Research Lead, Palm

Overview / Brief

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

As part of the Palm Oil research team, you will play a crucial role in forecasting and analyzing key supply and demand developments to forecast palm oil prices. As a Palm Oil Market Lead, you will generate market insights and outlooks by closely analyzing data related to palm oil supply and demand. You will collaborate with our global trading team to drive strategic decisions.

The Palm Oil Market Lead role demands a keen ability to navigate and interpret complex market dynamics. The primary challenge lies in accurately forecasting supply and demand amidst fluctuating market conditions, policy changes, and global economic shifts. This requires not only strong analytical skills and attention to detail but also the ability to synthesize vast amounts of data into actionable insights. Effective communication and collaboration with local and global teams are essential to ensure timely and strategic decision-making in a highly competitive market.

This role will mainly interact with researchers, traders as well as the data science team on key projects. You will be working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards

Diversity is part of our DNA. LDC strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment where people can thrive regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity or background.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us.

Main Responsibilities:

1. Data Management & Forecasting:

• Maintain up-to-date and accurate supply and demand (SnD) data for palm oil, reflecting current market conditions. Compile and update all relevant data and forecast components to anticipate market trends.

1. Market Analysis:

• Stay informed on market trends, policies, and currency fluctuations affecting palm oil supply and demand. Transform this information into actionable market insights and adjust SnD outlooks accordingly.

1. Global Coordination:

• Monitor palm oil flows and demand across Asian, African, and other non-major destinations.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure accurate adjustments for specific products.

1. Communication & Reporting:

• Effectively communicate key changes in palm oil supply and demand to research and commercial teams.
• Synthesize and present insights to help stakeholders understand market dynamics and swing factors.

1. Quantitative Modeling:

• Collaborate with the Data Science team to enhance palm oil data analytics and processes.
• Contribute to the development of new models and approaches to improve internal knowledge.

Experiences & Competencies:

• At least 4 years of experiences in agricultural market research (including a minimum of 2 years in Palm Research)
• Genuine interest in global economics and commodities markets
• Ability to manage data and summarizing large quantity of data into key/actionable insights
• Ability to analyze trends, data, and numbers to draw meaningful conclusions and write comprehensive reports
• Willingness to participate in field surveys to collect observations
• Know how to communicate/explain complex ideas in a simple way
• Experience working with commercial teams to design trading strategies is a plus
• Ability to work with teams in different geographical locations
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with an attentive approach to analysis to ensure accurate assumptions and conclusions
• Good time management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Interpersonal skills, ability to forge relationships with colleagues and external contacts
• Self-motivated & problem-solver individual
• Ability to work within a complex and international environment
• Ability to understand the business needs & potential issues and propose innovative ideas/solutions

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Excel
• Experience with BI tools for analytics
• Python programming skills and command on SQL and Data visualization tools are a plus
• Strong statistical and analytical skills, with a solid understanding of data management best practices
• Good Business Intelligence awareness

Languages:

• English (Fluent)

Academics:

• Bachelor's Degree in Economics, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Trade or related field of study