Operations Trading Analyst London 2023

EnQuest is an independent oil and gas development and production company, focused on turning opportunities into value by targeting maturing assets and undeveloped oil fields. We one of the largest independent oil & gas producers in the UK North Sea, and have also established a presence in oil basins outside the UK, as part of our long term growth strategy.

Fundamental to EnQuest’s success to date is our greatest asset – our people. Their talent, expertise, knowledge, experience and commitment have delivered remarkable results and we continue to look for the same attributes in prospective new employees as we pursue plans for further development in the UKCS and internationally.

At EnQuest, we support a diverse and inclusive workplace and continually develop our culture. We are respectful and open with others, valuing the diversity of all our people and listening to the views they bring. Our focus on diversity and inclusion makes our performance stronger and makes us a better business.

The successful candidate for this post will become part of a progressive, innovative and ambitious business that holds a distinct set of values, based on respect for the individual. As well as having the opportunity to pursue their goals and achieve their ambitions, they will also be encouraged to contribute fresh ideas and take on new challenges that test their abilities and elevate their performance to new levels.

Principal accountabilities 

Marketing & trading operations

Operations is a vital part of the marketing and trading function. The primary purpose of the role is to forecast, schedule and manage the safe and timely offtake of hydrocarbons from EnQuest’s fields to the market (wherever that may be).

Effective communication with a variety of stakeholders is essential to ensure that operational and commercial matters are tied together at all times, thereby optimising value. The role requires an ability to work under pressure and make appropriate decisions in ‘real-time’. Furthermore, attention to detail and forward planning are essential to this role.

Operations also requires individuals to build strong relationships with internal and external counterparts to effectively balance conflicting demands across all interfaces. Therefore, the role is an ideal opportunity to develop communication and negotiation skills.

Development & growth

The successful candidate will work closely with the other members of the marketing and trading function, and interact with operations, finance and legal groups in London and Aberdeen.  Training will mostly be on the job and supplemented by external training courses as required.  

In order to support continuous improvement at EnQuest, the role will require the development of a broad range of skills including contractual analysis and drafting to ensure risks in oil and gas sale and purchase contracts are properly addressed. Additionally, there is likely to be a wide range of analytical support required which may include: crude oil valuations, fuel oil blend modelling, market analysis and value chain economics.

The role is an ideal opportunity for the successful candidate to build a solid platform in operations, with a longer-term view of developing the skills necessary to trade physical oil / commodities and to excel in a highly commercial environment.

Main areas of responsibility

• Liaise with a variety of stakeholders to co-ordinate crude oil lifting programmes and logistics from upstream to downstream.
• Support the negotiation sales contracts, including negotiation of operational terms.
• Manage contractual adherence to executed sale and purchase agreements.
• Nominate liftings and issue vessel Voyage Orders & Documentary Instructions.
• Organise vessel vetting to ensure adherence to HSSE policies.
• Appoint Cargo Assurance and Independent Inspectors where necessary.
• Monitor liftings and minimise delays/demurrage exposure.
• Investigate quantity claims/losses.
• Prepare sales invoices.
• Manage demurrage claims/disputes.
• Confirm & report derivative/hedging positions as necessary.
• Actively assist in the development of systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Person specification

Skills & attributes

• Demonstrable numerate/analytical skills together with excellent verbal/writing skills.
• Ability to maintain focus with great attention to detail.
• Ability to forward plan and identify issues ahead of time.
• Clear critical thinker with natural curiosity.
• Attitude to continuous learning and improvement is essential.
• Pro-active and independent worker.
• Ability to work to numerous and frequent deadlines.
• Excel skills are essential.

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a numerate/analytical subject.
• Experience in a commercial, financial, or technical environment is desirable.