Research Manager, KSA

Job Description

Overview

The Middle East Research team is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and hardworking Research Manager to further its research capabilities, offering and goals. Knight Frank’s research teams are recognised globally for being thought leadership experts, covering all property sectors and we wish to further entrench our position in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with this strategic new role. The Middle East Research team is focussed on deepening our data and understanding of residential, office, retail, industrial and hospitality markets across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we are looking for a dynamic individual who has a passion for data, who can go beyond the numbers and succinctly communicate complex data sets and messages in a way that surprises and delights.

The ideal candidate will be fluent in both Arabic and English and possess exceptional writing and numeracy skills. You will also be at ease with complex data sets and their manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Create thought provoking, data-driven, economic insights.
• Understand and appreciate Middle East macro-economics and drivers of real estate demand.
• Interpret and convert complex external data sets into engaging outputs.
• Keep abreast of key policies, legislation, trends and developments in KSA and broader regional real estate markets in order to provide an informed opinion to clients and stakeholders.
• Work with fee earning teams to expand Knight Frank’s network of clients in KSA and contribute to business development, including being one of the key spokespeople for the business, and by attending network events.
• Liaise with other internal departments across Knight Frank Middle East to coordinate inputs for regular and thought leadership reports.
• Assist the Head of Research in the development and delivery of our annual research programme.
• Act a key point of contact for clients as a KSA real estate research expert.
• Ensure highest quality standards in accordance with local and international standards, with guidance from the Head of Research.
• Mentor other team members.
• Provide high quality, user-friendly and easy to digest macro-economic insights on a high frequency basis, in addition to ensuring the high-quality delivery of all KSA research outputs in both English and Arabic.
• Build and maintain goodwill, confidentiality and trust with prospective and existing clients, as well as all fee earning teams.
• Other tasks as required.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in a similar role within the Middle East real estate sector, with an intimate knowledge of the real estate markets across KSA.
• Strong understanding of the key real estate developments taking place across KSA and how they link to the Vision 2030.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Clear and logical thinker with excellent report writing skills.
• Ability to create extra research content/nuggets, both quantitative and qualitative.
• Strong team player with the ability to build relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work flexible schedules to ensure successful and timely delivery of projects.
• Understanding of regional business culture and regulations.
• The ability to understand and make use of computers and information technology (Knight Frank internal systems).
• Certifications and Licenses: MRICS desired but not essential.
• Software: Microsoft Office programs to a proficient level. Prior experience using Macrobond and PowerBI required. Must have the ability to understand and adapt to new technologies and software.
• Language skills: Fluency in Arabic and English, written and verbal.
• Travel: Flexible attitude towards travelling. Travel to Makkah and Medina may be required.