Director of Research, Human Capital Management

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Research, Human Capital Management based in the United States. This leadership role owns research and market-facing activities across the Human Capital Management (HCM) landscape. You’ll shape the research agenda across employee experience, learning and development, payroll, talent, rewards, and workforce management. The role combines independent thought leadership with direct engagement with enterprise buyers, technology providers, and clients. You’ll develop evidence-based research and perspectives that help organizations make informed technology and vendor decisions. Success requires deep HCM expertise, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate complex market developments into actionable guidance. You’ll collaborate closely with analysts and cross-functional teams spanning product, marketing, revenue, and client success. The position is remote and offers significant autonomy while contributing to a globally connected research organization.

Set and execute the research agenda covering HCM markets, technology providers, enterprise buyer priorities, and emerging trends. Develop primary research, analyst perspectives, market analysis, benchmark research, dynamic insights, and value-oriented content. Provide thought leadership across HCM strategy, employee experience, talent management, learning and development, payroll, compensation, and workforce management. Advise enterprise buyers on HCM technology markets and help them evaluate vendors and products against their business requirements. Build and maintain trusted relationships with software providers across product, marketing, and sales organizations. Collaborate with analyst peers and product, marketing, revenue, account, and client success teams to strengthen research offerings and client outcomes. Support client inquiries, vendor briefings, speaking engagements, and advisory activities. Contribute to client retention and revenue growth through relevant research, market expertise, and client engagement. Manage research and client-delivery workflows, ensuring commitments are high quality, timely, and aligned with client needs. Participate in analyst leadership and team meetings focused on innovation, operational improvement, and client satisfaction. Requirements Extensive experience as an industry analyst, HCM technology practitioner, consultant, or product marketing/product management leader within a recognized technology organization. Deep and current knowledge of HCM processes, technology markets, and enterprise buyer requirements. Demonstrated ability to develop and communicate an independent, well-supported point of view. Experience advising executives on HCM technology strategy, planning, and vendor or product evaluation. Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to establish credibility and build productive relationships with industry leaders, technology providers, enterprise clients, and internal stakeholders. Strong analytical and research capabilities, with the ability to turn complex information into clear, evidence-based recommendations. Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while consistently delivering high-quality work on schedule. Comfortable collaborating across a remote and globally connected environment. Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, computer science, or a related discipline; advanced education is welcome. Benefits Fully remote work environment. Significant autonomy in shaping the HCM research agenda and market perspective. Opportunity to influence enterprise technology decisions through research and thought leadership. Exposure to senior executives, enterprise buyers, technology providers, and industry leaders. Collaboration with multidisciplinary analysts and technology research teams. Opportunity to contribute to client engagement, research innovation, and business growth. Inclusive workplace environment that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Global team environment with access to colleagues and expertise across multiple technology disciplines.

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