Principal, Nickel Assets

CRU International is a leading provider of business intelligence and consulting services in the metals, mining, and fertilizer industries. With over 50 years of experience, we offer valuable insights and analysis that help our clients make informed decisions in an ever-changing global market.

About the role

The Principal, Nickel Assets is a strategic Service Lead role with responsibility for driving revenue growth, client satisfaction, and high‑quality subscription services across the nickel commodity space. This role leads a high‑performing analyst team, shapes differentiated data‑driven insights, and strengthens CRU’s market position through thought leadership, client engagement, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high‑performing analyst team to deliver strong data‑driven insights and thought leadership.
• Build service resilience through clear methodologies, efficient workflows, knowledge transfer, and balanced work allocation.
• Drive continuous improvement, analytical excellence, and sustainable working practices.
• Ensure service quality and cross‑functional execution in line with CRU editorial and delivery standards.
• Align analyst capability and location with service needs and client proximity.
• Set objectives, identify high performance, and support development plans for team members.
• Attract, hire, and retain top talent.
• Conduct primary and secondary research to produce proprietary data, intelligence, and insights.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the commodity sector and keep CRU’s data accurate and current.
• Represent CRU externally and strengthen its reputation through senior forums, events, and conferences.
• Partner with SMEs and other Service Leads to align narratives and advance thought leadership.
• Build and manage data models, methodologies, and frameworks in line with governance principles.
• Develop strong client and industry relationships and act as a key point of contact.
• Lead client meetings, demos, and webinars, and use feedback to inform product and content development.
• Support new business, renewals, and marketing activity in partnership with Sales and Marketing.
• Strengthen CRU’s digital presence, especially on LinkedIn and WeChat.
• Coordinate with internal teams and share insights and best practices across the business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a top‑tier institution.
• Further education certification in a subject relevant to commodity research, such as geology, economics, or engineering, preferred.

Skills & Experience

• 10+ years’ experience in mining and metals commodity research.
• Direct industry experience highly advantageous.
• Strong ability to gather and critically analyse both soft and hard data.
• Highly numerate, with the ability to interpret, manipulate, and manage large data sets.
• Strong quantitative background with the ability to understand mathematical concepts and processes.
• Ability to coach, inspire, influence, and develop team members.
• Creative thinker with strong commercial awareness.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver against personal and team objectives, targets, and deadlines.
• Understanding of the commercial drivers of a subscription business and how to maximise revenue and value for clients.
• Ability to balance personal initiative with collaborative teamwork.
• Strong communication skills and the stature to earn client trust across all mediums.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development as part of a global company.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• The chance to work with industry‑leading experts and over a diverse range of topics and projects.