Market research and new business analyst

Description JSP is a global leader in advanced expanded bead foam technologies, specializing in expanded polypropylene (EPP), expanded polyethylene (EPE), and other engineered lightweight materials. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, JSP operates manufacturing facilities, technical centers, and sales offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, serving customers in more than 50 countries. For more than 60 years, JSP has developed innovative material solutions that improve product performance, enhance safety, reduce weight, and support sustainability. Our flagship expanded polypropylene (EPP) product, ARPRO®, is recognized worldwide for its exceptional strength, energy absorption, thermal insulation, and recyclability. Serving industries including automotive, HVAC, construction, packaging, consumer products, healthcare, and infrastructure, JSP continues to grow through innovation, strategic partnerships, and investment in advanced technologies.

Our North American operations work closely with global teams to develop new products, technologies, and business opportunities that shape the future of our industry.

Position Summary

JSP is seeking a curious, analytical, and detail-oriented Market Research & New Business Analyst to help identify future growth opportunities across North America. This role focuses on researching emerging industries, market trends, customer needs, competitive activity, and potential applications for JSP's products and technologies. The analyst will gather data, evaluate market opportunities, and provide actionable insights that help leadership prioritize future growth initiatives. Working closely with Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, and JSP's global business teams, this position will support strategic decision-making by transforming market information into meaningful business recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity for an early to mid-career professional who enjoys research, solving business problems, and uncovering opportunities through data and market analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Market Research & Opportunity Identification

• Research emerging industries, applications, and market segments that may represent growth opportunities for JSP.
• Conduct market assessments to identify trends, customer needs, and potential applications for JSP products.
• Gather and analyze industry, customer, competitor, and economic data from a variety of sources.
• Monitor regulatory, technological, and market developments that may impact future business opportunities.
• Identify and prioritize potential markets based on size, growth potential, and strategic fit.

Competitive Intelligence Track

• Track competitors, substitute products, and industry developments.
• Develop competitive intelligence summaries and market reports.
• Analyze market share trends, industry dynamics, and emerging technologies.
• Maintain databases and resources related to target markets and industries.

Strategic Planning Support

• Assist in evaluating potential business opportunities and growth initiatives.
• Support preliminary market sizing and business case development.
• Conduct research to support new product evaluations and market expansion projects.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management review.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Marketing, R&D, and Operations to gather market information and evaluate opportunities.
• Participate in new market evaluation projects and strategy discussions.
• Support global business development initiatives through research and analysis.
• Present findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Requirements Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Engineering, Data Analytics, or related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in market research, business analysis, marketing, product management support, engineering, or a related analytical role.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Experience conducting research and interpreting market data.
• Ability to summarize findings and communicate recommendations clearly.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Preferred

• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, industrial products, packaging, materials, or related industries.
• Experience using market research tools, databases, or business intelligence platforms.
• Knowledge of competitive analysis and market sizing techniques.
• Experience preparing business reports and executive presentations.

What We're Looking For

• Intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn.
• Strong research and investigative skills.
• Ability to identify patterns and opportunities within large amounts of information.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Interest in emerging technologies, new industries, and business growth.