The SaaS Takeover: How Cloud-Based ETRM is Reshaping Contractor Demand
Unlocking the Future of the ETRM Workforce | Driving Global Energy Trading & Risk Talent Solutions
For years, Energy Trading and Risk Management (ETRM) contractors were in high demand for on-premise system implementations, complex integrations, and large-scale customizations. You could name your price if you had deep expertise in Endur, Allegro, or CXL.
But the landscape is shifting—fast.
SaaS-based platforms are transforming how energy companies approach ETRM, reducing reliance on long-term contractors and reshaping skill demand across the industry.
The Market Shift: From On-Prem to Cloud
Traditional ETRM platforms required massive, multi-year implementations, forcing firms to rely heavily on contractors for:
- Custom integrations between legacy systems
- On-site deployment and infrastructure management
- Bespoke configurations for specific trading workflows
- Long-term system maintenance
With SaaS solutions, much of that work disappears. Vendors now offer pre-configured, scalable platforms that can be deployed in months, not years. This lowers implementation complexity, reducing the need for large contractor teams.
Who’s Leading the SaaS Revolution?
Previse Systems – Modern, modular SaaS for power & renewables trading
ION’s Openlink Cloud – Bringing legacy ETRM into the cloud era
Enuit’s Entrade X – Cloud-based risk and trade management
Aspect & Molecule – Lightweight, API-first SaaS solutions
Orchestrade – Gaining traction for multi-asset trading and risk
As these platforms gain traction, companies aren’t hiring contractors for traditional implementations anymore. Instead, demand is shifting to specialist roles in SaaS configuration, automation, and API integration.
The Decline of Traditional ETRM Contracting
For contractors who built their careers around large on-prem implementations, this shift presents a challenge.
- Fewer full-scale deployments = Less demand for traditional project teams
- No need for deep infrastructure expertise = Fewer system admins
- SaaS reduces customization complexity = Less need for highly bespoke coding
Let’s look at the numbers:
ETRM Contractor Demand (2019-2024)
| Role Type | 2019 | 2024 | Change (%) |
| On-Prem Implementation Consultants | 80% | 45% | 🔻 -35% |
| Infrastructure & System Admins | 50% | 20% | 🔻 -30% |
| Customization Developers | 70% | 40% | 🔻 -30% |
| SaaS Configuration Experts | 20% | 55% | 🔺 +35% |
| API & Integration Specialists | 30% | 60% | 🔺 +30% |
| Automation & DevOps Engineers | 25% | 50% | 🔺 +25% |
🔺 SaaS-focused roles are skyrocketing
🔻 Legacy implementation roles are disappearing
The traditional “land and expand” contractor model—where consultants embed themselves in long-term projects—is fading. Companies now expect faster, leaner, and more cost-effective solutions.
Where is Contractor Demand Growing?
While old-school implementation roles are shrinking, SaaS platforms are creating demand in new areas:
1. API & Integration Specialists With SaaS platforms offering standard APIs, companies need specialists to connect them with:
· Market data feeds (ICE, EEX, Refinitiv)
· Risk analytics engines
· Trade execution platforms
💰Rates: £750–£1,000/day
2. SaaS Configuration Experts Even “plug-and-play” solutions require configuring workflows, reports, and risk parameters. Instead of deep developers, firms now need super users who can configure platforms without heavy coding.
💰 Rates: £650–£900/day
3. Automation & DevOps for ETRM SaaS means CI/CD pipelines, automated deployments, and real-time system monitoring. Contractors skilled in Terraform, Kubernetes, and serverless functions are becoming highly sought after.
💰 Rates: £800–£1,100/day
4. Cloud Security & Compliance Experts With energy trading shifting to the cloud, security risks grow. Companies now need experts to harden cloud-based ETRM platforms against cyber threats and meet regulatory requirements.
💰 Rates: £850–£1,200/day
5. Data & Analytics Specialists With SaaS platforms unlocking more data than ever, companies need specialists in Python, SQL, and Power BI to extract insights and optimize trading strategies.
💰 Rates: £700–£1,000/day
How Contractors Can Stay Relevant
If you’ve built your career around on-prem ETRM, now’s the time to pivot. Here’s how:
| Get Certified in SaaS ETRM Platforms | Master Previse, Orchestrade, Enuit, or Openlink Cloud—whichever is gaining traction in your sector. |
| Learn API & Automation Skills | Python, REST APIs, and DevOps tools (Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes) are becoming essential for ETRM contractors. |
| Master Integration Tools | Experience with Mulesoft, Talend, or Apache Kafka will set you apart as SaaS adoption grows. |
| Upskill in Data & Analytics | ETRM is becoming data-first. Knowing SQL, Power BI, or even machine learning for risk analytics can future-proof your role. |
| Follow the Market Shift | LNG, renewables, and power trading firms are leading the SaaS charge. Focusing on these growth sectors will keep your career ahead of the curve. |
The Future of ETRM Contracting: Fewer Bodies, More Brains
The days of hiring 20+ consultants for a five-year Endur deployment are ending. SaaS is leaner, faster, and more cost-effective.
What this means for contractors:
- Fewer long-term “parked” consultants
- More demand for specialized, high-impact roles
- Shorter contracts, but higher pay for niche expertise
Companies still need ETRM expertise—but the way they hire it is changing. Contractors who pivot to SaaS, automation, and data-driven roles will command premium rates. Those who don’t? They’ll find fewer opportunities in the new landscape.
The shift is already happening. The only question is: Are you adapting to it?
The Exception: Business Specialists Still Rule the Game
While SaaS is streamlining implementations and reducing the need for large-scale contractor teams, one type of expertise remains indispensable—deep business knowledge of energy trading processes.
Companies may be moving toward SaaS, but understanding the intricacies of energy trading, risk management, and regulatory compliance isn’t something that can be automated or outsourced overnight. Specialists who can bridge the gap between technology and trading strategy—whether in LNG, renewables, or complex derivatives markets—will continue to be highly valued.
If you know the business inside out, your expertise is still in high demand. The difference is that your role is shifting from system implementation to strategic advisory, optimization, and ensuring technology truly supports the front office.
Let’s Talk
I’d love to chat if you’re navigating the evolving ETRM job market—whether as a contractor, hiring manager, or vendor. Let’s connect and build a strategy that keeps you ahead of the curve.