_{17th September, 2026}

JOB SUMMARY
A client of ours is seeking an experienced Coal Trader to join its commodity trading operation in Bryanston, Gauteng. The role requires an individual with a proven track record in the coal industry who understands the South African coal market, including RB2 and RB3 coal, mine sourcing, run of mine coal, wash plant operations and the commercial terminology associated with physical coal trading. The successful candidate will be responsible for accessing and onboarding suitable coal mines, developing and managing supplier and client relationships, and working closely with the Commercial Economist to understand and reduce operating costs across the coal operation. This opportunity may suit an established coal trader looking for greater autonomy within a less corporate environment, including an experienced individual considering a contract arrangement.

ABOUT OUR CLIENT
Our client operates within the commodity trading sector and is developing its South African coal trading activities. The business requires experienced coal market capability to strengthen its supplier network, commercial relationships and operational understanding as its coal activities develop.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT
In order to be shortlisted for the vacancy, the successful candidate will have the following skills and competencies, but not limited to:

• Direct and proven experience within the coal trading industry
• Strong working knowledge of the current South African coal market
• Experience with RB2 and RB3 coal
• Proven experience accessing and developing relationships with coal mines
• Experience onboarding coal mines capable of supplying suitable run of mine coal, ROM
• Practical understanding of coal feedstock requirements
• Experience dealing with coal wash plants and an understanding of wash plant operations
• Strong knowledge of relevant coal industry and trading terminology
• A proven commercial track record within coal trading
• Established relationships within the South African coal industry
• Access to existing coal clients and commercial relationships
• Strong understanding of coal supply, sourcing and trading dynamics
• Ability to work collaboratively with a Commercial Economist on operating costs and commercial optimisation
• Currently based in Johannesburg or willing to relocate to Gauteng
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to the Mpumalanga coal fields
• The experience and credibility to operate independently and build relationships with mines, suppliers and clients

JOB DESCRIPTION
The role responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Identify and access coal mines capable of supplying suitable run of mine coal
• Develop and onboard appropriate coal mine suppliers
• Build and maintain relationships with mines, suppliers and other relevant industry stakeholders
• Work specifically within the RB2 and RB3 coal market
• Apply current coal market knowledge to support commercial trading activities
• Work closely with the Commercial Economist to identify opportunities to reduce operating expenditure across the coal operation
• Provide practical coal market and operational input into commercial decision making
• Engage with wash plants and apply relevant operational knowledge when assessing coal supply opportunities
• Evaluate potential coal supply relationships based on practical market and operational experience
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and prospective coal clients
• Use established industry relationships and market knowledge to support the development of the coal trading operation
• Travel to the Mpumalanga coal fields as required

EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE
Our client is open to considering both permanent and contract employment arrangements depending on the experience and circumstances of the successful candidate.

Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates with the specific skills and experience required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role will be contacted for an interview by one of our consultants. Thereafter, a detailed job description will be made available for discussion before CVs are submitted to our client for review.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE
A market related salary based on the candidate's experience is on offer, supplemented by commission.

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