Research Specialist

Freight Investor Services Ltd.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading brokerage firm is seeking a research analyst to support day-to-day operations and produce quality market analysis for various commodities. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of energy products, excellent analytical skills, and the capability to work independently or as part of a team. Responsibilities include generating reports, providing client support, and assisting in marketing initiatives. This role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary and discretionary bonus

Private healthcare and life assurance scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Season ticket travel loan

Cycle to work scheme

Learning & Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of energy and oil products.
• Team player with ability to work independently.
• First-class analytical and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Deputise for the Head of Research and lead operations.
• Produce quality market analysis and reports.
• Support brokers and management in client dealings.
• Assist in creating marketing materials.
• Maintain current reports and price data in Excel.

Skills

Knowledge of energy and oil products

Understanding of commodity markets

Team Player

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Excellent attention to detail

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability to change

Tools

Excel

VBA

Job description

London, United Kingdom | Posted on 02/12/2025

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, fertilisers, 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, other data services, as well as 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.

Job Description

• Deputise for the Head of Research, leading the day-to-day operations of the function
• Independently produce quality market analysis, data collection and analysis as required across all company products including but not limited to Freight, Iron Ore, FFAs, Coking Coal, Base Metals, Steel and Scrap, Grains and Fertiliser , Fuel Oil, as well as Options.
• Support brokers and management efficiently in dealing with clients and requests as required.
• Help produce external daily reports for key products as outlined above, tracking daily market news, data and trading activities, and producing internal weekly reports for markets movement and share.
• Work closely with Marketing and Comms departments to help draft marketing materials to promote existing and potential business opportunities.
• Support broker/business development manager, providing product information / knowledge to onboard new clients.
• Create, review and send out regular reports are required, providing oversight for junior colleagues
• Be a key source of information for Management, with specialist expertise in oil/energy products
• Assist on the creation of presentations with speaker/Comms/IT for upcoming client meetings, company/industry seminars and conferences.
• Use Excel and VBA data processing skills to maintain current reports and FIS price data, build price submission models for clearing houses on demand, as well as use of other software and systems and bespoke content management and news vendor applications.
• Build excellent working relationships with colleagues in London, US and Asia offices.
• Assist colleagues and Management team with any ad hoc projects.
  

Requirements

• Good knowledge of energy and oil products;
• Understanding and interest in commodity markets and derivatives;
• Team Player - collaborative but also able to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Strong written and verbal communications skills;
• Strong work ethics, striving for the success of the team;
• Excellent attention to detail combined with inherent ability to prioritise work;
• First class analytical and decision-making skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, working well with others and diverse groups / personalities;
• Demonstrate understanding of the markets in which we operate;
• Adaptable to change and willing to work in a fast-paced environment with a positive approach
  

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

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus

• Private healthcare and life assurance scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Season ticket travel loan

• Cycle to work scheme

• Learning & Development / CPD opportunities