Research Manager

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Research Manager based in United States. This role offers the opportunity to shape market intelligence at the intersection of AI, customer experience, sales, customer service, and contact center technologies. You will produce research and competitive insights that help technology providers and buyers make informed investment decisions. The position combines market analysis, client engagement, business development, and thought leadership in an evolving technology landscape. You will assess vendor offerings, buyer behavior, market trends, and AI adoption to develop credible, research-backed perspectives. Working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams, you will help establish authoritative viewpoints in a market that is still taking shape. Success requires analytical rigor, strong communication, commercial awareness, and a genuine interest in how AI is transforming customer interactions. Manage ongoing client relationships and ensure research programs remain relevant to evolving technology markets and customer needs. Lead and develop a continuous research program, collaborating with clients to define priorities, deliver insights, and achieve annual value and revenue targets. Serve as a subject-matter expert across AI-enabled sales, customer service, contact center, Voice of Customer, and broader Customer Experience technologies. Own and maintain a 12-month rolling research agenda covering market trends, vendor developments, competitive intelligence, buyer behavior, and emerging AI applications. Produce market research and strategic insights that help technology suppliers and buyers evaluate investments, competitive positioning, and market opportunities. Analyze vendor offerings and competitive landscapes to develop market perspectives, sizing assessments, and actionable strategic guidance. Drive business development activities by engaging new technology vendors, expanding research coverage, strengthening market visibility, and growing the addressable market. Support technology suppliers and buyers through client inquiries, providing informed guidance and relevant research-based perspectives. Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior executives and technology stakeholders through effective communication and strategic discussions. Collaborate closely with internal product, research, data, and delivery teams to develop and deliver high-quality research programs. Contribute to thought leadership and help establish credible perspectives on AI adoption across customer-facing business functions. Attend vendor events, trade shows, and client engagements to gather market intelligence, strengthen relationships, and represent the research program. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Voice of Customer, Customer Feedback, Customer Experience, Contact Center, Innovation, Strategy, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may also be considered. 5+ years of professional experience in Customer Experience, Voice of Customer, Contact Center, Customer Service, or a comparable leadership or research-oriented role. Demonstrated experience managing clients, leading projects through delivery, and contributing to revenue or business development objectives. Deep understanding of contact center, customer service, Voice of Customer, CX technologies, and the associated competitive landscape. Strong interest in AI and its application to customer-facing functions, including sales, service, contact centers, and customer engagement. Strong analytical and research capabilities, with the ability to translate complex market information into clear, actionable strategic insights. Excellent verbal, written, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to lead meaningful discussions and communicate strategic messages effectively. Confidence engaging senior-level executives and the ability to r