Commercial Advisor
About Ampol Trading & Shipping
Our purpose at Ampol is to power better journeys today and tomorrow. Our Trading and Shipping team is key to achieving this, not only supplying our customer’s needs today, but evolving as the energy transition takes place to supply our customers well into the future.
We take pride in our people and value innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. If you’re a professional committed to excellence, Ampol is looking for you.
About the role
Trading is a dynamic and exciting business where price movements are driven by factors ranging from supply-demand economics to geopolitical events. A successful Commercial Trading Strategist combines a naturally inquisitive mindset with strong commercial acumen. While trading can require unconventional working hours, the rewards of working in such a fast-paced and impactful environment are immense.
This role supports the development of new trading initiatives and enhances the profitability of existing trading activities within the Middle Distillates trading desk. The individual will develop deeper market knowledge to drive impactful Trading and Shipping projects and contribute to Ampol's broader trading strategy. The role offers the opportunity to shape and innovate within the energy trading landscape, positioning Ampol as a leader in the markets we serve.
The role should be of interest to candidate currently working in roles with commercial responsibilities related to Trading and who aspire to become a Trader. Applicants should have their current manager’s endorsement and be actively working toward a trading career.
Key responsibilities
Enhancing Supply Projects:
Collaborate with key support functions (e.g., Treasury, Mid Office, Tax, Finance, VCO) to identify and implement initiatives that create efficiencies, improve company visibility, and unlock new opportunities. Lead the development and implementation of approved changes.
Optimizing Business Functions:
Work closely with Trading and Shipping teams to identify and deliver projects that improve business operations, enhance supply chain efficiencies, and drive optionality for Ampol.
Risk Management Development:
Learn and develop risk management skills, building knowledge to assist in enhancing Ampol's risk profile capabilities by identifying opportunities to strengthen risk frameworks. The potential to lead the design and implementation of improvements, including developing business cases, tools, and processes.
Market and P&L Insights:
Learn how to leverage market expertise to enhance Ampol's understanding of international trading markets, price exposures, and P&L drivers. Contribute to short- and medium-term trade strategy, risk assessments, and analytical tools for better decision-making.
Fostering External Relationships:
Benchmark Ampol's Trading and Shipping functions against industry best practices. Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders to identify new opportunities and improve Ampol’s market positioning.
Team Development:
Whilst learning and improving their own understanding of trading, there will be opportunities to coach and mentor junior team members (e.g., Commercial Analysts) to support their professional growth and ensure alignment with Trading and Shipping goals. This is in keeping with the Connect-Act-Learn framework where individuals start by leading self and move to leading others.
Cross-Team Collaboration:
Partner with other trading desks to share insights, optimize synergies, and support the overall performance of the Ampol Trading business.
Cultural Contribution:
Positively contribute to Ampol’s culture by sharing ideas, fostering collaboration, and embracing Ampol’s values of inclusion, ownership, and continuous improvement.
Focus on Best Supply Initiatives:
Collaborate with AAPPL on supply plan and work with traders to provide the most optimised supply solutions. Problem solving skills are required as well as calculating netbacks so we can identify the best source of supply.
Managing Term Contracts:
Understand full details of term contracts and how to leverage contractual conditions to optimise profits. Partake in contract renewals and able to assess the cost and benefit of the terms. Identify key drivers for us to continue or terminate existing contracts when approaching renewals.
Qualifications & experience
· Tertiary qualification in business, economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, commerce, science, or engineering is preferred.
· Successful completion of the 225 internal trading aptitude assessment is mandatory for individuals to progress toward a future Trader role
· 5+ years of experience in areas such as Trading, Shipping, Supply Planning, Risk Management, Finance, Strategy, or related roles.
· Demonstrated experience using analytical platforms and extracting actionable insights.
Skills & Knowledge
· Self-starter with strong business curiosity and a passion for the commodity trading markets.Able to communicate key themes and messages clearly and succinctly.
· You possess a problem-solving mindset.
· You have a track record in building effective relationships cross-functionally to contribute to the growth of the business.
· Excellent problem-solving capability.
· Strong attention to detail.
· Able to prioritize under pressure.
· Strong analytical thinker able to organize large amounts of information systematically and identify key issues and their implications.
· Ability to engage stakeholders and foster relationships within and beyond the organization.
· Sound understanding of financial derivatives and their relationship to physical markets.
· Exceptional communication skills and the ability to thrive under time-critical conditions..
At Ampol, we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We embrace and celebrate diversity in all its forms, recognizing that it makes our organization stronger. We encourage applications from people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We invite you to bring your whole self to Ampol.
Want to take your career to the next level? Apply today.
