Head of Biofuels Research in Oxford

GlobalData operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what’s coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world’s largest industries, delivering tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.

GlobalData is at a pivotal point in its growth journey and we need curious, ambitious, courageous people to support us in achieving our vision to deliver intelligence that transforms uncertainty into opportunity for the world’s most successful organizations. Our big ambitions mean that life at GlobalData is fast paced, entrepreneurial and rewarding. Working together in an intellectually challenging environment, where learning is super-charged to keep us on our toes, the highly stimulating, fast-paced, global environment we operate in, and our bold ambitions result in unique learning opportunities for our people.

We are seeking an experienced industry professional to be our Head of Biofuels Research, based in Oxford, reporting directly to the Global Head of Agribusiness Research. This senior position plays a pivotal role in GlobalData’s Agribusiness Intelligence division, providing high-level insights into global biofuels markets – including FAME, RD/HVO, SAF, ethanol and related feedstocks. The Head of Biofuels Research will lead analytical outputs, drive methodological innovation, oversee client projects, and act as a subject-matter expert for both syndicated and consulting work. We require an experienced industry professional with a deep understanding of biofuel market drivers and trends.

The role is instrumental in leading GlobalData’s coverage of biofuel markets and delivery of our portfolio of reports, datasets, briefings, webinars and other platform content. The role will include direct management responsibility for a team of analysts, and require significant collaboration with adjacent research teams, notably Sugar and Vegetable Oils.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the development of supply, demand, trade, and price forecasts across the global biofuels markets.
• Conduct economic and policy analysis, including the impact of biofuel mandates, trade policies, sustainability regulations, and feedstock supply variability.
• Oversee and maintain the core databases and forecasting models that underpin GlobalData’s market intelligence products.
• Manage and deliver bespoke client projects — from feasibility studies to policy analysis and price outlook assessments — ensuring accuracy, insight, and timeliness.
• Represent GlobalData at industry conferences, client meetings, and research trips, maintaining strong relationships with producers, refiners, traders, policymakers, and end-users.
• Travel internationally (10–15%) to gather market intelligence, strengthen client relationships, and present insights at key industry events.
• Collaborate closely with other commodity teams (sugar, vegetable oils, etc.) to ensure analytical consistency across agribusiness markets.
• Support the Head of Agribusiness Intelligence and Agribusiness Consultancy Director in developing new products, methodologies, and consulting opportunities.
• Manage a team of analysts in the UK and India, fostering a culture of analytical excellence and professional growth.
• Collaborate with regional sales teams from across GlobalData, driving client engagement, renewals and new business opportunities.

Role requirements:

• Strong grounding in agricultural economics, applied economics, or related quantitative discipline (Master’s degree or above preferred).
• Proven experience (5+ years) in commodity market analysis, ideally within biofuels. Candidates with a combination of experience (5+ years) covering biofuels, sugar, vegetable oils, and/or related agricultural commodities will be considered.
• Excellent numerical, analytical, and econometric skills, with a sound understanding of supply-demand dynamics and price formation.
• Ability to translate complex economic trends into clear, actionable insights for commercial and policy audiences.
• Confident communicator, capable of engaging with clients, industry participants and policymakers globally.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and data management tools; experience with advanced data/programming tools (e.g. MS Power suite, Python) is an advantage.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.

In addition to a rewarding career, we support our GlobalData colleagues with a range of benefits across health, finances, fitness, travel, tech and more. GlobalData believes strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. GlobalData is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.