Industrial demand analyst

Based in Oxford, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join a small, world-leading consultancy specialising in the supply and use of platinum-group metals (PGM). PGM have excellent catalytic properties, are highly chemical, corrosion and heat resistant. Being hugely valuable, they are also almost entirely recycled. These metals are required in almost every aspect of our lives, from helping us to breathe more easily as PGM remove toxins from car exhausts; are critical for storing data in vast AI data centres; used on turbine blades on wind farms; saving lives through cancer drugs, heart pacemakers and implants; to silicones, critical chemicals for food production and manufacturing; to tomorrow’s net zero green hydrogen energy to help us meet our climate change goals.

Preferably from a chemistry/material science/chemical engineering background with further education and some business experience, the candidate will ideally be based in Oxford working with world leaders in their field. If you are interested and passionate about using your scientific background to become an analyst working with our expanding PGM team to produce world-leading industry and market intelligence, then please apply.

SFA works for some of the largest blue-chip companies worldwide, who rely on expert analysis on applications for PGM, be it new plants requiring PGM to catalyse reactions to create essential products or PGM required in the application itself. The role will consider the circular economy of metal used in all applications. Understanding the substitutability and critical applications of the metal will be key, as will regional developments and changing legislation affecting the use of these metals.

Often, the work will require updating and building Excel-based models to monitor and forecast the use of PGM in health, chemical, industrial and high-tech applications. In addition, activities will include conducting extensive research, writing concise summaries backed up by detailed analysis, putting together impactful PowerPoint slides and attending and presenting at industry conferences. The projects vary from direct consulting across the industry value chain including mining, recycling, chemical, industrial fabricators, to financial institutions, to regular reporting on the metal markets. More than 90% of SFA's clients reside overseas.

Examples of the types of consulting projects undertaken include:

• Country specific evaluation of PGM used in critical industrial applications aiding business development for major chemical companies.
• Worldwide recycling and reuse of PGM for fabricator companies.
• Projecting the use of hydrogen and the critical role of PGM.

Skills required:

• Bachelor’s Degree at grade 2:1 or above in chemistry/materials science/chemical engineering.
• MSc or PhD in a related discipline is an advantage.
• Curiosity, attention to detail and accuracy are essential.
• Willingness to travel, present your findings and engage with industry.
• Excellent MS Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Excellent writing skills are essential.
• The ability to graphically represent analysis is key.
• The ability to work under pressure and meet client deadlines.
• The ability to work well with others and to maintain databases and put together reports independently.
• Fluent in English and permission to work in the UK is essential.

SFA offers a competitive salary, 25 days paid leave, pension contributions and the opportunity to join a world-leading team based at the rapidly expanding Oxford Science Park, a major UK hub for science, technology and innovation.