Sustainability Research Analyst

Wood Mackenzie; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global market analysis firm is seeking a Research Analyst to join their Chemicals research team in Edinburgh. This role involves developing analytics for sustainability research in the recycling sector, engaging clients, and conducting comprehensive market analysis. Ideal candidates should possess strong analytical skills, a keen interest in waste management, and excellent communication abilities. The position supports hybrid working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in analytics or research about circular economy.
• Ability to interpret data and articulate findings.
• Experience with developing narratives from data.

Responsibilities

• Develop analytical tools for sustainability research.
• Engage with clients to deliver market insights.
• Conduct primary and secondary research.

Skills

Interest in waste management and recycling market dynamics

Analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Wood Mackenzie is the global data and analytics business for the renewables, energy, and natural resources industries. Enhanced by technology. Enriched by human intelligence. In an ever-changing world, companies and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That’s why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years’ experience. Our team of over 2,400 experts, operating across 30 global locations, are enabling customers’ decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make confident decisions when it matters most.

Wood Mackenzie Values: Inclusive – we succeed together; Trusting – we choose to trust each other; Customer committed – we put customers at the heart of our decisions; Future Focused – we accelerate change; Curious – we turn knowledge into action.

Role Purpose

The successful applicant will be part of Wood Mackenzie’s global Chemicals research team, which delivers market analysis across a range of key chemical value chains. The Research Analyst will work with colleagues across our recycled and virgin chemistries to maintain and develop the recycling and sustainability analysis that we provide to clients. The role will also include client engagement, supporting the delivery of market insights through our research products, thought leadership publications, conference presentations, and media engagements.

Through conducting primary research, responding to customer questions, and presenting to industry stakeholders, you will build relationships and a network of contacts with key industry players, national bodies, and other relevant companies. Over time you will gain specialist knowledge and develop the skills you require to progress your career at Wood Mackenzie.

Main Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop analytical tools, frameworks and products that support our sustainability research within the recycled polyolefins markets. Areas of focus include recycling, consumer preferences, the regulatory environment and new technologies.
• Support the delivery of thought-leadership across the Chemicals research teams to anticipate and stimulate new areas of interest for clients.
• Support the delivery of our existing recycled polyolefins services.
• Provide analytical inputs to consulting mandates in conjunction with our consulting team.
• Conduct primary and secondary research to build, expand and improve the quality of our proprietary data.
• Respond to internal and external customer enquiries regarding analytics provided in research materials.
• Work closely with the Sales team to service clients and grow our client base.

About You

You have a keen interest in plastics sustainability and waste management market dynamics, and you want to develop an in-depth understanding of how these markets drive the circular economy and impact our everyday lives. You will have relevant experience, skills or knowledge that you can apply to the role, allowing you to contribute to our research from day one. Your existing knowledge will enhance our coverage as you develop your career.

• Keen interest in waste management and recycling market dynamics - you want to understand how these markets impact the circular economy and sustainability outcomes in our everyday lives. You can undertake detailed analysis of the waste management and recycling markets, understanding the value chain from collection through processing to end-markets, demand & consumption patterns for recycled materials, regulatory trends, and their implications. You can generate short-term and long-term forecasts for recycling markets and waste streams by analysing market developments and contributing to regular research reports supporting our sustainability research expertise.
• Analytical mindset and eye for detail - your analytical mindset and attention to detail have been honed through academic and/or work experience. You are comfortable collecting and interpreting data, articulating your findings clearly, and seeking to enhance your knowledge by asking thoughtful questions.
• You can develop compelling narratives from researched data to present a credible view of the current market conditions and write insightful commentary on the future market trends, challenges, and opportunities in the plastics sustainability space. You can maintain and develop data models, methodologies and other intellectual property related to the industry. You have experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, which helps you present your findings in a visually compelling way.
• Highly adaptive team player - you thrive in fast-paced environments and are excited about the opportunity to work cross-functionally on a variety of tasks. You can work independently and as part of a team, generating ideas and striving to be the best in class.
• Excellent communication skills - you can efficiently engage with internal teams and clients—both existing and prospective—to understand their needs and leverage our research and market insights to support their business and strategic decision-making in a timely and professional manner.

Expectations

• We are a hybrid working company and the successful applicant will be expected to be physically present in the office at least 2 days per week to foster and contribute to a collaborative environment, but this may be subject to change in the future.
• While this is expected to be a full-time role, part-time or flexible working arrangements will be considered.
• Due to the global nature of the team, a degree of flexible working will be required to accommodate different time zones.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. This means we are committed to recruiting the best people regardless of their race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. You can find out more about your rights under the law at www.eeoc.gov. If you are applying for a role and have a physical or mental disability, we will support you with your application or through the hiring process.