Research Analyst

Summit Rec2Rec; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm in the UK seeks a Research Analyst to support strategic decision-making by delivering high-quality research and market intelligence. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and communication skills and preferably have a background in research or consulting. This non-sales role involves deep dive research and collaboration across teams to produce actionable insights. The position offers a competitive salary of £50-70k, performance bonuses, and a hybrid working model requiring four days onsite with Fridays remote.

Benefits

Performance Bonus

30 Days Leave + Bank Holidays

Pension

Private Equity Scheme

4 days a week onsite, work from home on Fridays

Qualifications

• Experience in a research-heavy role like Research Analyst or Information Services Specialist.
• Strong skills in analysing information from multiple data sources.
• Ability to distil large volumes of data into concise insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research into sectors, markets, and competitors.
• Produce high-quality briefings and strategic insights for internal planning.
• Analyse client and revenue data to identify commercial opportunities.

Skills

Research capability

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Sourcing and interpreting information

Creating structured reports

Detail-oriented

Job description

Research Analyst – Strategic Insights & Market Intelligence

London — Full-time — Professional Services / Legal Sector

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is naturally curious, highly analytical, and enjoys working with large volumes of research, data, and market information. This role is ideal for individuals who prefer research, insight generation, and behind-the-scenes strategic work rather than client-facing recruitment or sales.

Our Client

Summit Rec2Rec is representing a top-tier legal executive search firm recognised for its discreet, research-driven work and deep market expertise. They deliver C-suite and senior leadership hires for leading law firms and legal services organisations across the UK and globally.

About the Role

As a Research Analyst, you will play a crucial role in supporting the firm’s strategic decision-making by delivering high-quality research, market intelligence, and competitor insights. Working closely with the Knowledge team, BD & Marketing, and senior fee-earners, you will analyse industry trends, map markets, assess competitors, and provide actionable insights that shape business development, client strategy, and internal planning.

This role is highly suited to someone who enjoys:

• Deep-dive research
• Market mapping and intelligence gathering
• Analysing data to uncover patterns or opportunities
• Translating information into usable insights and briefings
• Creating structured research products for senior stakeholders

This is a non-sales, non-recruitment role focused 100% on strategy, insight, research and knowledge development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research & Insights

• Conduct in-depth research into sectors, key individuals, prospects, clients, markets, and competitors.
• Produce high-quality briefings, reports, and strategic insights for client meetings, pitches, and internal planning.
• Create and maintain detailed market maps, organisational charts, and talent landscapes.

Knowledge & Current Awareness

• Develop and manage a curated current awareness service, providing updates on news, regulatory changes, market shifts, and notable industry activity.
• Support the wider Knowledge function by contributing research, tools, and scalable frameworks that improve efficiency and insight across the firm.

Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Analyse client, financial, and revenue data to identify growth areas and commercial opportunities.
• Assist in developing insight dashboards, heat maps, and trend analysis to support strategic planning.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking, profiling, and positioning assessments.

Collaboration & Strategic Support

• Partner closely with BD/Marketing, Knowledge, and fee-earners to support pitches, campaigns, thought leadership and strategic initiatives.
• Provide research-driven recommendations for events, content themes, and market engagement plans.
• Contribute to the creation of new knowledge assets, templates, libraries, and insight-driven tools.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We're looking for someone with a strong blend of research capability, analytical thinking, and communication skills. Candidates may come from research, knowledge management, information services, recruitment research, consulting research, market intelligence, or academic research backgrounds.

Experience & Skills

• Experience in a research-heavy role such as Research Analyst, Knowledge Assistant, Information Services Specialist, or similar.
• Ideally has experience of covering the legal market
• Strong skills in sourcing, interpreting, and analysing information from multiple data sources.
• Ability to distil large volumes of data into concise, actionable insights.
• Comfortable working with high complexity and high information volume
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to create structured reports and briefings
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple research requests
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and strong attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple teams and stakeholders

Who This Role Suits

This position is ideal for individuals who:

• Prefer research and strategy over client-facing work
• Enjoy analysis, mapping, and insight generation
• Thrive in detail-oriented, knowledge-driven environments
• Are curious, analytical, methodical, and commercially minded

What's on offer:

• £50-70k salary
• Performance Bonus
• 30 Days Leave + Bank Holidays
• Pension
• Private Equity Scheme
• 4 days a week onsite, work from home on Fridays