Metals Analyst

Who We Are

PetroChina Company Ltd is the publicly listed subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation “CNPC”, one of the world’s largest global integrated energy companies. PetroChina International, a subsidiary of PetroChina Company Ltd, serves as the international trading arm and was founded in 2002 based in Beijing. It has set up multiple subsidiaries and offices in 20+ countries, including three major Oil and Gas Trading and Operation Hubs in Houston (covering the Americas), London (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and Singapore (Asia). PetroChina International is actively exploring international markets, developing value-added trades, extending the value chain, innovating in trade models, and continuously enhancing trade methods.

Who You Are / Your Next Challenge

As part of our continued expansion into the trading market for metals critical to the energy transition, PetroChina International London (PCIL) is seeking to appoint a commercially minded Metals Analyst to support the growth and development of our global non-ferrous metals trading activities. Initially, the successful candidate will have a strong focus on the global Copper market (physical and derivatives) specifically Copper Cathodes, supporting traders through the development of fundamental supply and demand analysis, market forecasting and price outlooks. As our metals business continues to evolve, the role is also expected to expand into Aluminium market coverage specifically primary aluminium, providing an exciting opportunity to broaden your expertise across the wider non-ferrous metals complex over time.

Based in our London, Charing Cross office, you will work directly alongside traders and senior stakeholders, developing proprietary insights into production, consumption, trade flows, inventories and pricing dynamics across key global markets including China, Europe, North America and Latin America. Reporting directly to the Head of Analytics with a dotted line to the General Manager of Petrochemicals, this is not a traditional reporting or data maintenance role. We are seeking an individual capable of building and owning fundamental market models, developing independent market views and proactively delivering commercially relevant insights that support trading decisions. You will be encouraged to challenge assumptions, identify emerging market trends and contribute directly to the growth of an expanding metals franchise. If you enjoy analysing complex market fundamentals, developing forward-looking market views and working closely with traders in a fast-paced commercial environment, we'd like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain fundamental supply and demand models covering Copper markets, with future expansion into Aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.
• Analyse production, consumption, trade flows, inventories and pricing trends to generate actionable market insights.
• Produce independent market forecasts and price outlooks to support trading decisions.
• Monitor developments across mining, smelting, refining and downstream markets to identify key drivers of supply, demand and price movements.
• Deliver timely market intelligence, analysis and commentary to traders and senior management.
• Build and maintain proprietary databases incorporating market fundamentals, trade flow, inventory and pricing data.
• Utilise Python, SQL and analytical tools to enhance modelling capability and improve efficiency.
• Conduct global market analysis covering China, Europe, North America and Latin America.
• Prepare regular market reports, presentations and research updates.
• Work closely with Trading, Risk and Operations teams to support the continued growth of the metals business.

What we’re looking for / Skills that will help you in the role

• Previous experience in metals analysis, commodity research, market intelligence, trading support or a related analytical role.
• Strong understanding of Copper market fundamentals, including supply and demand dynamics, inventories, trade flows and pricing drivers.
• Experience building and managing fundamental market models used for forecasting market balances and price direction.
• Exposure to Aluminium markets, particularly primary Aluminium, in addition to Copper will be highly advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex market information and generate meaningful / actionable commercial insights.
• Advanced Python and SQL skills, with experience working with large datasets and analytical models.
• Ability to leverage AI tools to accelerate data processing and maximize analytical efficiency.
• Understanding of the interaction between physical market fundamentals and commodity pricing.
• Confident communicator, capable of presenting analysis and market views to traders and senior stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive and intellectually curious with a genuine interest in global commodity markets.
• Degree qualified in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics or a related discipline.

The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of fundamental market models and develop independent market views rather than simply maintaining existing datasets and reporting processes.

Please note: This is a full-time, permanent position with the job based in either Charring Cross, London, UK. The role is available to be worked in a hybrid capacity of 4 days in the office / 1 day from home.

What you get in return

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Insurance coverage
• Private Medical (for self and family)
• Travel (for self and family)
• Dental (for self)
• Life Assurance
• Gym membership
• Pension contributory by Company
• Up to 25 days holiday allowance per annum rising after service (in addition to bank holidays)
• Discretionary performance related bonus and more.

Start Date: Position is available to start immediately (we are flexible on notice period for the right candidate).