Desk Assistant (Iron Ore)

About Us

Freight Investor Services (FIS) is a leading global brokerage of freight and commodities. We are the world's largest broker on dry freight futures and have a strong presence across the bulk commodities, metals, and energy markets. We were the first brokerage to trade in the cleared market on iron ore and later coking coal futures. We also maintain a strong position in broking steel futures on all exchanges, as well as fuel oil, base metals, fertilizers, and tanker freight. We are proud of our innovative ethos, having been first mover on a number of products, most recently on the cobalt and air freight futures markets. Not only do we provide excellent brokerage services, but also data services via our App, FIS Live, and education to help those entering new markets.

We have expanded via our network of trading associates and branch offices to offer coverage of derivative and physical shipping markets in London, New York, Houston, Dubai, Mumbai, Athens, Copenhagen, Geneva, Singapore, and Shanghai. Through our global network, FIS offers full brokerage services, trade execution, and in-depth market intelligence and data for freight and commodities, as well as providing physical ship and cargo services. Our expertise in managing credit and counterparty risk provides a vital competitive advantage while enabling clients to trade with confidence.

About The Role

We have an exciting new opportunity for a Desk Assistant to play a pivotal role in supporting our brokers across the Iron Ore Market. This is an entry-level role for a dynamic individual who is a natural networker, having a proactive approach with the desire and commitment to succeed. Ideal candidates will have a passion for the financial markets and have completed relevant internships and/or work experience in the commodities space.

Responsibilities & Competencies

• Provide support to brokers on the desk to enable smooth day-to-day running of the desk.
• Assist team by calculating prices and recording brokerage.
• Reconcile and enter trades in Trade Authorisation and/or relevant exchange in a timely manner, tracking daily trading activities.
• Resolve any trade queries received internally and externally, and ensure any trade discrepancies are resolved in a timely manner.
• Update real-time manual/electronic whiteboards with market data.
• Produce a daily/weekly update of market prices and market direction for international desks as required.
• Assist with on-boarding new clients following appropriate Compliance and Operations procedures.
• With support from Head Broker, regularly assess client needs and financial conditions to identify internal cross-selling opportunities, calculating strategies.
• Provide support to brokers, ensuring timely input of trades into relevant exchanges, providing trade details to traders and brokers on a daily basis.
• Understand the desk's business strategy; identify and seize new business opportunities relating to trends, future markets, products, and clients.
• Perform any other reasonable duties the company may require.

Risk Related Responsibilities

• Understand regulation within the evolving regulatory landscape.
• Support a risk and compliance aware culture and comply with FIS company policies.
• Exercise judgement and act with integrity, due care, skill, and diligence and be open and co-operative with the FCA, other regulators, and exchanges.
• Ensure full awareness of and adhere to internal policies that relate to the role or any relevant other activities.
• Observe standards of market conduct and ensure understanding and adherence to all regulatory, exchange or clearing house requirements applicable to the role.

Training

• Build on iron ore product knowledge for relevant products and markets.
• Seek regular feedback from management to ensure role requirements are met.
• Complete any mandatory training required by the company and within required deadlines.
• Maintain own Continued Professional Development (CPD).

Requirements

• Possess a basic understanding of freight and commodity markets; keen to develop understanding of derivatives, wider markets, and current affairs, as well as the technical aspects of broking.
• Strong academic background (ideally Finance, Economics, or similar).
• Monitor markets and follow financial news and developments - essential.
• Demonstrate good Excel and MS Word skills.
• Strong client focus; personable and engaging, building relationships and networks wherever possible - essential.
• Personable and communicates effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Tenacious and thrives in a pressurized environment.
• Team-oriented; works well with others and diverse groups/personality types.
• Excellent attention to detail; strong analytical and numeracy skills.

Benefits

Our rapidly growing business offers a dynamic environment for talented, entrepreneurial professionals to achieve results and grow their careers.

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• Learning & Development / CPD opportunities.
• Private healthcare.
• 25 days holiday.

About FIS

FIS is a leading global brokerage of freight and commodities. We are the world's largest broker on dry freight futures and have a strong presence across the bulk commodities, metals, and energy markets. We were the first brokerage to trade in the cleared market on iron ore and later coking coal futures. We also maintain a strong position in broking steel futures on all exchanges, as well as fuel oil, base metals, fertilizers, and tanker freight. We are proud of our innovative ethos, having been first mover on a number of products, most recently on the cobalt and air freight futures markets. Not only do we provide excellent brokerage services, but also data services, our App FIS Live, as well as education services to help those entering new markets.

We have expanded via our network of trading associates and branch offices to offer coverage of derivative and physical shipping markets in the UK, Geneva, US, Dubai, India, Athens, Copenhagen, Singapore, and China. Through our global network, FIS offers full brokerage services, trade execution, and in-depth market intelligence and data for freight and commodities, as well as providing physical ship and cargo services. Our expertise in managing credit and counterparty risk provides a vital competitive advantage while enabling clients to trade with confidence.

FIS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to treating all of our candidates fairly and would like you to have every opportunity to excel in our application and interview selection process. If you need any adjustments to be made as part of the process (such as for a neurodiverse condition, a disability, a medical condition, or other individual need), please let us know in good time, so that we can support you.

If the role is of interest and you are ready for the next step in your career, please get in touch, attaching a CV.