Junior Trader - Specialty Metals

Are you commercially ambitious, analytical, and interested in building a career where international markets, global business relationships, and complex industrial products all come together? StaffBuffalo is conducting a confidential search for a growing international organization seeking a Junior Trader - Specialty Metals to join its Detroit-based commercial team, offering $80,000-$100,000 per year plus a performance-based bonus. This is a unique opportunity for a professional to learn commodity trading directly from experienced senior leadership while developing the analytical, relationship-building, and commercial skills needed to eventually manage an independent trading portfolio.

As the Junior Trader, you'll initially spend significant time learning the specialty metals business, researching markets, evaluating pricing and opportunities, and supporting live transactions. You'll work directly with experienced traders while gaining exposure to global suppliers, producers, manufacturers, and customers across industries such as aerospace, medical technology, energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Over time, this position is designed to grow well beyond an entry-level support role. As you develop your judgment and understanding of the market, you'll begin taking ownership of supplier and customer relationships, sourcing opportunities, negotiations, profitability, and ultimately specific products or commodities. The opportunity also offers meaningful long-term earning potential, with successful traders participating in performance-based compensation tied to commercial results.

This role offers significant exposure to both domestic and international business. Candidates should be genuinely excited about traveling to meet suppliers, producers, customers, and other business partners. Travel is expected to be approximately 20%-30% annually and may occasionally include short-notice trips, international destinations, industrial facilities, supplier sites, customer meetings, and industry events.

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Detroit, MI and is being conducted as a confidential search.

Key Responsibilities

Work alongside experienced traders to evaluate and execute purchases and sales of specialty metals, alloys, and related industrial materials.
Research global markets, pricing movements, supply and demand, geopolitical developments, and emerging commercial opportunities.
Analyze transaction economics, including pricing, margins, logistics, inventory positions, financing considerations, and potential commercial risk.
Develop relationships with suppliers, producers, processors, manufacturers, and customers throughout domestic and international markets.
Participate in customer meetings, supplier visits, negotiations, industry events, and domestic and international business travel.
Prepare pricing analyses, commercial recommendations, market research, and other information used to support trading decisions.
Progressively assume greater responsibility for sourcing, customer relationships, negotiations, profitability, and ultimately an independent trading portfolio.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Materials Science, Geology, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
Approximately 0-3 years of professional experience in commodity trading, finance, banking, industrial sales, procurement, consulting, supply chain, market research, or a related environment.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Commercially curious and genuinely interested in learning commodity markets, industrial products, international business, and global supply chains.
Confident communicator who enjoys meeting people, developing relationships, and working with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.
Self-motivated, adaptable, organized, and comfortable making decisions with incomplete or changing information.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally approximately 20%-30% annually.
Experience or education involving metals, mining, materials science, industrial manufacturing, international trade, or financial modeling is a plus.
MBA or second-language proficiency is a plus but not required.

Benefits

Competitive base salary of $80,000-$100,000/year
Performance-based year-end bonus with significant long-term earning potential
Health and Dental Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage
15 Days of Paid Vacation
11 Paid Holidays
Direct mentorship from experienced commodity traders and senior commercial leadership
Domestic and international business exposure
Long-term opportunity to develop into an independent commodity trader

The advertised pay range represents what we believe at the time of this job posting that our client would be willing to pay for this position. Only in special circumstances, where a candidate has education, training, or experience that far exceeds the requirements for the position, would we consider paying higher than the stated range.

First time working with a Recruiter? No problem! We make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Communication is key – to get started, all we need from you is an updated resume and some time to chat. Our team will get to know you and your future career goals. Throughout the process, we will provide resume feedback, schedule and prepare you for interviews, provide client feedback, and coach you through the offer stage.

StaffBuffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service.

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