Lead Commercial Analyst - Energy Markets

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund

Life assurance

Professional development

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley is seeking a Lead Commercial Analyst to guide a team of analysts, perform in-depth market analysis, and develop sophisticated financial models to forecast prices and assess commercial opportunities.

The role drives hedging strategies, risk management, and strategic decision support across trading and risk teams, with opportunities for leadership and career progression in a dynamic energy trading environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in commercial analysis, market analysis, or trading support within the energy sector.
• Proven experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and quantitative analysis.
• Strong understanding of energy market structures, commodities (power, gas, oil) and derivatives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in analytical tools: Excel, VBA, SQL, Python.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of commercial analysts.
• Analyze regional and global energy markets, including supply, demand and price dynamics.
• Develop and maintain financial models to forecast market prices and evaluate opportunities.
• Analyze trading positions, identify risks, and recommend hedging strategies.
• Support the trading desk with market intelligence and strategic insights.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and commercial teams.
• Evaluate viability of new business initiatives and partnerships.
• Monitor regulatory changes and their impact on market dynamics.
• Collaborate with trading, risk management and operations.
• Contribute to development and refinement of commercial strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Quantitative analysis

Forecasting

Education

Master's degree in Finance/Economics/Business

Tools

Excel

VBA

SQL

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic energy trading firm with operations in Kimberley , is seeking a Lead Commercial Analyst to play a pivotal role in market analysis and strategy development. This position requires a sharp, analytical mind with a deep understanding of energy markets, pricing mechanisms, and risk management. The successful candidate will lead a team of analysts, providing critical insights into market trends, developing financial models, and supporting commercial decision-making. This role is crucial for optimizing trading strategies and maximizing profitability within the competitive energy landscape of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of commercial analysts, providing guidance and oversight.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of regional and global energy markets, including supply, demand, and price dynamics.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to forecast market prices and evaluate commercial opportunities.
• Analyze trading positions, identify risks, and recommend hedging strategies.
• Support the trading desk by providing timely market intelligence and strategic insights.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for senior management and commercial teams.
• Evaluate the commercial viability of new business initiatives and strategic partnerships.
• Monitor regulatory changes and their potential impact on market dynamics.
• Collaborate with other departments, including trading, risk management, and operations.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of commercial strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related quantitative field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in commercial analysis, market analysis, or trading support within the energy sector.
• Proven experience in financial modeling, forecasting, and quantitative analysis.
• Strong understanding of energy market structures, commodities (e.g., power, natural gas, oil), and derivatives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in analytical tools and software (e.g., Excel, VBA, SQL, Python).
• Familiarity with risk management principles.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive base salary, attractive performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, a substantial retirement fund, and life assurance. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced analytical training and conference attendance, are readily provided. This role offers excellent career progression opportunities within a growing energy firm based in Kimberley .