Principal Research Specialist – Germany in City of London

This is a fantastic opportunity for a member of the research team who wishes to play a pivotal role in the further development of the new Chambers Germany Guide. You will work closely with the Head of Germany to foster a more in-depth approach to research, conducting your own research and assessing the rankings of others, and editing copy and providing feedback. The Principal Research Specialist will also share knowledge with the external market via articles, webinars and podcasts. You will also serve as an external point of contact for German law firms and marketing contacts including addressing queries, meeting in-person, speaking with senior firm leadership and practice chairs, and staying on top of market trends and developments. The role affords the opportunity to engage in the highest level of research and working with colleagues to drive innovation, set strategy and influence the overall direction of the Chambers Germany guide.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct research at the highest level of your area of expertise in the assigned practice areas, having overall responsibility for the quality of research, rankings and editorial in your specialist area as directed.
• Working autonomously to develop your in-depth market research knowledge, sharing this knowledge across the team.
• Assessing the Chambers coverage, suggesting additions, amendments, and removal of sections.
• Working with DEI and research teams to implement DEI initiatives.
• Keeping up to date with the development in the German market.
• Work within deadlines and balance the responsibilities of this multifaceted role.
• Interview key players in the relevant legal practice area to gather information about law firms’ strategies.
• Assessing the quality of the research and editorial of researchers regarding your area of expertise, identifying areas of improvement and providing feedback to RDs/Heads Of.
• Influence and persuading of all those conducting research within their specialised area, using data and analytics to identify growth opportunities.

Internal Knowledge Sharing and Cross-Team Collaboration

• Regularly communicating with the Head of Research and researchers the latest updates, developments, and trends in the market.
• Coaching core researchers in the areas of your specialism, providing guidance, information regarding best practice.
• Collaborating with Learning and Development in the planning and delivery of training to researchers concerning your area of expertise.
• Knowledge sharing: running internal seminars and knowledge sharing sessions for your specialism.
• To liaise with Events, Marketing, Sales, Technology and senior leadership (when necessary) in order to drive the commercial growth, research participation and market penetration of our products.

Commercial Responsibilities

• Sharing knowledge with the external market via webinars and articles for our website.
• To support the commercial team by providing updates on new research areas and benefits, passing on sales leads etc.
• Demonstrate a commercial awareness as to where and how we can monetise our products better, with the support and corresponding recognition of other relevant business functions.
• Work closely with the Product Team on the continuing evolution of Chambers products.
• Acting as an ambassador and internal/external reference point for your area of specialism.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrate the aspiration to be widely recognised market leader in your area.
• Extensive experience in conducting research of the highest quality.
• Thorough understanding of relevant market.
• Intellectually curious and willing to break new ground in research topics.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong attention to detail.
• The ability to work effectively across teams and with all levels of the organisation.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work under pressure.

Person Specification

• Fluency in German.
• Strong researcher who is comfortable dealing with a highly engaged and forthcoming market.
• Expertise in a specific specialism preferred but a high level of interest in the German market is essential.
• Comfortable meeting lawyers in person.
• Comfortable at public speaking.
• Track record of making accurate rankings.
• Track record of being able to change rankings and introduce new tables where appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to fostering and promoting an inclusive professional environment for all of our employees, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral values of Chambers and Partners and are key in our culture. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. This commitment applies across all of our employment policies and practices, from recruiting and hiring to training and career development. We support our employees through our internal INSPIRE committee with Executive Sponsors, Chairs and Ambassadors throughout the business promoting knowledge and effecting change. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.