Analyst, Trading Operations

At First Quantum, we drive the talent of our people through a unique and powerful culture: the “First Quantum Way”. Here, you do not come to do the same as in any other company. You come to think differently, act boldly, and make a real impact from day one. We seek determined individuals who challenge the status quo, see opportunities where others see limits, and turn challenges into concrete results. We work together in an environment of trust, autonomy, and high standards, where your judgement counts and your decisions make a difference.

Because at First Quantum, you do not just work: you build extraordinary things, in extraordinary places.

Company Description

First Quantum Minerals is a leading Canadian-based global mining and metals company focused on the production of copper, nickel, gold, and cobalt. As a company, we strive for continuous excellence and after 25 years of operations, we are now one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, exporting from multiple countries to customers worldwide. Our operations and future developments span across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and the Americas, and we are globally recognised for our specialist technical, engineering, construction, and operational skills, which allow us to unlock value from complex mineral projects and deliver rewarding careers for our people, returns for our shareholders, and sustainable development for the many local communities that host our operations.

As we expand our operations, continue to provide metals to build the modern world, and shift to a low carbon, greener economy in the years ahead, our mining projects will continue to require the best and the brightest talent to help us solve the emerging challenges of our time, shape our business, and unlock opportunities for our future.

Job Description

Although our production and financial results are the engine that drives our business, it is the depth of capability in our people that will continue to determine First Quantum’s ongoing success. Reporting to the Lead, Trading Operations of our FQM Trading Operations - Zambian division, this role will form an integral part of a specialist function that combines sales administration, data analytics, commerce, supply chain/logistics management, trade finance, and project controls. A dynamic, challenging role, the trading operations analyst owns the full lifecycle of FQM metal sales operations from our primary African mining operations (KMP & Trident), acting as the central point of coordination between internal divisions and external counterparties and ensuring the operational complexities of the trade flow are managed effectively. As such, the role will focus on areas such as mineral logistics/shipping, L/C presentations, data analytics, trade finance, contract administration, and relationship management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Administration/Documentation: Coordination of sales contracts for metal products; Verifying counterparty documentation (invoices, certificates, assay reports, transport documents, etc.); Preparation and management of trade documentation such as bills of lading, certificates of origin, invoices, and inspection reports; Preparation and presentation of documents to banks against Letters of Credit; Ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, company policies, and internal controls.
• Logistics: Monitoring and reconciliation of inventory movements, shipment schedules, and delivery timelines; Arranging for inspection, sampling, assaying, umpires of the various products; Organising and coordinating end-to-end shipments for physical metal trades by vessel, truck, rail; Tracking actions and updating data in internal systems; Managing ad-hoc issues such as delays, missing documents, or delivery discrepancies.
• Trade Finance: Invoicing while observing and maintaining payment terms (Holding Certificates, CAD, Letters of Credit, Bank collections, Open Account, etc.); Exposure monitoring.
• Relationship Management: Building and maintaining relationships with multiple counterparties internationally (suppliers, receivers, service providers); Liaising with counterparties, freight providers, inspection companies to ensure timely and accurate execution; Working closely with colleagues across FQM corporate offices globally and African mining operations.
• System Administration, Reporting & Performance Monitoring: Maintaining excel file modelling and accurate records in FQM ERP (Mineman); Preparing reports, summarising key findings, insights, and recommendations regarding metal operations; Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) related to metal operations, trading activities, and sales contracts, providing regular updates and insights to management.
• Data Analysis: Conduct in-depth analysis of metal production data, sales contracts, and market trends to identify opportunities for process optimisation and efficiency improvements.
• Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation within metal operations, driving initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate or Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, engineering, geology, business/supply chain, economics, or a related field.
• A post-graduate/Master’s degree desirable.

Experience & Technical Skills Required:

• An understanding of the base metals markets and passion for the mining industry essential.
• Knowledge of international logistics, Incoterms, and trade documentation.
• 1-5 years’ experience in base metals or commodities operations/logistics.
• Background in metals/mining companies or commodity trading houses preferable, but open to other relevant sectors with transferable knowledge/experience.
• Strong data analytics capabilities and proficiency with Excel.
• Knowledge of Bloomberg and other industry data packages preferable. Prior experience using trading platforms and ERP systems preferable. Knowledge of Mineman is an advantage.
• In lieu of experience, the company is open to applications from ambitious, high-calibre graduates interested in pursuing a career within metal operations.

Behavioural Traits/Attributes for Success:

• Ambitious, focused, detail-oriented, and proactive individual with a solution-driven mindset.
• Reliable, collaborative, and highly adaptable to a dynamic, high-pressure, fast-paced operational environment.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent trades simultaneously, maintaining accuracy and focus across competing priorities.
• Ability to work autonomously and with limited direction. Comfortable with ambiguity and naturally numerate.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate ideas confidently and concisely.
• Ability to operate successfully in an international business and multicultural context.
• Naturally collaborative with excellent interpersonal skills, a strong team player.
• Commercial focus, ability to take initiative, and skills to solve complex business issues.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced: Intraday execution with hard deadlines.
• High-pressure: Same-day contract, payment, and delivery cycles.
• Multi-channel: Simultaneous teams groups, emails, phone calls, and communication channels.
• High value: High value and volume transactions require precision and fraud awareness.
• Cross-functional: Constant interaction with various departments involved in the trading process.

Other Requirements:

• Candidates must have the right to work in the applicable region without visa sponsorship.
• Willingness to work and travel across FQM’s operations and locations worldwide.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in other languages is highly regarded.
• Willingness to perform work scope outside of normal duties.