About the Company & Graduate Programme
bp is reinventing itself as an integrated energy company, transitioning from an international oil company to an international energy company. Our Trading & Shipping division sits at the heart of this transformation, acting as the commercial face of bp in global energy markets. With our London headquarters acting as a central hub, we connect our upstream and downstream businesses to the world's energy markets, ensuring we deliver energy where it is needed most reliably and efficiently. We are currently navigating a pivotal period of energy transition, investing heavily in renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
Our Graduate Programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of energy leaders. We recognise that the complexities of the energy transition require fresh perspectives, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to sustainability. As a graduate entrant, you will be embedded into teams that are actively shaping the future of global commodities. You will be supported by a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and provides the platform to influence real-world energy projects from your very first week on the desk.
What You'll Do & Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with senior traders and analysts to monitor real-time global supply and demand dynamics across traditional and renewable energy commodities.
- Utilise advanced data analytics tools (Python, SQL, and PowerBI) to build models that inform our hedging strategies and market outlooks.
- Engage with internal stakeholders across Logistics, Risk, and Commercial departments to streamline operational workflows and improve trading efficiency.
- Conduct deep-dive research into market trends, including the impact of carbon pricing and renewable energy generation on global price volatility.
- Support the execution of complex energy trades, ensuring compliance with internal risk governance and external regulatory frameworks.
- Participate in cross-functional project teams aimed at integrating digital technology into our shipping and supply chain operations.
- Draft technical briefing documents and performance reports for presentation to senior leadership and trading desks.
Who We Are Looking For & Candidate Eligibility
- An undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in STEM, Finance, Economics, or related subjects with a minimum 2:1 classification.
- Strong analytical mindset with a proven ability to process complex, unstructured data into clear, actionable business intelligence.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- A collaborative spirit that thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments where teamwork is essential to success.
- A genuine curiosity for the energy transition and a desire to build a long-term career within a global multinational organisation.
- We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be a diverse, inclusive employer.
- Applicants must hold the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme; bp will provide visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates where eligible under current UK immigration policy.
Graduate Training, Rotations & Mentorship
This 24-month programme consists of three core 8-month rotations, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire trading lifecycle. You will rotate across various desks, such as Gas & Power, Crude Oil, and Low Carbon Trading. This breadth of experience is designed to develop your technical expertise while allowing you to identify the specific areas of the business where you can make the most significant impact.
Support is a cornerstone of our graduate experience. Every graduate is paired with a dedicated 'buddy'—a former graduate who can help you navigate the company culture—and a senior mentor who provides career guidance and long-term professional development. Furthermore, bp fully supports the pursuit of formal professional qualifications (such as CFA, CIMA, or specific programming certifications like AWS/Azure cloud architecture) through dedicated study leave and financial reimbursement.
Salary, Bonus & Benefits Package
- Competitive base salary of £38,000 per annum.
- Sign-on bonus of £2,000 upon successful completion of the onboarding period.
- Annual performance-based bonus scheme reflecting both individual and company achievements.
- Generous pension scheme with company contributions matching up to 10%.
- 25 days of annual leave, plus the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days.
- Comprehensive private healthcare coverage including dental and optical support.
- Hybrid working allowance provided to support your flexible setup at home.
- Relocation assistance provided for graduates moving to London to begin their career.
Recruitment Stages & How to Apply
- Online Application & CV: Submit your application via our portal. We review applications on a rolling basis, so we strongly advise early submission.
- Gamified Cognitive & Situational Judgement Tests: These assessments are designed to measure your natural problem-solving abilities and alignment with bp's core values.
- On-Demand Video Interview: A pre-recorded session where you will answer a series of competency-based questions at your own pace.
- Virtual Assessment Centre & Technical Presentation: The final stage involves a mix of group exercises, a technical case study, and a final interview with members of our trading leadership team.