GRADUATE TRAINEE

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 19,000 people globally.

Phase 1 - Graduate Trainee for 18 months

During this period, you will work within a pre-assigned platform covering areas on execution, research, controlling, trading and marketing. In addition to this core training, some graduates will have the opportunity to be involved in projects of Louis Dreyfus Foundation - the philanthropic arm of Louis Dreyfus Group that provides sustainable solutions to smallholder farmers. Such assignment may include research work and field visit(s).

At the end of this phase, if job performance is high and there is a business need, you will be confirmed in a permanent role (based in your region or elsewhere). LDC provides various career opportunities across EMEA, some of these are office based and others are field based, requiring mobility (Local or International). Being a global company, we offer the opportunity to meet and work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds in a highly motivating environment. Potential positions could include: Junior Trader, Junior Analyst, Junior Marketer, etc.

Phase 2 – First Permanent Assignment

Should you be considered for a permanent role, the company will continue to invest in your development and integration over the next 24 months allowing you to effectively perform and deliver around a defined Career path.

SCOPE OF ROTATIONS

Each rotation will cover different aspects of our global operations, such as:

• Execution/Logistics
• Research
• Controlling
• Initiation to cash-trading
• Initiation to marketing activities
• Support to traders

The order of rotations may vary from one platform to another and depending on the region or platform some of the rotations identified above may not be applicable, therefore will not be done.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES & TRAINING

For each rotation, you will follow a roadmap with key learning objectives and experiences. It will serve as a “checklist” for you and your assigned manager, to be used on a continuous basis to foster your development in each area. You will need to share feedback regularly with your manager and assess your progress towards each learning objective in the middle and at the end of each rotation.

You can see below the key Learning Objectives per rotation. Please keep in mind that platforms might need to adapt some of them based on their specific context.

Research

• Develop an understanding of the markets and main price setters (S&D, funds position, macro…)
• Learn how to process multiple data sources, large datasets, which are regularly amended and updated.
• Gain agronomic knowledge.
• Understand global trade flows (major exporters, major importers, swing countries, tenders books, quality requirements…)
• Develop an understanding of the various factors impacting demand (population GDP, changes in diets, ethanol industry, animal sector, meat consumption… etc.)
• Learn how to build, read and analyse a Balance Sheet
• Understand how to link S&D with prices and ultimately trading decisions.
• Be able to process and filter massive information flows to extract the key points (ability to remove "market noises")
• Develop communication and presentation skills

Execution (Bulk)

• Develop an understanding of what is dry/liquid bulk shipping and container shipping.
• Understand all the terms and conditions in the contract.
• Manage execution via data entry and issuance of contracts, invoices etc.
• Understand 3rd party service providers.
• Understand vessel nomination and appropriation.
• Learn the documentary INSTRX IRIS (G&O version)
• Learn the process of getting paid.
• Do laytime calculations.
• Understand Letter of Indemnity
• Understand more complex contract terms.
• Understand claims

Execution (Containers)

• Develop an understanding of what is dry/liquid bulk shipping and container shipping.
• Understand all the terms and conditions in the contract.
• Manage execution via data entry and issuance of contracts, invoices etc.
• Understand 3rd party service providers.
• Understand vessel nomination and appropriation.
• Learn the documentary INSTRX IRIS (G&O & Coffee version)
• Learn the process of getting paid.
• Understand Letter of Indemnity
• Understand more complex contract terms.
• Understand claims

Controlling

• Complement the rotation in execution to understand the main points in most relevant front systems (mainly ATLAS), from inputting contracts to issuing the position and P&L
• Learn the detailed steps after trade entry is complete in order to report the end-of-day position and explain the main changes.
• Understand daily/weekly P&L calculation process, and how each component of a deal impacts the profitability (costings, freight, Fx hedge, demurrages, credit risk exposure, etc.)

Cash Trading

• Understand Commodity Fair Value Formation
• Get a full comprehension of Derivatives usage on pricing, hedging, trading.
• Grasp the contractual risks across the transactional value chain.
• Perceive the impact of Hedge Funds Macro Strategies and have an overview of new trading tools.
• Understand the importance of Assets.
• Be introduced to Business Development (new products, market, client)
• Seize different marketing roles.
• Make sense of Sustainability: business serenity instead of just PR exercise

The Graduate Program combines classroom style trainings and on-the-job learning. You may be considered for the Corporate “Trading Academy”, along with the other commercial Graduates from other Regions (Slots allowing). The Trading Academy will include several modules covering key elements of cash trading.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

You will be evaluated through our Corporate Performance Management Process on your Business Learning Objectives as well as 10 Leadership Items as follows:

Leading Business:

Cultivate your business understanding and know-how to generate value. Hold yourself and others accountable for results and for working ethically. Develop effective partnerships with internal and external customers and suppliers. Adapt to changes proactively, innovating and challenging the status quo in line with the global vision. Manage complexity to make things simple and to take the best decisions.

Leading People:

Communicate effectively and build lasting relationships. Act collaboratively and recognize others’ success and contributions. Build and retain the best teams. Commit to your own continuous development, and to that of others. Be resilient and confident even under pressure.

In addition to assessing your performance, the objective is also to understand how you feel things are going, and identify your strengths and any areas for improvement, in order to facilitate and maximize your development.

CORPORATE VALUES & ATTITUDE

• To support our growth ambitions in ever more stringent market conditions, Louis Dreyfus Company anchors a series of core values amongst all employees.
• These values, source of our distinctiveness and strength, are key in helping us achieve our vision and mission and guide us in the pursuit of our strategic goals and objectives.
• As pillars of our corporate culture, our values are at the heart of everything we do.                          
• We count on your exemplary attitude, in line with these values:
• Be open-minded, and demonstrate team spirit, flexibility, commitment, engagement
  Be on time – and respect others time
• Do not hesitate to ask questions and be proactive
  Seek out the knowledge and practical applications that can help further your career
• Search for opportunities to support our vision and mission
• Develop your knowledge of company processes and activities
• Be mindful of the specific business, market and environment that you operate in
• Ask for feedback on your performance, as an individual and as part of the team
• Be humble

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree with specialization in Agricultural Economics, Agronomy, Accounting & Finance, Economics and/or Business.
• Preferably to have work experience or an internship placement in a Commercial environment.
• Maximum of 2-years’ experience 
• Fluency in English is Essential.
• International mindset with a strong interest in career mobility
• Strong leadership potential, with distinctive competitive spirit and resilience
• Capacity to contribute to and learn from the team
• Ability to connect multiple information sources and make sense of market signals; comfortable negotiating and taking decisions, critical and deductive thinker
• Strong entrepreneurial / innovative approach to taking initiatives 
• A mature professional with humility, capable of integrating well into different cultures
• Good analytical skills, ability to analyze supply, demand and trade flow fundamentals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Additional Information for the job

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.

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

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.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits​​​​​​

• Hybrid work available (not applicable to all roles)

• Private Pension contributions

• Access to Training and Development

• Access to Concierge Partnerships

• Meals for some employees in the assets

• Transport for employees in the asset facilities

• Private Medical Insurance 

• 21 Days leave 

• Life Insurance