Trader Trainee (September 2027)

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

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.

 

What Makes Commodity Trading Different?

 

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.

What You'll Experience

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. 

Throughout the program, you'll:

• 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.

What You'll Learn

By the end of the program, you'll develop experience in:

• 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.

 

Why Join LDC?

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.

Qualifications

Who We're Looking For

We're hiring for potential, not prior trading experience.

You may be a great fit if you are:

• 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.

Preferred Areas of Study

• Agricultural Economics
• Economics
• Finance
• Mathematics
• Business
• Supply Chain Management
• Data Analytics

Equivalent degrees and experiences will also be considered.

Additional Information

What We Offer

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)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us