At a Glance
- Tasks: Draft, review, and negotiate commodities trading contracts to protect Trafigura legally and commercially.
- Company: Join Trafigura, a leading global commodities trading company with a diverse workforce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with traders and logistics teams in a dynamic, technology-driven landscape.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while honing your legal expertise.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in commodities contracts; qualified lawyer or strong maritime/international trade law background.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Main purpose: The Senior Contract Analyst is responsible for the end‑to‑end drafting, review, and negotiation of commodities trading contracts — sales and purchase agreements, NDAs, and storage agreements — ensuring Trafigura is fully protected legally and commercially at all times.
Key responsibilities
- Contract Drafting & Review – Draft and review commodities sales and purchase contracts, including complex, bespoke, and non‑standard agreements, structured deals, long‑term arrangements, optionality structures, and multi‑modal supply chain documentation.
- Lead negotiation of General Terms & Conditions (GT&Cs), master agreements, and bespoke contractual frameworks with counterparties, in line with Trafigura's risk thresholds and commercial objectives.
- Accuracy & Compliance – Ensure all contracts are consistent with positions captured in Trafigura's in‑house trading system, minimise the risk of financial loss and ensure documentary and financial instruments are issued correctly; ensure all documentation accurately reflects commercial intent, adheres to internal controls, and complies with applicable regulatory standards.
- Advisory & Risk Management – Provide timely, expert guidance on contractual risks (liability, indemnity, performance obligations, lifting terms, shipping documentation, pricing mechanisms, allocation methodologies, and QP exposure), flag potential issues, propose remedies to mitigate exposure, and escalate when needed; act as a subject matter expert on contract matters and risk, supporting commercial teams throughout the deal negotiation.
- System Improvements – Contribute to contract template improvements and system enhancements.
Required qualifications
- Minimum 4 years experience in Oil and/or Metals, or other commodities contracts.
- Qualified lawyer and/or graduate in maritime law or international trade law, or holding robust experience in oil trading contract drafting.
- Strong command of key legal principles with proven ability to identify and flag contractual risks (classification of contractual terms, limitation of liability, force majeure, commitment language, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of International Commercial Terms (Incoterms).
- Robust command of multi‑modal commercial structures (vessel, barge, rail, truck, pipeline, terminal).
- Excellent English communication skills – ability to explain complex legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders.
Preferred qualifications
- Additional experience in structured deals, long‑term arrangements, or multi‑modal supply chain documentation.
Attributes for success
- Strong commercial mindset.
- Comfortable working in a fast‑changing technology landscape; proactively adapts to new digital tools and platforms.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines without compromising attention to detail.
- Proactive problem‑solving approach.
- Strong emotional intelligence – ability to drive consensus across teams.
- Strong organisational skills.
Department overview
Trafigura's Contracts department handles contractual documentation for storage, purchase, and sale transactions across commodities worldwide. It reviews contracts for accuracy, analyses obligations and liabilities, recommends and drafts contract provisions and amendments, and coordinates with other teams to ensure all transactions meet company guidelines. Key relationships for this role include traders, logistics operators, trade finance officers, and personnel responsible for laytime and demurrage claims.
Equal opportunity employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse workforce! We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, medical condition or handicap, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Senior Contract Analyst employer: Puma Energy
Trafigura is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Senior Contract Analysts can thrive in the fast-paced commodities trading sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and encourage innovation in contract management. Our inclusive culture values diversity and fosters collaboration, ensuring that every team member's contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the commodities sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Contract Analyst role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of commodities contracts and relevant legal principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex agreements and how you've navigated contractual risks in the past. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at StudySmarter, where we value diverse talent and offer a supportive environment for growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Contract Analyst role. Highlight your experience in commodities contracts and any relevant legal qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that show your ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and achieved results in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showcasing your personality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Puma Energy
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the types of contracts you'll be dealing with, especially sales and purchase agreements. Brush up on your knowledge of commodities trading contracts and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to talk about your negotiation experiences, particularly in relation to General Terms & Conditions and bespoke contractual frameworks. Think of a few scenarios where you successfully navigated complex negotiations and be ready to share how you achieved favourable outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Risk Management Expertise
Be prepared to discuss how you've identified and mitigated contractual risks in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your understanding of liability, indemnity, and performance obligations, and how you’ve provided guidance to teams during negotiations.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since the role requires working in a fast-changing technology landscape, think of instances where you've adapted to new tools or processes. Share how you stay updated with industry trends and how this adaptability has benefited your previous employers.