Research Team Lead

Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and flexible work options

Medical insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Growth opportunities

Collaborative workplace culture

Job summary

Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors is seeking a Research Co-Lead to oversee a team of Research Associates and partner with Brokers, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership. The role blends hands-on research with people leadership, planning, and accountability, making research a competitive advantage for the firm.

You will drive accuracy, timeliness, and scalability of research outputs, supporting deal execution and client-ready materials in a fast-paced, broker-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Commercial real estate research experience (2+ years preferred)
• Strong understanding of valuation concepts and market dynamics
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort with large datasets
• Experience mentoring or leading others
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with ability to see the big picture
• Strong planning, prioritization, and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and follow through

Responsibilities

• Own Pinnacle’s research function across all commercial product types (industrial, office, retail, multifamily, land, specialty)
• Establish and continuously improve research standards, assumptions, templates, and methodologies
• Ensure consistency and accuracy across all research deliverables
• Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities in market coverage and data
• Partner with the Director of Operations to align research priorities with firm business goals and recruiting efforts
• Provide senior research support for complex deals and client materials
• Train and develop Research Associates and interns
• Set clear priorities, deadlines, and performance expectations
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement

Skills

Commercial real estate research

Communication skills

Leadership/mentoring

Time management

Independent decision making

Tools

CoStar

LoopNet

CoreLogic

Excel

RealNex CRM

Job description

Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors is a leading commercial real estate firm in Denver, known for our dynamic, energetic, and collaborative culture. We are a high-growth company committed to delivering unmatched service and expertise to our clients. At Pinnacle, we value teamwork, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, creating an environment where you can thrive and grow your career.

Role Overview

This role ensures that research outputs are accurate, timely, market-relevant, and predictable, while leading a team of Research Associates and serving as a trusted partner to Brokers, Marketing, Operations, and Leadership. The Research Co-Lead balances hands-on technical expertise with people leadership, planning, and accountability.

This role makes Pinnacle’s research a true competitive advantage, reducing friction for brokers, improving client confidence, and enabling the firm to operate proactively rather than reactively.

Core Outcomes (What Success Looks Like)

• Brokers trust Pinnacle Research as a differentiator and rely on it with confidence
• Research deliverables are consistent, accurate, and delivered on agreed timelines
• Workload is planned in advance; last-minute fire drills are the exception, not the norm
• Research Associates are well-supported, aligned, and continuously improving
• Research systems, templates, and methodologies are documented and scalable
• The Director of Operations has visibility into capacity, priorities, and performance

Key Responsibilities

1.Research Strategy & Ownership

• Own Pinnacle’s research function across all commercial product types (industrial, office, retail, multifamily, land, specialty)
• Establish and continuously improve research standards, assumptions, templates, and methodologies
• Ensure consistency and accuracy across all research deliverables
• Identify gaps, risks, and opportunities in market coverage and data
• Partner with the Director of Operations to align research priorities with firm business goals and recruiting efforts

2.Broker & Deal Support

• Ensure timely, accurate research support for BOVs, listings, pitches, and client-facing materials
• Serve as a senior research resource on complex or high-profile deals
• Set and communicate clear research requirements, timelines, and expectations
• Reduce rework by ensuring clarity and completeness at intake
• Collaborate closely with Marketing to ensure seamless handoff of data and assumptions
• Train and develop Research Associates and interns
• Set clear priorities, deadlines, and performance expectations
• Provide coaching, feedback, and support, especially during high-volume periods
• Build bench strength through cross-training and documented processes
• Foster a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement

4.Planning, Capacity & Accountability

• Own weekly, monthly, and quarterly research planning
• Anticipate workload spikes and proactively manage capacity and priorities
• Track turnaround times, bottlenecks, and quality metrics
• Escalate risks early with proposed solutions
• Ensure commitments are realistic, visible, and met

5.Data, Systems & Tools

• Maintain mastery of research and data tools including CoStar, LoopNet, CoreLogic, Excel, RealNex CRM, and internal databases
• Own the health, structure, and integrity of Pinnacle’s research databases
• Ensure version control, data accuracy, and audit-ready documentation
• Continuously improve efficiency through systems, automation, and workflow improvements

6.Training & Enablement

• Train Research Associates and brokers on research tools, databases, and best practices
• Support onboarding of new brokers and staff related to research and data systems
• Serve as a firm-wide resource for research-related questions and standards

7.EOS & Operational Discipline

• Fully own the Research seat on the EOS Accountability Chart
• Maintain a Research Scorecard with measurable KPIs
• Set, track, and complete quarterly Rocks
• Participate actively and prepared in L10 meetings
• Contribute to Quarterly Conversations and talent planning

Required Skills & Experience

• Commercial real estate research or related experience (2+ years preferred)
• Strong understanding of valuation concepts and market dynamics
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large datasets
• Experience managing, mentoring, or leading others
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with the ability to see the big picture
• Strong planning, prioritization, and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and follow through

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in commercial real estate brokerage
• Working knowledge of CoStar and similar platforms
• Experience working in a fast-paced, broker-driven environment

What We Offer

• Competitive annual salary between $50,000 to $70,000, commensurate with experience, plus bonus potential
• All-purpose paid time off (PTO) and flexible work options
• Medical insurance with up to 60% of employee premiums covered, 50% for dependents; dental and vision available
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Opportunities for growth in creative project ownership, real estate marketing strategy, and leadership
• A vibrant, collaborative workplace culture that values creativity, autonomy, and results

Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. This position is classified as full-time and non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and applicable Colorado state law.