Research Director - Copper Markets in City of London

Join to apply for the Research Director - Metals Demand role at Wood Mackenzie. Wood Mackenzie is the global data and analytics business for the renewables, energy, and natural resources industries. Backed by over 50 years of experience, our team of over 2,400 experts across 30 global locations delivers real‑time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership to help customers separate risk from opportunity and make confident decisions.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a Research Director to join our Metals & Mining Markets Research team. This cross‑commodity role will be based in the UK and will guide the global research team in understanding rapid energy transition impacts on metals demand.

Main Responsibilities

• Research Leadership & Analysis: Lead world‑class quantitative and qualitative research on global metals demand, delivering insights through data services, proprietary datasets, written reports, public speaking, and bespoke client engagements. Collaborate across commodity teams to develop long‑term metals demand projections and maintain industry‑leading market perspective. Partner with global commodities, energy, and natural resources teams to assess the energy transition’s impact on metals demand dynamics. Produce timely, high‑quality deliverables and market intelligence on metals demand trends.
• Thought Leadership & Market Authority: Develop and publish opinion‑rich, thematic thought leadership content on metals markets with minimal supervision. Rapidly identify and analyse emerging metals demand trends, engaging proactively with senior internal and external stakeholders. Establish yourself as a recognised authority on metals demand fundamentals, both internally and externally. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity in researching and validating market hypotheses.
• Strategic Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Synthesize complex market data into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Provide confident opinions and recommendations despite market uncertainty. Engage effectively with clients across all seniority levels, adapting communication style to audience needs. Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process and product enhancement, delivering measurable improvements. Leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance research quality and efficiency. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to co‑develop solutions that meet evolving market needs. Monitor competitive landscape to identify threats, opportunities, and best practices.
• External Profile & Market Presence: Maintain an established media presence and industry profile. Work with Marketing to develop personal brand presence on company platforms and social media. Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and client meetings.
• Team Development: Provide coaching and mentorship to research analysts. Foster a culture of analytical excellence and continuous learning within the team.

About You

We’re looking for a dynamic leader who excels in research, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement, and who can drive innovation and build strong relationships across departments and external partners.

Education & Industry Experience:

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline (Economics, Business, Mining Engineering, Geology, Materials Science, or related field).
• Proven experience in metals and mining sectors with demonstrated expertise in metals demand forecasting and market analysis.
• Direct experience with key industry stakeholders including mines, processors, traders, power/renewable energy companies, EV manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, or other metals end‑users.
• Deep understanding of metals value chains and operational dynamics across different sectors.

Analytical & Communication Excellence:

• Strong analytical mindset with ability to synthesize complex, multi‑source data into clear, actionable insights.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of translating technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to see strategic patterns in complex market data and draw coherent conclusions.
• Comfortable presenting to public audiences and facilitating executive‑level discussions.

Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel for complex data analysis.
• Experience with data visualization tools preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical modelling and forecasting methodologies.
• Adaptability to leverage emerging technologies and AI tools for enhanced analysis.

Leadership & Relationship Building:

• Demonstrated track record of building and maintaining strong professional networks across the industry.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus in complex, multi‑party environments.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior talent with a collaborative leadership style.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to engage effectively across all organisational levels.

Commercial Acumen & Delivery Focus:

• Commercially minded with deep understanding of how market intelligence drives business decisions.
• Thrives in fast‑paced, customer‑centric environments with competing priorities.
• Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and implementing process and product improvements.

Personal Attributes:

• Intellectually curious with a passion for continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Creative problem‑solver who challenges conventional thinking.
• Results‑driven with commitment to best‑in‑class standards.
• Genuine enthusiasm for working in a leading research and consultancy environment.

Expectations:

• Key capabilities: Planning and prioritising – aligning our efforts to organisational goals and priorities.
• Ownership and accountability – delivering on our commitments and owning the outcome.
• Commitment to action – making timely decisions and taking action.
• Continuous improvement – continuously striving for better in all we do.

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. 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.

Wood Mackenzie Values: Wood Mackenzie is a place where we are committed to supporting our people to grow and thrive. We value different perspectives and aspire to create an inclusive environment which encourages diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. Wood Mackenzie values everyone’s contribution and helps them reach their full potential while sustaining an organisational culture of health and well‑being.

• 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.

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. 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.