Consultant, Research

At Spotlight, our mission is to craft and sustain successful intelligence programs for our clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring our insights drive informed decisions. As a Consultant on our Research & Intelligence team, you'll be instrumental in tackling complex strategic questions and initiatives, transforming them into clear, actionable insights and focused client recommendations.

In this pivotal role, you'll play a key part in helping our clients make informed decisions based on data and insights. You'll uncover valuable insights, derive actionable findings, and make strategic recommendations. You'll work closely with our clients to understand their needs and deliver invaluable intelligence programs.

You'll apply rigorous analysis and synthesis to produce and deliver executive-ready presentations with key takeaways and strategic recommendations. This will involve an ongoing focus on diverse topics, including competitive intelligence, critical market trends, and identifying up-and-coming or disruptive forces. Your ability to engage externally, interviewing clients to understand their pain points and validate hypotheses, will be invaluable.

This is not a management consulting position, in the sense of improving clients' performance, operations, efficiency, and organizational structure. This is closer to a strategy consulting position, in the sense of helping clients discover competitive advantages, understand market trends, and position themselves for success.

The role includes strategic problem-solving, in-depth analysis, and executive-level recommendations based on competitive and market intelligence. Those effective in this role...

• Partner with Client Teams and the Research & Intelligence team to define and frame structured solutions to our clients' strategic challenges.
• Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, synthesizing diverse data points and market intelligence into coherent, compelling narratives.
• Design and deliver highly impactful, concise, and visually engaging presentations for senior leadership, translating complex findings into clear insights, actionable recommendations, and key takeaways.
• Conduct primary research through external surveys and client interviews, actively listening to understand their business challenges, pain points, and strategic priorities.
• Continuously monitor and analyze evolving market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging trends to provide proactive intelligence that anticipates future opportunities and threats.
• Collaborate effectively with various internal stakeholders, influencing strategic direction and ensuring our intelligence is integrated into client strategies and internal decision-making.
• Own and drive strategic projects from inception to completion, managing scope, timelines, and deliverables to ensure high-quality outcomes.

You should have a strong interest in strategic business challenges and could come from a variety of backgrounds, including research, analysis, consulting, marketing, internal strategy, or competitive intelligence.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Proven Experience: 8+ years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, trend analysis, strategic recommendations, content creation, and executive presentations. Experience conducting effective interviews, actively listening, and building rapport with external stakeholders to gather insights and understand complex business needs.
• Executive Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with a track record of creating and delivering executive-level presentations that are concise, impactful, and persuasive while aligning with client needs and goals.
• Client and Team Management: At least 8 years directly managing complex engagements with senior-level clients, from concept to completion. Experience managing teams and overseeing work across multiple programs simultaneously.
• Strategic Thinking: A deep understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and disruptive forces, with the ability to connect insights to strategic business implications.
• Exceptional Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to structure complex problems, conduct rigorous analysis, extract meaningful insights from diverse data sources, and develop data-driven recommendations.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of general business principles, financial concepts, and industry landscapes.
• Tool Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in slide-making software (Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, etc.) for presentation development. Familiarity with research databases and competitive/market intelligence tools is a plus.
• AI Aptitude: Proven familiarity and practical experience with AI-powered content and editing tools. You understand their capabilities and limitations in enhancing quality and scale.
• Curiosity: Strong intellectual curiosity and desire to continuously learn about new industries and topics.
• Adaptive: Committed to continuous improvement in process and output. Comfortable with ambiguity and trial and error.
• Proactive & Results-Oriented: A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, capable of managing multiple projects and delivering high-quality results.
• An upbeat, fun, and engaging attitude.

Anticipated start date is Q1 2026.

We are a fun, smart, growing firm based in the Crossroads, and a seven-time recipient of KC Business Journal's Best Place to Work award. Learn more about Spotlight at spotlightar.com.

Spotlight is an equal-opportunity employer.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

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