About the Opportunity Our client operates a substantial portfolio of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the National Electricity Market. They are seeking an experienced Manager - Battery Trading & Arbitrage to lead their battery trading operations, develop optimisation strategies, and maximise portfolio returns. This is a leadership role where you will be responsible for directing trading strategies across multiple BESS assets, managing a team of traders and analysts, and developing sophisticated trading approaches that capture value from energy arbitrage, FCAS markets, and network services. You will lead one of Australia's most significant battery trading operations during a period of rapid portfolio growth. As Manager - Battery Trading & Arbitrage, you will set trading strategy, oversee real-time dispatch decisions, and drive continuous improvement in trading performance. You will build and develop a high-performing trading team whilst partnering with asset operations, commercial, and risk functions to optimise portfolio value. Key Responsibilities Trading Strategy & Leadership Define and execute trading strategy for the BESS portfolio across NEM energy and FCAS markets Lead development of sophisticated trading strategies that optimise revenue across multiple assets Establish trading mandates, risk limits, and performance targets for the portfolio Oversee real-time trading operations and provide strategic direction during extreme market events Drive innovation in trading approaches, bidding algorithms, and quantitative optimisation Real-Time Trading & Dispatch Operations Direct real-time trading activities and dispatch decisions across the BESS portfolio Lead trading operations during high-value opportunities including price spikes and FCAS events Optimise energy arbitrage by capturing intraday price spreads and managing charging/discharging cycles Direct FCAS market participation across regulation, contingency, and fast frequency response services Manage portfolio state of charge to ensure availability for high-value trading opportunities Portfolio Optimisation & Strategy Development Develop and refine portfolio-wide trading strategies based on market analysis and revenue modelling Optimise bidding strategies across energy and FCAS markets considering co-optimisation constraints Direct development of forecasting models for spot prices, FCAS prices, and market volatility Lead analysis of battery performance metrics including efficiency, degradation, and cycling patterns Establish frameworks for evaluating trading performance and P&L attribution Team Leadership & Development Build, lead, and develop a high-performing battery trading team including traders and analysts Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to team members Establish trading protocols, risk management procedures, and operational standards Foster collaboration across trading, operations, and commercial functions Recruit and retain top trading talent in a competitive market Market Analysis & Forecasting Conduct detailed analysis of NEM spot and FCAS markets including price formation and supply dynamics Monitor renewable generation forecasts, weather patterns, and demand forecasts Analyse network constraints, transmission outages, and system security events Track competitor behaviour, new entrants, and market dynamics Develop relationships with AEMO, network operators, and market participants Risk Management & Governance Establish and maintain risk management frameworks including position limits and risk metrics Monitor portfolio exposure to extreme price events and market volatility Oversee operational risk management including asset availability and performance degradation Report trading performance, risk metrics, and market conditions to senior leadership Ensure compliance with market rules, trading mandates, and regulatory requirements Commercial Strategy & Business Development Lead commercial strategy for the BESS portfolio including offtake agreements and network services Direct trading strategies for batteries under contract including tolling and revenue share agreements Partner with business development on new BESS projects including revenue modelling and investment analysis Engage with network operators on frequency control, voltage support, and system strength services Represent the trading function in commercial discussions and strategic planning Systems, Technology & Innovation Direct development and optimisation of trading systems including BESS management platforms and bidding systems Lead initiatives to implement advanced analytics, machine learning, and optimisation tools Oversee integration of market data, forecasting tools, and analytics platforms Partner with technology teams on system improvements and automation opportunities Establish data governance and analytical frameworks for trading decisions Essential Requirements Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Economics, Mathematics, or related quantitative discipline 7-10 years in energy trading, BESS operations, or power market trading 3-5 years in leadership roles managing trading operations or teams Experience leading BESS trading operations or managing battery portfolios Proven track record delivering strong financial performance and P&L management Deep experience trading in the NEM or comparable wholesale electricity markets Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of NEM spot market operations, 5-minute dispatch, and FCAS markets Understanding of battery technology including state of charge, cycling limits, and degradation Knowledge of energy arbitrage, co-optimisation, and ancillary service markets Familiarity with trading systems, market data platforms, and analytical tools Leadership & Trading: Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing trading teams Track record of revenue generation and sophisticated trading strategy execution Strong decision-making ability in volatile, high-pressure trading environments Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills Commercial acumen with understanding of contract structures and risk management Highly Regarded Knowledge of algorithmic trading, machine learning, or quantitative optimisation Programming skills (Python, R, MATLAB) for modelling and analytics Understanding of network services markets and renewable energy integration Postgraduate qualifications in quantitative fields or energy markets What's on Offer Executive remuneration package with significant performance incentives directly linked to trading P&L Leadership opportunity managing one of Australia's largest BESS trading portfolios Opportunity to shape trading strategy during rapid portfolio growth and energy transition Work with cutting-edge energy storage technology and innovative trading approaches Build and develop a high-performing trading team Career progression in Australia's fastest-growing energy sector Collaborative environment with experienced energy and trading professionals Professional development and exposure to emerging trading technologies Flexible working arrangements Direct impact on portfolio performance and financial outcomes To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your trading experience, leadership accomplishments, and motivation for the role. In your covering letter, please address: Your experience leading energy trading operations or managing BESS portfolios Examples of trading strategies and revenue outcomes you have delivered Your approach to building and developing high-performing trading teams Your understanding of battery trading and energy storage optimisation Your vision for maximising value from a growing BESS portfolio For inquiries, contact: Ivan Pignataro | Director D'Arcy Weil E: ivan@darcyweil.com T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 Only candidates with Australian working rights will be considered.
