Trading Analyst

Company Description
Cometa Trading SA is a globally integrated commodity trading company specialising in thermal coal. With operations spanning mining, processing, and trading, Cometa is focused on maximising value through efficient supply chain management, innovative trading strategies, and technical expertise.

Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Geneva, Switzerland, reporting directly to Managing Director and Head of Trading, Tyam Kroon. The Trading Analyst will play a critical role in supporting the trading desk, with a focus on market analysis, risk management, trade execution, and business development. In addition to traditional trading responsibilities, the role will leverage a technical engineering background (preferably chemical) to enhance the technical understanding of commodities, supporting Cometa’s integrated supply chain from upstream extraction to downstream processing and refining.

Key Responsibilities:

Market Analysis and Trade Execution:
Assist in executing trades for thermal coal, optimising trading strategies to capture market opportunities.
Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trading opportunities and optimise trading strategies.
Monitor and analyse market trends, pricing structures, and supply-demand dynamics specific to the coal industry.
Use advanced data analytics and trading software to support decision-making.
Technical Process and Commodity Quality Understanding:

Utilise technical knowledge to understand the industrial processes relevant to trading profits
Apply technical knowledge to evaluate the impact of processing methods on coal quality, helping to secure higher margins and reduce processing costs.
Support Cometa’s integrated supply chain by understanding the technical requirements of downstream clients, ensuring consistent product quality and efficient supply chain operations.
Collaborate with operations teams to optimise the efficiency of coal mines and processing units, supporting production planning and cost reduction.
FX Trading and Currency Risk Management:

Manage cross-currency exposures, including USD/ZAR trades, to minimise FX risk and protect trading margins.
Monitor currency markets and implement hedging strategies to reduce volatility in commodity pricing.
Work closely with finance teams to align trading strategies with broader financial objectives.
Financial Analysis and Risk Management:

Prepare and analyse P&L statements for trading positions, ensuring accurate allocation of costs and revenues.
Support risk management efforts by analysing volatility, exposure, and position limits.
Business Development and Strategic Planning:

Support the expansion of Cometa’s trading activities into new commodity and other growth opportunities.
Conduct due diligence on potential investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Assist in the development of new trading strategies aligned with market trends and client needs.
Stakeholder Coordination:

Liaise with logistics, operations, and finance teams to ensure seamless integration across the value chain.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and financial institutions.
Key Competencies and Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen interest in global commodities markets.
Technical expertise in engineering, including an understanding of process engineering and industrial operations.
Experience in FX trading and currency risk management is preferred, but not essential
Proficiency in trading platforms, financial analysis tools, and data visualisation software.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure trading environment.
Qualifications and Experience:

Recent graduate with minimum Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM or Engineering (preferably chemical)
Proven interest or experience in commodity & fx trading and process optimisation is highly advantageous.
Interest or Familiarity with international trade, pricing structures, and supply chain management.
Advanced Excel, VBA, MATLAB, Python, SQL and/or other data analysis skills are preferred.
Other Requirements:

Willingness to travel as required.
Strong adherence to financial governance and ethical business practices.
This role is ideal for a technically-minded individual with a passion for trading and a deep understanding of the industrial processes that drive commodity markets. This unique combination of skills will be critical as Cometa expands its trading activities and seeks to optimise production efficiencies across its asset portfolio and support expansion into other commodity markets.