodities sales agents

experiencing 7% job growth, faster than average.

You can also view all job opportunities at Shell and access helpful resources through our candidate resource center.

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 energy market conditions shift quickly and decisions affect global operations. In the United States, Shell Trading operates as one of the largest physical traders of hydrocarbons, with offices in Houston, Dallas, Denver, Midland, and San Antonio, as well as other locations around the world, creating significant opportunities for both new graduates and experienced professionals.

New graduates receive structured training and mentorship through programs like Shell's Trader Development Program (TDP), which offers 2-3 years of comprehensive development, and the Shell Graduate Program.

Experienced professionals can apply existing skills while learning energy market specifics through Shell's comprehensive onboarding programs. Learn more about transitioning your skills to the energy industry through our dedicated application guidance.

Projects involve cross-functional teams' collaboration, bringing together energy trading, supply chain, and technical teams to address complex challenges. Job moves within Trading and Supply can take various directions, from specialized roles like trading analyst to broader positions such as procurement manager.

For additional support and information, visit our careers contact and FAQs page.

What Shell offers you

Grow your skills

You can build technical skills while learning about global energy markets and commodities trading. You'll have access to advanced trading platforms, market analytics tools, and energy infrastructure systems. Shell helps you grow through training programs, job shadowing opportunities, and mentoring.

Collaborate with experienced colleagues

Trading and Supply teams bring together experienced professionals with years of experience in energy markets, logistics, and risk management. You can work with experienced colleagues on the energy solutions of today and tomorrow.

Achieve your balance in a values-led culture

Shell focuses on getting good results and your well-being, offering flexible work options when possible. We live our core values of honesty, integrity, and respect, creating an environment that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.

Develop the energy solutions of today and tomorrow

Trading and Supply roles contribute directly to Shell's balanced energy transition approach by managing portfolios that include both traditional energy products and renewable certificates. With over 4,000 companies setting climate targets

, you have the opportunity to work on more and cleaner energy solutions while maintaining energy security.

Apply for Trading and Supply jobs today!

Shell United States offers various opportunities in Trading and Supply across different experience levels, from graduate programs to experienced professional roles. Shell's position as one of the largest physical traders of hydrocarbons in the United States creates expanding opportunities for professionals looking to build jobs in energy trading and supply roles.

Ready to power your progress in energy?

Visit the Shell US Careers page to discover current trading and supply openings and take the first step toward an exciting career delivering the energy the world needs today and into the future.