Hiring Endur Talent in Today’s Market? Know Your Audience.

In recent years, the demand for Openlink Endur business analysts, project managers, and developers has shot up, driven by initiatives at energy giants, like Shell’s switch from Align to Endur, and increased volatility in the commodities markets. New entrants are opting for Endur despite its eye-watering cost, as this off-the-shelf solution allows businesses to swiftly navigate diverse commodity markets, offering a clear advantage in today’s fast-moving world. And, as businesses adopt Endur, they must also complete regular upgrades and bespoke enhancements to ensure the platform continues to meet their needs. As a result, professionals with hands-on Endur experience are becoming harder to find and command up to 20% higher salaries than those experienced in other ETRMs, such as Allegro or Triplepoint. Here’s how to stay ahead in the hiring game:

Watch for market movements

Over the past decade, energy companies have offshored talent to cut their operational costs. For instance, Shell established a large hub in Bangalore, while more recently, BP announced a 5% reduction in its global workforce, affecting around 1,100 IT professionals as they look to hire talent in Hungary, Malaysia, and India. Since the announcement, we’ve spoken to several Endur specialists in London and Houston who are unsure about their futures in the business. So, keep an eye out for great candidates open to new opportunities in the coming months.

Have a clear long-term vision

We recently spoke with a candidate who could easily secure a 30% higher base salary by moving companies, but they’re not open to new opportunities. This is partly because they know what to expect from their current employer. The commodities market is cyclical, and seasoned professionals have seen many shiny new entrants and projects come and go. That’s why it’s so important to communicate the longevity of your build-out plans and show that you’ve thought through the details with a realistic understanding of what an Endur programme involves.

For example, the more you can share about the strategy behind your plans, the investment, who is sponsoring them, and the reason your business has decided to enter the commodities market, the more it will reassure anyone joining that this isn’t a flash in the pan and that you won’t exit as quickly as you entered when the market gets tough.

Also, communicate whether you’ll use contractors or outsource parts to third parties or consultancies—and if so, which parts. Being clear about this helps build credibility and reassures talent that you haven’t been swayed by an unrealistic pitch from ION. In a tight market like Endur’s, being upfront can mean the difference between attracting top talent or relying on expensive consultants.

Be open to upskilling

If matching high salaries isn’t feasible, consider candidates with experience in other ETRMs, as they often have transferable skills that allow them to adapt to Endur quickly. You could also consider skilled developers or business analysts with a solid understanding of the commodities trade lifecycle as they’re familiar with key terms and processes. We’ve placed candidates like this who, after receiving Endur training, have excelled and stayed with their companies for many years.  

Upskilling also ensures your company avoids over-relying on external support, such as contractors and consultancies. The best approach is a balanced one, where external resources supplement your internal teams during specific projects or implementations. Over time, the goal is for internal knowledge transfer to take priority, gradually reducing your reliance on expensive consultants.

Find a recruitment partner

Hiring in the Endur space is challenging, as professionals in this field are highly sought after and can afford to be selective. Even when presented with an attractive role, they’re not afraid to hold off, knowing similar opportunities will likely come around in the future.

To gain an edge, partner with no more than two to three recruitment agencies with a proven track record in the Endur market. Having too many agencies involved can create unnecessary competition, where speed is prioritised over quality. Alternatively, consider signing an exclusive agreement with a trusted agency to ensure the level of dedication required to deliver the best results.

And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out. With over 20 years of experience in the Endur space, we’ve built strong relationships and are in constant contact with this talent pool. Even if they aren’t actively looking for new roles, we’re always checking in. This, combined with our deep understanding of the market, means we know exactly when a professional is ready for a move—giving you access to top talent when it matters most.

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