Senior Analyst - Research

Do you have strong research, analytical, and content development skills, along with an interest in how emerging technologies are transforming business functions and service delivery models? Are you experienced in primary and secondary research methods? We are seeking an individual to play a pivotal role within our global research team, supporting the development of thought leadership, research content, client-specific insights and customized research deliverables across multiple programs and initiatives.

At The Hackett Group®, we offer opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate with professionals worldwide, helping them achieve new performance and competitive advantages. As a research professional, you will partner with Hackett's advisors, clients, and global stakeholders across industries to understand key business trends, emerging technologies, operating model shifts, and performance improvement opportunities. You will be a member of The Hackett Group's research team, which supports G&A functions (finance, HR, procurement, AI), GBS, payroll, and other end-to-end process programs. You will work closely with advisors in the Applied Intelligence practice and colleagues across the research organization.Critical Success Factors for This Role

PowerPoint Mastery – Mandatory

PowerPoint is not a supporting skill in this role; it is core. The successful candidate must:

• Walk in the door with advanced PowerPoint skills, including slide storytelling, visual structuring of complex ideas, charting, tables, and executive‑level layouts
• Work quickly and confidently in creating and refining slides for senior audiences
• Be capable of producing polished, client‑ready decks (e.g., Spotlight reports, benchmark readouts, research summaries) with limited iteration

Excel & Analytical Skills – Strongly Preferred

• Highly proficient user of Generative AI models (inc. Co-Pilot) and a proven ability to interrogate and validate the model outputs.
• Solid Excel skills are required for analyzing benchmark data, survey results, and research inputs
• Ability to move from raw data to insights efficiently

Prior Research Experience 

This role requires proven business research experience. The candidate must have:

• Hands‑on experience with primary and secondary research in a professional setting
• Prior responsibility for shaping research questions, analyzing findings, synthesizing insights, and developing structured research outputs
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• Ability to quickly learn new subject areas and contribute across a variety of research initiatives

Key Responsibilities

• Develop fresh perspectives on business, technology, workforce, operating model, and service delivery trends, including emerging areas such as Generative AI and Agentic AI
• Lead and support the creation of research deliverables, including: 
  • Benchmark‑driven and Spotlight reports 
  • Quantitative and qualitative research outputs
  • Client-specific insights and customized deliverables
  • Executive presentations and and thought leadership content
  • Training, enablement, and knowledge-sharing materials
• Shape, execute, and synthesize findings from quantitative and qualitative research initiatives
• Translate research outputs into high‑quality PowerPoint deliverables for internal and external use
• Edit, critique, and refine research outputs to meet Hackett quality, storytelling and presentation standards
• Collaborate closely with advisors to ensure research remains relevant, actionable, and client‑ready
• Monitor business, technology, and market trends through research, industry publications, vendor activity, news, and investment signals

• Support multiple research programs and initiatives, contributing where business priorities and stakeholder needs are highest 

• Ensure turnaround-time (TAT) targets for all deliverables/requests are consistently met 

Ways of Working / Operating Model

• This role works primarily with senior advisors, research lead(s), and practice stakeholders as internal customers who will:
  • Provide direction on research topics and priorities
  • Set expectations regarding content focus, quality standards, and timelines
  • Offer feedback and content insights
• The role holder is expected to: 
  • Self‑manage workstreams and deliverables
  • Take ownership for execution, structure, and quality
  • Operate with minimal project management support

Qualifications & Experience

• 3 to 5 years of experience in business research, advisory, benchmarking, consulting, market intelligence, or related analytical roles
• Demonstrated experience delivering research‑based insights and executive-ready content in a professional environment
• Ability to rapidly learn and support a broad range of business functions, operating models, transformation initiatives, and technology topics 

• Must be an MBA from a business school of repute 

• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Strong proficiency in PowerPoint (advanced) and Excel
• Advanced understand of LLM models (inc. Co-Pilot)

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Experience with survey design and research tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS, SAS)
• Understanding and exposure to data visualization tools such as Power BI
• Ability to perform rigorous secondary research and synthesize diverse data sources
• Ability to balance competing priorities and work across multiple research programs simultaneously
• High attention to detail, speed, and quality under time pressure
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and incorporating feedback quickly
• Self‑driven, intellectually curious, and highly accountable for outcomes
• Flexible and adaptable in responding to evolving research priorities and emerging stakeholder requests while maintaining ownership, quality and delivery discipline