Head Of Research, APAC

About the position

Aurora has developed a market leading suite of subscription services which provide analytics and insights to major players in the energy sector – helping to shine a light on developments across the power market and grid. Our services include Power and Renewable Market Services for major power markets globally, plus dedicated services for Flexible technologies such as grid-scale batteries. Together these provide insights on the development of power markets and implications for a range of power assets, as well as for policy and strategy. More than 700 companies access these services globally. In addition, Aurora’s in-house models are themselves licensed as software to clients, with the software underpinned by Aurora’s deep research and knowledge of local markets.

The Head of Research APAC is a senior role leading a cross-cutting team of over 40 staff (with scope to grow further) organised into three clusters: renewables, flex markets and assets, and grid. The team undertakes research into energy markets, policy and technologies across the APAC markets, as well as incorporating global trends and insight from Aurora’s international teams.

Examples of the types of work the team delivers includes:

• Producing client-facing reports – for example, Aurora’s Power & Renewables Market. Forecast report – a multi-scenario, 30-year forecast analysing all the key trends in the region’s electricity market which is produced 2-4 times per year and is used by clients for market entry, investment decisions and market scanning.
• Helping with new market entry, developing deep expertise on how the market works and how Aurora can adapt our research and software products to best help clients in those markets.
• The team also owns internal assumptions and methodologies on a wide range of topics such as energy technology costs, interconnectors, ancillary service markets, green subsidies, and market design. The team undertakes primary research and analysis, engages with clients to benchmark Aurora’s views, and works with internal stakeholders to implement and align assumptions and methodologies. Whilst the majority of this work is Asia-focused, topics such as technology costs require coordination with Aurora’s regional teams in Europe, North America, and Latin America.
• Providing regular commentary for subscribers on key policy topics.
• Undertaking webinars, hosting occasional podcast episodes and other public events to present analysis on the region’s topics to a broad audience
• Providing client workshops on a range of topics covered above and responding to ad-hoc client requests
• Providing support and advice to Aurora’s APAC Managing Director as we grow the business in the region

Successful candidates will work in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and demanding yet supportive environment. They will enjoy autonomy and opportunities to substantially influence major decisions in the energy sector.

The position will suit an experienced individual from a top-tier strategic or economic consultancy, energy company, financial services company, or knowledge-driven firm or institution. Thes Successful candidate will combine leadership and management skills, a detailed knowledge of energy markets, and demonstrable performance in team-oriented environments.

Key responsibilities

You will play a critical role in providing leadership to the team, with a focus on the following key aspects:

• Shaping the agenda – engaging with clients and internal stakeholders to define a workplan for the team, focusing on the most value-adding insights
• Developing analytical insights – working with teams to scope content and draw out insights from the analysis we produce
• Programme and resource management - working with the team to ensure delivery to timescale and to high-quality standards
• Problem solving – getting to the root of issues, with an eye on the bigger picture
• Managing cross cutting projects to develop new product features and enhance processes
• Communicating research to senior stakeholders in industry and government – e.g., through calls, meetings, webinars, events
• Leading engagement with clients – both existing clients and outreach to potential clients
• Recruiting, mentoring and developing staff
• Working closely with our software solutions team to enable the development of new software products which build on the work of the research team

What we are looking for

Required attributes:

• At least 8 years of relevant experience at a leading consultancy, energy company, financial services company, or other knowledge-driven firm or institution
• Detailed knowledge of power markets and associated policy frameworks (in APAC in particular)
• Experience managing teams and complex programmes of work, including recruiting and developing individuals
• Demonstrated success in programme, project and process management in team-oriented environments
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and derive insight from complex quantitative data and information
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with both technically and non-technically minded parties
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial mind-set, and desire to grow the business
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Native or professional-level competence in English

Desirable attributes:

•  Demonstrated success in client-facing positions
•  Experience with power market modelling / price forecasting
•  Relevant regional language skills
•  Established client network in the region’s power markets

What we offer

• The opportunity to substantially influence major decisions in the energy sector
• Direct engagement with clients through Aurora conferences, workshops and webinars
• The opportunity to grow into a publicly visible industry expert
• Private healthcare
• Access to regular coaching and mentoring sessions and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals
• Access to the Aurora Academy, our training programme offering a range of opportunities to develop your skills within the responsibilities of your role and within the wider context of the industry
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering a complete support network that offers expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7/365, covering a wide range of personal and professional aspects

The Company is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity/paternity.

About us

From its academic roots, Aurora Energy Research is a thriving, rapidly growing company, currently serving over 700 of the world’s most influential energy sector participants, including utilities, investors, and governments.

While we constantly strive to reach new markets and diversify our product portfolio, we are already active across the globe in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and North America, working with leading organisations to provide comprehensive market intelligence, bespoke analytic and advisory services, and cutting-edge software.

We are a diverse team of experts with vast energy, financial, and consulting backgrounds, covering power, hydrogen, carbon, and fossil commodities. With this, we provide data-driven intelligence to fuel strategic decisions in the global energy transformation.