Senior Associate

The London Metal Exchange Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Metal Exchange Limited in London is seeking a Senior Associate to support the Inter-Office Trading team. You will assist with day-to-day trading operations, ensure coverage across standard shift patterns, and help enforce adherence to trading rules and audit requirements.

The role emphasizes data analysis, regulatory awareness, and collaboration with colleagues to maintain high service levels in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English (A–C) required.
• Strong general computer literacy; proficient with MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of FIX protocol is beneficial but not required.
• Experience in a similar inter-office trading or financial markets role is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support across Inter-Office Trading services.
• Deliver coverage across all shift patterns to ensure business continuity.
• Monitor compliance with LME Matching Rules and MVT requirements for block trades.
• Maintain audit trails and supporting evidence; escalate exceptions as needed.
• Perform data analysis to support operations and strategic decisions.
• Contribute to system testing and service enhancements.

Skills

MS Office

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Calm under pressure

Education

GCSEs (Maths & English)

A-levels (calibre)

Tools

FIX protocol

Job description

Senior Associate

Shift Pattern: Standard 40 Hour Week (United Kingdom) Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Corporate Grade: D – Assistant Vice President Reporting Line: (UK Division) Trading & COO Location: UK-London Worker Type: Permanent

About the London Metal Exchange and LME Clear

The London Metal Exchange is the world centre for industrial metals trading. Most of the world’s global non-ferrous futures business is conducted on the LME’s three trading platforms totalling $18 trillion, 178 million lots and 4 billion tonnes with a market open interest high of 1.8 million lots in 2024. All trades are cleared and settled by LME Clear. Participants can transfer or take on price risk against aluminium, copper, nickel, tin, zinc, lead, molybdenum, cobalt, lithium, steel scrap, rebar and hot‑rolled coil as well as alumina, aluminium premiums and alloys. The LME and LME Clear are HKEX Group companies. www.lme.com

Overall Purpose of Role

This role is part of our Inter‑Office Trading (IOT) team. Inter‑office trading on the LME is conducted between Members or between Members and their Clients, using telephone or electronic communication methods outside of LMEselect. The inter‑office market is a critical component of the LME ecosystem. It enables the execution of trades on non‑standard prompt dates (i.e., dates outside the standard monthly dates and associated spreads), supports larger trade sizes, and provides liquidity to Clients who do not have direct access to the central market. The successful candidate will report to the Manager – Inter‑Office Trading and provide day‑to‑day support across the activities of the IOT team. This is a team‑based, individual‑contributor role with no line‑management responsibilities. The role requires collaborative working, full coverage of the duties undertaken by the IOT team, and rotational ownership of specialist subject areas supporting the Inter‑Office Trading Market Oversight function.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support across all aspects of the Inter‑Office Trading service
• Deliver active coverage across all team shift patterns to ensure seamless business continuity
• Maintain a primary focus on the Inter‑Office Trading Market Oversight function, including conducting risk‑based and sample‑based reviews of Member compliance with the LME Matching Rules
• Monitoring for potential venue misuse and compliance with Minimum Volume Threshold (MVT) requirements for Block trades
• Gathering and retaining supporting evidence
• Maintaining a clear audit trail
• Challenging Members and completing follow‑up activity
• Escalating exceptions or potential breaches
• Producing trend analysis and management information
• Conduct detailed data analysis to support both operational efficiency and strategic decision‑making
• Apply a thorough understanding of Matching Rules to ensure accurate and timely trade processing
• Proactively manage time‑sensitive issues to maintain high standards of customer service
• Maintain procedures, controls, audit records and operational documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness and compliance
• Perform timely updates to reference data to support trading accuracy and integrity
• Participate in projects and working groups to contribute to service enhancements and innovation
• Support application testing to ensure system reliability, performance, and user readiness

Person Specification

Academic and Professional Qualifications Required: A good level of academic achievement is required, with GCSE passes ideally at grades A–C (including Maths and English) Candidates should be of A-level calibre A university degree is not mandatory; however, successful candidates will be expected to demonstrate strong general academic performance combined with relevant experience for the role undefined Required Knowledge and Level of Experience: Previous exposure to LME Matching is preferred; however, candidates without direct Matching experience may be considered based on the relevance and strength of their overall background A solid track record in a similar role is essential Strong general computer literacy is required, with proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) undefined Skills set and Core Competencies Required for Role: Practical experience using the Microsoft Office Suite Strong verbal and written communication skills Knowledge of FIX protocol is beneficial but not essential Personal Qualities: Personal Qualities Required for Success in This Role: Demonstrates composure, dependability, calmness, persistence, and a methodical approach Maintains accuracy, precision, and disciplined control in all tasks Possesses an amiable and easy‑going nature, fostering a positive team environment Applies a systematic and logical approach to problem‑solving Builds strong relationships with colleagues and contributes as a flexible team player Shows a keen ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges Exhibits strong interpersonal skills and a customer‑focused mindset Performs effectively under pressure and meets tight deadlines with confidence

Equal Opportunity Employment

The LME is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In recruiting for our teams, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity, expression and reassignment, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. In doing so, we want every LME employee to feel our commitment to showing respect for all and encouraging open collaboration and communication.

Company Information

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly‑traded company (HKEX Stock Code:388) and one of the world’s leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed‑income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metals Exchange. As a superconnector and gateway between East and West, HKEX facilitates the two‑way flow of capital, ideas and dialogue between China and the rest of world, through its pioneering Connect schemes, increasingly diversified product ecosystem and its deep, liquid and international markets. HKEX is a purpose‑led organisation which, across its business and through the work of HKEX Foundation, seeks to connect, promote and progress its markets and the communities it supports for the prosperity of all. Discover the latest career opportunities and programmes at HKEX. Unauthorised access or use is prohibited. HKEX reserves the right to take appropriate action against any offenders.