Are you passionate about sustainable energy and driven by data-driven strategy development? Do you want to be part of a mission-driven company transforming lives across Africa and beyond? If yes, then this opportunity at BURN Manufacturing may be exactly what you’re looking for.
BURN Manufacturing is leading the way in clean cooking innovation across Africa, designing and manufacturing highly efficient cookstoves that drastically reduce fuel consumption and emissions. With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact, we continue to scale our operations and strengthen our market position. To support our growth, we are seeking a skilled and strategic individual to fill the position of Strategic Associate – Competitive Analysis and Business Plans.
About the Role: Strategic Associate – Competitive Analysis and Business Plans
As a Strategic Associate, you will play a crucial role in helping BURN maintain its competitive edge by delivering actionable insights derived from in-depth competitor and market research. You’ll work at the intersection of strategy, research, and product development to support executive-level decision-making and long-term strategic planning.
This is more than a research role — it’s an opportunity to directly influence how BURN positions itself in a rapidly evolving industry. The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative, and has a passion for social impact and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Competitor Analysis
- Conduct ongoing research into global competitors’ activities, business models, and product lines within the cookstove industry and adjacent markets.
- Monitor and report on potential emerging competitors, new technologies, and market shifts.
- Perform SWOT analyses to identify opportunities and vulnerabilities.
2. Market Research
- Stay abreast of macro and micro trends in the clean cooking industry and broader energy sectors.
- Work with the Market Research team to collect and evaluate pricing structures, customer preferences, and shifting regulatory frameworks.
3. Data Collection, Analysis, and Insight Generation
- Create and maintain a comprehensive competitor intelligence database covering financials, market share, distribution channels, and product specifications.
- Analyze datasets to uncover trends in competitor performance and recommend areas for strategic focus.
- Develop data-driven insights that inform strategic planning and business case development.
4. Reporting and Internal Communication
- Deliver regular and ad hoc reports to senior leadership summarizing key competitive intelligence and strategic recommendations.
- Translate complex analysis into accessible presentations and briefs for cross-functional teams.
5. Competitive Strategy Development
- Partner with strategy and product teams to leverage competitor insights into actionable strategy.
- Advise on pricing models, product innovations, and marketing approaches to outperform competitors.
- Support ongoing execution of strategic initiatives based on insights.
6. Ethical Compliance
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards in competitive intelligence gathering and analysis.
- Ensure all research activities comply with legal and professional guidelines.
7. Benchmarking
- Compare BURN’s product offerings and service models against competitors.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in existing solutions.
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in competitor intelligence, strategy, or market research roles.
- Strong analytical acumen with a demonstrated ability to interpret complex datasets.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience delivering insights to senior leadership.
- Proficiency in relevant data analysis tools and software platforms.
- Familiarity with the clean cooking sector or similar sustainability-focused industries is an advantage.
- High ethical standards in handling sensitive or proprietary information.
- Collaborative team player who can thrive in a cross-functional work environment.
BURN is particularly interested in increasing gender diversity across our teams and strongly encourages qualified female candidates to apply.
Why Join BURN?
By joining BURN, you will be part of an organization with a deep social and environmental mission. Our impact spans across energy access, women’s empowerment, health, and climate mitigation. You’ll be empowered to contribute meaningfully while building a career in one of the most dynamic and impactful industries today.
Additionally, BURN fosters a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and professional growth. You’ll work with some of the best minds in clean technology, social enterprise, and market expansion strategies.
Please note: BURN does not charge any application, interview, or training fees during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to bring your analytical expertise and strategic mindset to a role that makes real-world impact, we want to hear from you.
