Vice President Research

Vice President Research

Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Ocean Wall Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research initiatives and drive revenue growth through innovative insights and client engagement.
  • Company: Dynamic merchant bank focused on niche and alternative sectors with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Access to live transactions, close collaboration with experienced professionals, and a learning environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for personal development and contribution to team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment with no corporate hierarchy.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in research with strong analytical and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

About Ocean Wall

Ocean Wall is a dynamic merchant bank with a sharp focus on niche and alternative sectors. We pride ourselves on providing high-touch, high-integrity services while staying nimble and innovative. Our team is small but ambitious, and we’re scaling carefully to preserve the culture and quality that set us apart.

The Role

We are seeking a commercially accountable Vice President of Research to play a leading role within Ocean Wall’s research function and contribute directly to the firm’s revenue growth. This is not a pure content-production role. The Vice President will use thematic research as a platform for origination, client engagement, and transaction leadership. You will be expected to operate with autonomy, generate proprietary ideas, build relationships, and convert insight into mandates and revenue. You will help shape Ocean Wall’s intellectual positioning across its core opportunity set, producing differentiated, high-quality thematic work grounded in long-term structural trends and resource scarcity dynamics.

At the same time, you will act as a senior commercial operator — contributing to mandate wins, leading analytical workstreams on live transactions, and serving as a trusted adviser to clients. The ideal candidate combines analytical depth, intellectual curiosity, and clear communication with commercial instinct, leadership capability, and a strong sense of ownership.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research Leadership & Strategy: Co-design and execute Ocean Wall’s research business plan in alignment with origination strategy and firm-wide revenue objectives. Set priorities for research output based on commercial opportunity, client demand, and transaction pipeline. Ensure all research is analytically rigorous, commercially relevant, and consistent in quality and tone. Build Ocean Wall’s thought-leadership presence through differentiated internal and external publications that enhance brand positioning and support mandate conversion. Develop and maintain proprietary datasets, models, and research assets that create competitive advantage.
  • Deal Leadership & Client Engagement: Lead analytical workstreams across live transactions, including company analysis, sector positioning, valuation frameworks, and investor materials. Contribute to transaction structuring discussions and investor positioning strategy. Collaborate closely with Capital Markets, Corporate Advisory, and Execution teams to ensure research output translates into commercially successful outcomes. Represent Ocean Wall in client meetings, roadshows, and investor discussions with authority and clarity. Take commercial ownership of deliverables and ensure deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
  • Team Leadership & Standards: Train, mentor, and develop research analysts and associates, setting clear expectations and raising standards across the team. Help define and implement best practices for research production, workflow management, and quality control. Allocate resources effectively and ensure responsiveness to deal teams and clients. Act as a cultural carrier for Ocean Wall’s standards: high integrity, high ownership, and no passenger behaviour.
  • Market & Sector Intelligence: Contribute to and oversee key research outputs, including regular market intelligence reports. Monitor structural trends in alternative, niche, and high-growth sectors relevant to Ocean Wall’s focus areas. Track investor sentiment, capital flows, competitive landscapes, and regulatory developments. Translate complex market information into actionable insight for clients and internal teams.
  • Performance Expectations: Demonstrate measurable contribution to revenue growth through origination, client development, and transaction support. Co-build and maintain an active opportunity pipeline within 12 months of joining. Ensure research output directly supports mandate conversion and enhances the firm’s commercial positioning. Operate with autonomy and accountability consistent with a senior leadership role in a merchant banking environment.

What We’re Looking For

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in research (equity research, credit research, consulting, investment banking, buyside research, or similar – preferably energy, resources, infrastructure expertise).
  • Demonstrated emotional intelligence - ability to manage and work with people, enhance and build upon the team’s existing high-quality output, and contribute to team culture.
  • Strong financial modelling, valuation, and analytical skills with a track record of producing high-quality research.
  • Demonstrated track record of contributing to or leading revenue-generating initiatives.
  • Proprietary research idea generation across our focus themes.
  • Commercial awareness and the ability to translate data into insights that support origination and client discussions.
  • Clear, concise writing skills and strong presentation abilities.
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with high accountability and visibility.
  • A collaborative, team-first attitude and enthusiasm for helping Ocean Wall continue to scale thoughtfully.

Why Ocean Wall Ltd

  • Access to live transactions and real client work from day one.
  • Close collaboration with experienced founders and dealmakers.
  • No corporate hierarchy - just shared ambition, ownership, and impact.
  • A learning environment where ideas are welcomed and your development is a priority.
  • You’ll see how real deals happen, not just from pitchbooks but from sitting at the table.

Vice President Research employer: Ocean Wall Ltd

Ocean Wall Ltd is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to take ownership and contribute directly to the firm's growth. With a strong emphasis on professional development, team collaboration, and access to live transactions from day one, Ocean Wall offers a unique opportunity for meaningful engagement in niche sectors while maintaining a flat organisational structure that encourages creativity and impact.
Ocean Wall Ltd

Contact Detail:

Ocean Wall Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Vice President Research

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team at Ocean Wall.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Vice President of Research. Highlight your analytical skills and commercial awareness, and don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for the niche sectors Ocean Wall focuses on.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining Ocean Wall. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of our ambitious team!

We think you need these skills to ace Vice President Research

Research Leadership
Analytical Skills
Commercial Awareness
Financial Modelling
Valuation Skills
Client Engagement
Data Translation
Team Leadership
Emotional Intelligence
Writing Skills
Presentation Abilities
Market Intelligence
Proprietary Research Idea Generation
Autonomy in Decision-Making
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Research Skills: When you’re writing your application, make sure to highlight your research experience. We want to see how you've used thematic research in the past and how it can contribute to our revenue growth at Ocean Wall.

Be Clear and Concise: Your writing should reflect the clarity we value at Ocean Wall. Keep your application straightforward and to the point, showcasing your analytical depth without unnecessary fluff.

Demonstrate Commercial Awareness: We’re looking for candidates who can translate data into actionable insights. Use your application to show us how you’ve done this before and how it aligns with our focus on niche and alternative sectors.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Wall Ltd

✨Know Your Research Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Ocean Wall's focus areas and recent market trends. Be prepared to discuss how your research experience aligns with their niche sectors, especially in energy and resources. This shows you’re not just familiar with the company but genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Highlight your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Prepare examples of how your previous research has led to revenue-generating initiatives. Ocean Wall values candidates who can demonstrate a clear understanding of commercial impact, so make sure to connect your past experiences to potential outcomes for them.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Vice President, you'll need to lead teams and projects. Share specific instances where you've mentored others or taken charge of a project. Discuss how you set expectations and raised standards within your team, as this aligns with Ocean Wall’s emphasis on high ownership and integrity.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about Ocean Wall’s research strategy and how they envision the role contributing to their growth. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking, which is crucial for a leadership position like this.

Vice President Research
Ocean Wall Ltd
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