Research Director

The Research Director will be part of SIA’s global research team and be responsible for leading and supporting research projects that combine staffing industry expertise, quantitative analysis and clear business writing. The role will focus on producing practical insight for executives across staffing, workforce solutions and talent acquisition technology. The role is based in London. Candidates should be able to work from our central London office on a regular basis; a hybrid working pattern, including working from home, is available.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing deep expertise in assigned areas of the staffing industry and translating that expertise into clear, evidence-based reports supported by robust data, charts, tables and practical interpretation.
• Researching and writing frequent thought-provoking analyses on current staffing industry events and trends. This includes conducting financial analysis of company results, collecting and analysing government data as well as conducting internet-based research to produce unique content of practical value to our customers.
• Participating in data collection via surveys and manipulation of publicly available data, in support of group projects.
• Designing and analysing surveys and other data collection activities, including data cleaning, validation, manipulation and quality checks.
• Building technical and subject-matter expertise quickly, including research tools, data sources, software and staffing industry business practices.
• Working closely with co-workers to develop extensions of current research product offerings as well as assisting in the development and planning for new research-related offerings and services/products.
• Building existing expertise in staffing and contingent work through monitoring of relevant news, research studies and industry developments.
• Attending and participating in conferences as a member of Staffing Industry Analysts’ research team and assisting as needed with any or all conference planning activities, including speaker recruitment and support work related to the development and construction of speaker presentations.
• Moderating or participating in client-sponsored webinars.
• Representing SIA as an authoritative speaker at external industry and client events.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Staffing industry experience. Strong experience in the staffing industry, ideally including a managerial role within a staffing firm. You will understand the day-to-day operational challenges, commercial pressures, client expectations, talent supply constraints, technology adoption issues and regulatory considerations that shape staffing firm performance and strategy.
• Research and analytical skills. Well-developed analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, with good ability in manipulating and analysing data using Microsoft Excel.
• Business writing. Demonstrated ability to produce concise, well-structured and commercially relevant writing for an executive audience.
• Communication skills. Ability to engage senior business leaders, understand their priorities, identify decision-useful research questions, and communicate findings clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally, including via presentations to executive audiences.
• Visualisation of data. Ability to select appropriate chart types, tables, and diagrams to communicate research findings effectively. Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and other relevant software to produce clear, accurate, and well-presented visual outputs. Attention to visual clarity and overall presentation quality.
• Flexibility. Open to learning new concepts and tools, with the ability to develop new skills as required. Comfortable working with research-related software and adapting to new challenges.
• Adaptability. Open to learning new concepts, tools and research methods, and comfortable developing new skills as priorities evolve.
• Strategic Perspective. Able to balance detailed execution with an understanding of the wider context, prioritising critical elements that support both immediate deliverables and long-term goals.
• Delivery and impact. Ability to manage competing priorities and meet agreed deadlines. Able to demonstrate tangible results or outcomes from previous work or projects.
• Collaboration and accountability. Known for working effectively with others and contributing positively to team outcomes. Can build trust through reliability, professionalism, and a constructive approach to problem-solving. Comfortable working in flexible, collaborative team environments and willing to support colleagues as needed. Takes responsibility for work, acknowledges mistakes, and learns from feedback.

Though not essential, any of the following attributes would be an advantage in applying for this position:

• Familiarity with SIA research, including methodology, research standards, and report production.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with survey design, statistical analysis, data cleaning or business intelligence tools.

ABOUT SIA

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) is the global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labour. SIA’s independent and objective analysis provides insights into the services and suppliers operating in the workforce solutions ecosystem, including staffing firms, managed service providers, recruitment process outsourcers, payrolling/compliance firms and talent acquisition technology specialists such as vendor management systems, online staffing platforms, crowdsourcing and online work services. We also provide training and accreditation with our unique Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) program.

Known for our award-winning content, data, support tools, publications, executive conferences and events, we help both suppliers and buyers of workforce solutions make better-informed decisions that improve business results and minimize risk. SIA was founded in 1989 by staffing pioneer Peter Yessne. A brand of Crain Communications, a leading business news and information company, SIA is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in London, UK.