Operations Analyst

Pontoon Solutions; Chester; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global bank in Chester seeks a detail-oriented individual for a 3-month contract to join the Commodities Trade Control team. Responsibilities include daily trade validation, supporting the front office, and assisting with reporting. Ideal candidates will have exposure to trade support in financial services, solid Excel skills, and a proactive mindset. This role offers a fast-paced environment with career progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience in trade support or middle office in financial services.
• Understanding of OTC derivatives is an asset.
• Problem-solving mindset and proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Validate and reconcile daily trades.
• Support front office in trade lifecycle.
• Work with developers for requirements translation.
• Assist with reporting and documentation.
• Identify process improvements.
• Contribute to testing and issue resolution.

Skills

Trade support exposure

OTC derivatives understanding

Requirements gathering

Attention to detail

Communication

Excel skills

Willingness to learn

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Please note: This 3 month contract role based in Chester, and requires 4–5 days per week onsite, £31,000 per annum.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Commodities Trade Control team within a leading global bank. This role sits within the Currency, Commodities and Derivatives Operations (CCDO) function, supporting the growing Global Commodities business across multiple products and instruments.

You’ll play a critical part in ensuring trade accuracy, risk control and process improvement, while gaining hands-on exposure to the front office and trading activity. This is a fast-paced environment, ideal for someone curious, detail-oriented, and keen to develop both business and technical skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily trade validation, reconciliation and amendments
• Support front office across trade lifecycle activity
• Work closely with developers and testers to ensure functional requirements are accurately translated
• Assist with regulatory and management reporting
• Help identify and drive process and risk improvements
• Contribute to test planning and issue resolution

What We’re Looking For

• Exposure to trade support, trade control or middle office within financial services
• Understanding of OTC derivatives and/or commodities (desirable, not essential)
• Ability to gather requirements and document processes clearly
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive, problem-solving mindset
• Confident communicator, able to work with a range of stakeholders
• Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Willingness to learn new systems and tools

Why Apply?

• Join a high-performing team at the heart of commodities operations
• Learn directly from front office and technology teams
• Be part of a business that’s growing, with full technical training provided
• Fast-paced, diverse environment with real career progression