Principal Analyst, Enterprise Architecture

Forrester Research, Inc. (US); Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Forrester Research, Inc. is seeking a Principal Analyst to lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture Practice within the Technology Architecture & Delivery Research Group.

The role guides CIOs, CTOs and IT leaders, driving insights across architecture, platforms, governance, and cost optimization to deliver measurable business results. The Principal Analyst will develop a portfolio of research, author 8–12 projects annually, and collaborate across research, sales, product, and customer success

Qualifications

• At least 10 years in EA or senior technology roles (director-level+).
• Proven ability to advise senior management and C-level clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice across Forrester research teams and Sales/Product.
• Develop deep understanding of client needs to drive research portfolios and revenue.
• Establish industry presence through speaking engagements, media relationships, and vendor briefings.
• Conduct primary research on architecture strategy, platforms, governance, and cost optimization.
• Create high-quality, actionable research content (reports, tools, webinars, blogs, videos).
• Drive Waves and Landscape reporting for EA and adjacent areas.
• Consult with clients to apply research to their business environment.

Skills

Enterprise Architecture

Research Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Public Speaking

Client Advisory

AI/Tech Trends

Financial Acumen

Travel 30%+

Job description

At Forrester, we’re trusted to work on trailblazing, mission critical problems that business and technology leaders face today. That’s why we’re always looking to empower talented individuals to perform at their best every single day. We’re proud of our community of smart people and vibrant voices who come together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage and customer obsession. The confidence and drive to be bold at work. Join us and build an extraordinary future.

About This Role:

Forrester Research is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team responsible for leading our Enterprise Solutions Architecture Practice, part of our Technology Architecture & Delivery Research Group. This practice serves CIOs, CTOs and IT Leaders and Practitioners helping them achieve high performance – the ability to deliver great business results through technology.

Principal Analyst delivers research that encompasses:

• Enterprise Architecture practice, strategy and portfolio of research
• Drive research on key platforms, vendors and trends
• Brings the right mix of both strategic and technical architecture and delivery experiences
• fosters a culture of collaboration across our Research, Sales, Product and Customer Success teams.

Job Description:

The Principal Analyst works as part of a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job.

A Principal Analyst is expected to:

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice area, working across Forrester research teams, including the Technology Strategy and Executive Partner teams as well as Sales and Product to develop a complete research portfolio that drives customer delight and revenue.
• Develop a deep understanding of what Forrester clients require to be successful as technology executives and leaders.
• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker; build relationships with journalists who cover the sector; participate in vendor briefings and field press inquiries as necessary.
• Conduct primary research into architecture strategy, solutions architecture, key technology platforms, and roadmaps, governance and risk management, financial and cost optimization, and performance management including metrics, KPIs, benchmarks etc.
• Use this research to help clients navigate challenges by providing insights on the future of solutions architecture, cost optimization, investment prioritization, and long-term workplace strategy.
• Conduct deep analysis of IT decision maker challenges and preferences balanced with employee preferences and expectations.
• Create high quality, actionable, analytically deep and fact-based research content throughout the year.
• Research/write/create approximately 8 to 12 research projects per year, which includes of mix of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property.
• Build visibility for his/her research and contribute to Forrester client communities.
• Drive and lead key Forrester Waves and Landscape reporting for the practice and adjacent areas.
• Consult with clients to apply Forrester’s research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry, guidance, and advisory and consulting engagements.
• Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events and deliver client webinars.
• Co-lead the global Forrester Enterprise Architecture forum and award program.
• Contribute to the State of Modern Technology Operations survey, a key adjacent area Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester’s account leadership teams.
• Fosters a leadership style that drives a culture of cross-team collaboration, mentorship, integrity and relentless & positive pursuits

This role can grow into to the VP Principal Analyst role for a very driven individual that brings new innovations to Forrester and to our clients as well as capture revenue and client engagement.

Job Requirements:

• At least 10 years of experience in a mix of roles as a director-level and above practitioner, enterprise architect, principal sales engineer, principal solutions architect, managing consultant, Director/Manager of Sales Engineering, or research analyst in an industry vertical or technology services.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C-level clients.
• Superior client-facing communication, listening, critical thinking, and collaboration skills with researchers, subject-matter experts, and client leaders.
• Solid technical enterprise architecture, the practice, solutions architecture and technology experiences as a leader but also founded in engineering and architecture backgrounds in key platforms.
• These platforms can include Cloud, Infrastructure, AI, Operating Systems, Security as well as additional technology platforms.
• Practioner experiences in Financial Services, Technology Services or another key industry vertical is preferred, including the ability to craft high-level architecture to illustrate complex topics and research coverage.
• Ability to leverage prevailing AI topics and technologies as they relate to the practice of EA as well as AI tools and solutions architecture.
• Ability to engage technology leaders across Enterprise Architecture, IT Delivery and Operations.
• Strong knowledge of the issues and challenges that technology executives and leaders face and expertise in the broad implications of current and emerging technology markets, economics, labor, and econometrics.
• Ability to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts; willingness to take a stand on outcomes with clients, vendors, press, and competition.
• A strong record of academic achievement.
• Superior analytical, writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• The ability to travel 30% of the time or more.

Compensation and Benefits

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition, with the exception of New York City. This salary range is based upon the position as described in the job listing. The offered compensation may vary within this range and is dependent upon the successful candidate’s primary work location, experience, training, education, and credentials. Base salary range: $141,000 - $229,000 Base salary range for New York City, NY: $161,000 - $263,000 For employees based in Washington State, the percentage listed here is an estimated bonus target as a percentage of base salary, in accordance with the Forrester Employee Bonus plan. Individual and company performance, as well as other eligibility criteria, will determine the actual incentive amount. Bonus target: 15% For information on benefits, please visit: https://forresterbenefits.com/ The application deadline is October 31, 2026. Please refer to the job posting on Forrester.com careers page if the deadline has been extended.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Here at Forrester, we welcome people from all backgrounds and perspectives. Our aim is for all candidates to be able to fully participate in Forrester’s recruitment process. If you would like to discuss a reasonable accommodation, please reach out to [e-mail]. Forrester Research, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. As a federal contractor, Forrester encourages veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

We’re a network of knowledge and experience leading to richer, fuller careers. Here, we’re always learning. Whether you want to hone your strengths or discover new ones, Forrester is the place to go for it. It’s a place where everyone is given the tools, support, and runway they need to go far. We’ll be right there beside you, every step of the way. Let’s be bold, together.

Explore #ForresterLife on: Instagram LinkedIn Glassdoor

Benefits at a Glance Benefits at a Glance - Cambridge At Forrester, we’re bold. We make big moves, transform businesses, and define the future. We’re the people who challenge, who innovate, who dare to discover. We’re a community of smart people and vibrant voices coming together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage, and customer obsession. Here you can be bold at work.

With you, we’re not just bold. We’re bold, together.