Trader 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 17,000 people globally.

From the onset, LDC trainees are immersed in a vigorous environment that is both personally and intellectually stimulating. LDC promotes direct access to senior traders and managers in an open working environment that is designed to encourage the free flow of ideas and information. This “on-the-job” training demands a wide range of skills, including the knowledge and use of statistical information, particularly supply/demand economics and quantitative analysis.  

In addition, entry-level trainees gain familiarity with the physical flow of commodities in both domestic and export markets and an understanding of LDC’s position in a global market. LDC teaches people how to trade and how commodity markets work. 

Knowledge & Skills Needed

LDC seeks exceptional and outgoing college graduates eager to demonstrate their potential to help the company expand their global business while helping it grow for the future.

• An educational background in agricultural economics, economics, finance and mathematics is desirable, but not the only credential considered for an entry-level merchant.
• Qualified candidates must be able to act decisively, think critically, communicate well, and have the ability to see the long-game.
• Candidates should be detailed oriented, have strong organizational skills, and have a genuine interest in learning about trading physical commodities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Resourceful, creative, versatile, and able to work autonomously as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret large volumes of data.
• Candidates should also be willing to relocate both domestically and internationally. Language skills a plus. 

Graduation Date: Graduating December ’23 - May ’24 

School Years: Senior, Masters, Master of Business Administration 

Majors: Agricultural Production Operations, Agriculture Public Services, Agronomy, Food Science, Landscape & Nursery, Soil Science, Plant Sciences/Horticulture, Agriculture, Animal Science, Computer Programming, Data Science, Data Mining, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Finance & Financial Management, Business Administration & Management, Agriculture Business, International Business, Management Science, Actuarial/Risk Analysis, Business Analytics, Economics, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management 

GPA: 3.0 and above

We teach our entry-level trainees the skills necessary to become knowledgeable in agricultural commodity market fundamentals including:

• understanding the physical flow of commodities in both domestic and export markets,
• negotiating and mitigating risk,
• identifying market trends and positions,
• providing value added market and positioning insights,
• ensuring optimization of product quality, and
• how to leverage analytics tools and processes while staying on top of
• market research and movements.

During the interview process, it is important for candidates to understand that a wide range of pertinent questions will be asked. Questions that probe the student’s knowledge of logic, game theory and topical current events are all presented to garner the most well-rounded employees. Likewise, LDC encourages candidates to ask questions about the company and its operations, so that they reach a solid understanding of LDC and how they may fit and add value to the organization. 

 Must have authorization to work in the US 

Opportunities may be available in Wilton, Connecticut or Cordova, Tennessee.

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
- Hybrid 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