Market Analyst - Polystyrene

Overview

The Market Analyst is responsible for conducting deep-dive analyses of targeted market segments to identify key supply and demand drivers, emerging trends, competitive dynamics, regulatory influences, and value creation opportunities. This individual translates complex market intelligence into actionable business insights and executive-level recommendations.

The role requires a blend of analytical rigor, commercial acumen, intellectual curiosity, and strong communication skills. Success depends on the ability to independently investigate complex markets and distill findings into concise presentations for senior leadership.

The analyst is bench strength talent for the commercial team, and aspiring candidates should expect to move into a commercial account management position after a few years in this role for continued development and growth.

Market Analysis

Lead comprehensive assessments of selected market segments.

Quantify supply, demand, capacity, utilization, pricing, and growth trends.

Identify key industry participants and value chain dynamics.

Analyze competitive positioning and strategic threats.

Monitor regulatory, macroeconomic, and technology developments.

Opportunity Identification

Assess value creation and value protection opportunities.

Identify risks to existing markets and growth opportunities.

Develop market scenarios and strategic implications.

Evaluate sustainability, circular economy, and regulatory impacts where relevant.

Executive Communication

Build executive-ready presentations and briefing materials.

Convert detailed analyses into strategic narratives.

Present findings to leadership teams.

Facilitate discussions on strategic options and business implications.

Data Collection & Intelligence

Gather information from public sources, industry databases, customer interviews, consultants, trade associations, and internal stakeholders.

Develop fact-based market models and forecasting assumptions.

Maintain market intelligence databases and dashboards.

Required: Bachelor's degree in Economics, Marketing, Finance, Business, Engineering, Statistics, or related field.

Preferred: MBA

Required: 5-7 years in:

• Market intelligence
• Strategic marketing
• Management consulting
• Corporate strategy
• Commercial analytics
• Business development analysis
• Preferred: manufacturing, chemicals, energy, materials, industrial products, etc.

• Advanced Excel
• Power BI or Tableau
• PowerPoint
• Market databases (ICIS, IHS, Wood Mackenzie, Nielsen, Euromonitor, etc.)
• Basic financial modeling and statistical analysis