Principal Analyst, Enterprise Architecture

Phase2 Technology; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Forrester Research in Seattle is seeking a Principal Analyst to lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture Practice within the Technology Architecture & Delivery Research Group. The role blends strategic guidance for CIOs and IT leaders with hands-on research across architecture, platforms, governance, and cost optimization.

You will produce high-quality content—reports, webinars, blogs—and help shape Forrester Waves and Landscape reports.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in director-level or above roles in enterprise architecture or related consulting.
• Strong advisory skills with senior management and C-level clients.
• Solid knowledge of Cloud, AI, security and other key tech platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice area across Forrester teams.
• Develop deep understanding of client requirements and deliver strategic guidance.
• Create high-quality, fact-based research content including reports, webinars, blogs, and briefs.
• Drive Forrester Waves and Landscape reporting for the practice.
• Present at events and participate in client engagements.
• Travel up to 30% or more.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Client advisory

Executive communication

Technical leadership

AI technologies

Education

Academic achievement

Job description

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. The Principal Analyst delivers research that encompasses: 1) Enterprise Architecture practice, strategy and portfolio of research 2) Drive research on key platforms, vendors and trends 3) Bring the right mix of both strategic and technical architecture and delivery experiences 4) Foster a culture of collaboration across our Research, Sales, Product and Customer Success teams.

Job Description

• 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: 1) architecture strategy, solutions architecture, key technology platforms and roadmaps; 2) governance and risk management; 3) financial and cost optimization; 4) 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, including written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Build visibility for the 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.
• Foster a leadership style that drives a culture of cross‑team collaboration, mentorship, integrity and relentless & positive pursuits.
• This role can grow into the VP Principal Analyst role for a very driven individual who brings new innovations to Forrester and to our clients as well as captures 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, practice, solutions architecture and technology experience as a leader, with a foundation in engineering and architecture backgrounds in key platforms such as Cloud, Infrastructure, AI, Operating Systems, Security and additional technology platforms.
• Practitioner experience 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

Base salary range: $141,000 – $229,000

Base salary range for Georgia: $126,000 – $206,000

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/

Legal

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.

FLSA Status: Exempt