What it does: Mining and commodity trading
Staff stats: Around 155,000 in 50 nations with 15,600 of those in Australia
The good bits: Entrepreneurial, empowering culture
The not so good bits: Working in remote locations
The Glencore story
A colourful American billionaire called Marc Rich founded Glencore in 1974, though he later sold out of the company. Glencore (a near acronym for Global Energy Commodity Resources) merged with the Anglo-Swiss multinational mining company Xstrata in 2013. The resulting behemoth, which kept the name Glencore, is the world’s third-largest family-owned business. It’s also one of the 500 largest companies in the world and very powerful in the commodity trading world, especially in relation to zinc, copper, grain and oil.
Glencore has had a presence in Australia since the late 1990s. Headquartered in Sydney, the local arm of Glencore has significant interests in Australia’s coal, copper, cotton, grain, oilseeds, nickel, oil and zinc industries. In 2016, Glencore had assets of US$128 billion and revenues of US$153 billion.
The culture
Glencore aims to have workforces that reflect the demographic make-up of the communities in which it operates. It does not discriminate based on “race, nationality, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, social origin, political or other opinion, or any other bias”. It also does not tolerate “any form of racial, sexual or workplace harassment”. This is highlighted in training materials and “reinforced regularly in management training”.
Social contribution
Glencore champions five core values: entrepreneurialism, simplicity, safety, responsibility and openness. Those last two values include caring “about [Glencore’s] performance in compliance, environmental protection, human rights and health and safety” and valuing “relationships and communication based on integrity, co-operation, transparency and mutual benefit, with our people, our customers, our suppliers, governments and society in general”.
Glencore has the objective of fostering sustainable growth and respecting human rights wherever it operates. While its commercial operations inevitably have an impact on the environment, it seeks to minimise that impact by complying with and often exceeding the local environmental protection regulations.
The recruitment process
Given the scope of its operations, Glencore requires the services of thousands of accountants, engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, IT professionals and lawyers. It accepts people into its graduate programs with degrees in chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, mining, geotechnical and metallurgy engineering, as well as accounting, community relations, environmental science, geology/earth science/geophysics, HR, OHS and Information Systems/Information Technology.
Glencore runs Vacation Programs. While it’s not necessary to have completed one to get a grad program spot it is helpful. You can apply to work at Glencore during the summer break by applying here.
As well as possessing a relevant degree, Glencore expects candidates to be bright, curious and eager to grow with the company. A willingness to live and work in remote locations is also an advantage.
The recruitment process starts with an online application. There is not a lot of information publicly available about the later stages of the process. But you should be prepared to do a phone or Skype interview then an on-site panel interview. You may also be required to do a medical.
Remuneration
As part of its commitment to entrepreneurialism, Glencore is big on rewarding staff “according to their ability and success”. Remuneration is “tied to experience, ability and performance, with rewards for self-improvement and ambition”. In short, you can’t expect automatic pay rises and promotions once you’ve served a certain amount of time. However, you can expect to well rewarded if you’re a strong performer. Once you’ve completed the grad program, it shouldn’t be too long before you’re earning six figures. Overseas secondments are also available if you are interested in them.
Career prospects
Glencore undertakes regular assessments of the skill levels and general competence of its employees. It does this with the objective of “spotting good performance, talent and potential and offering suitable reward, development and support”. Once again, time servers won’t get far at the company but high achievers will be identified and placed on the fast track.
The vibe of the place
Aside from possibly having to work at a remote mining site, staff don’t seem to have many complaints about Glencore. The emphasis on entrepreneurialism means bureaucracy is kept to a minimum. Most staff find their pay packets impressive, their co-workers friendly, their hours reasonable and their managers down to earth.
From the Employer:
"Glencore’s global operations are comprised of over 150 mining and metallurgical sites, oil production assets and agricultural facilities. With a strong footprint in both established and emerging regions for natural resources, the Group’s activities are supported by a network of more than 90 offices in over 50 countries.
Glencore’s customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, oil and food processing industries. We also provide financing, logistics and other services to producers and consumers of commodities. Glencore’s companies employ around 155,000 people including contractors.
Our natural resources play an essential role in people’s lives and we offer our employees a career where they can make a difference. As a graduate that means giving you access to unrivaled opportunities and unlimited potential to grow alongside us.
A culture of commitment
At Glencore we want you to succeed, not just for the benefit of the organisation but so you can also achieve your own career goals. Our creative and experienced professionals will challenge you each step of the way – to think differently, ask questions and come up with creative solutions.
This is your opportunity to test your skills and creativity in real situations. You’ll help to create positive partnerships with communities, and make a lasting contribution to society.
Our entrepreneurial spirit runs across over 50 countries in which we operate, supported by a structure that minimizes red tape and bureaucracy. Our decentralised approach offers our people greater responsibility and accountability to make the right decisions for the businesses and communities in which they operate.
Our attitude attracts visionary people. We expect a lot, but we give a lot in return and we recognise and reward exceptional work.
A world of opportunity
We welcome recent graduates and offer opportunities around the globe, across every stage of the supply chain.
We aim to attract, motivate and retain the best people to ensure our businesses are resourced with people who think and act like entrepreneurs, are willing to learn, are passionate about their work and strive to be leaders in their field.
We reward our people generously and according to their contribution to our overall business success… and we provide people with opportunity to develop and grow their skills, expertise and experience and the confidence to grow their careers.
As a graduate we also provide you with the opportunity to work and learn through on-the-job experience and collaboration with the most experienced and accomplished colleagues across the world.
Our natural resources play an essential role in people’s lives and we offer our employees a career where they can make a difference. As a graduate that means giving you access to unrivaled opportunities and unlimited potential to grow alongside us.
Graduate Programmes
As part of Glencore’s graduate programme you’ll receive further training through our excellent, structured professional development programmes.
If you’re bright and curious, confident, and keen to grow with us, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. You’ll need a relevant tertiary qualification but Glencore also seeks out graduates who are enthusiastic about the challenges of living and working in remote locations.
Degrees/Disciplines
Our graduate opportunities are available across a vast scope of disciplines including:
Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Geotechnical (Geology / Rock Mechanics), Metallurgy, Finance and Accounting, Community Relations, Environmental Science, Geology / Earth Science / Geophysics, Human Resources, Workplace Health and Safety, Information Systems / Information Technology.
Our graduate recruits learn through on-the-job experience and collaboration with talented colleagues around the world. Recruitment and selection is undertaken locally and is scheduled to coincide with regional university and vacation calendars.
Not graduating? Consider our vacation work placements or Scholarship programmes.
Our Vacation Program is designed to give you a real taste of an exciting future. Every year we host a significant number of university students during the university break from December to February. Experience the industry, live in a regional community and develop valuable skills."
