Director of Research

CriticalPoint; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

CriticalPoint is seeking a Director of Research to oversee the firm’s research creation, analysis and insights delivery across industries. You will shape strategy, guide data-driven narratives and oversee research that informs investment theses and client opportunities.

You will lead a team to produce high-quality research, leverage AI tools for automation, and present findings clearly to executives and clients. The role demands strategic leadership and a track record of professional integrity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in financial and/or market research.
• Strong expertise in financial markets, macroeconomic analysis, asset-level assessment and valuation.
• Extensive experience in creating and presenting actionable research insights to senior executives and clients.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Ability to leverage AI tools and build systems to enhance automation and scalability.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Ability to think strategically, with a focus on long-term goals and business growth.
• Demonstrated history of professionalism, accountability, resourcefulness and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead and manage the research efforts to ensure high-quality, data-driven, and actionable insights are delivered consistently.
• Develop and implement the firm’s research strategy, aligning with business goals and client opportunities.
• Work closely with senior leadership to determine, plan and execute business development opportunities.
• Oversee and evaluate client-specific and company-level research to identify opportunities and trends.
• Leverage a suite of resources and databases (e.g. Frost & Sullivan, Forrester, Gartner, IBISWorld).
• Act as the primary liaison between the research team and key stakeholders, including clients, bankers and members of the internal team.
• Present complex research findings in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g. execute, source, private capital, valuations) to ensure research is aligned with broader organizational goals.
• Stay updated with the latest market trends, economic developments and technology.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and foster innovative thinking within the research team.
• Engage with clients to present key research findings, insights, and recommendations, showcasing the firm’s expertise in research.
• Build and maintain strong relationships internally.

Job description

The Director of Research will lead the firm’s research creation, analysis, and communication of insights across various industries. This role requires a strategic leader who can drive the development of cutting-edge research and analysis that informs thematic narratives, investment theses and targets for clients and supports the firm’s overall objectives. The Director of Research will assist in developing a best-in-class research product, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build, lead and manage the research efforts to ensure high-quality, data-driven, and actionable insights are delivered consistently
• Develop and implement the firm’s research strategy, aligning with business goals and client opportunities
• Work closely with senior leadership to determine, plan and execute business development opportunities

Research & Analysis

• Oversee and evaluate client-specific and company-level research to identify opportunities and trends
• Leverage a suite of resources and databases (e.g. Frost & Sullivan, Forrester, Gartner, IBISWorld)
• Act as the primary liaison between the research team and key stakeholders, including clients, bankers and members of the internal team
• Present complex research findings in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Collaborate with other departments (e.g. execute, source, private capital, valuations) to ensure research is aligned with broader organizational goals
• Stay updated with the latest market trends, economic developments and technology
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and foster innovative thinking within the research team.

Client Engagement

• Engage with clients to present key research findings, insights, and recommendations, showcasing the firm’s expertise in research
• Build and maintain strong relationships internally

Required Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in financial and/or market research
• Strong expertise in financial markets, macroeconomic analysis, asset-level assessment and valuation
• Extensive experience in creating and presenting actionable research insights to senior executives and clients
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Ability to leverage AI tools and build systems to enhance automation and scalability
• Exceptional written and verbal communication
• Ability to think strategically, with a focus on long-term goals and business growth
• Demonstrated history of professionalism, accountability, resourcefulness and integrity