Strategic research lead - Singapore/Sydney/Perth/Hong Kong

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a strategic research lead to join our Global Research & Library function, embedded within the strategic research group (SRG) and partnering closely with senior stakeholders across our APAC offices.

Global research and library proactively serves internal and external clients with trusted, actionable and technology‑enabled intelligence across the firm’s global network. The team delivers four core services: library (procurement and management of information resources), research (day‑to‑day and bespoke strategic research), global community liaison (systems, standards, expertise and coordination), and client services (client‑facing products and research and library branded outputs).

The strategic research group provides in‑depth, bespoke research and analysis that drives new business opportunities, shapes strategic initiatives and supports live client matters. You will build deep relationships with partners, sector and practice leads, and BD teams, proactively scoping work and delivering analysis that informs decision‑making at pace.

What you will do

• Produce detailed, insightful research and analysis that brings timely, decision‑ready insights to internal stakeholders and clients.

• Act as a sector lead and product expert, covering firm priority practices and key data platforms.

• Scope requests through interviews with stakeholders; recommend approaches that enhance the value of each project.

• Manage large research and analysis projects end‑to‑end (scoping, resourcing, delivery), ensuring quality and timeliness.

• Develop reports on clients/sectors/markets that identify opportunities, risks and implications for the firm and its clients.

• Contribute to external content and thought leadership in partnership with the Global Content Team (topics, hypotheses, bespoke analysis, drafting).

• Select and evaluate information sources; assess accuracy, consistency and timeliness, and identify new resources when needed.

• Partner with Practice Librarians to deliver inductions for senior joiners and newly promoted partners.

• Design, pilot and refine SRG products (e.g., recurring reports, dashboards) in response to business needs.

• Provide recommendations on research methodologies, data sets and tools for firm initiatives and pitches.

• Build and maintain relationships with key external data providers and support investment cases for new resources.

What you will have

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred; 5–7 years’ experience as a research or data analyst, with 2–5 years’ direct management experience in a research/analysis setting.

• Excellent all‑round research and analytical capability spanning business, sector and financial research.

• Strong writing skills: ability to synthesise complex arguments, draw clear conclusions and highlight opportunities.

• Numerical fluency with the ability to present data effectively in visuals and narrative.

• Proven stakeholder management: able to build credibility with senior lawyers and BD, manage expectations and negotiate priorities.

• Strategic and commercial mindset; sees the bigger picture and aligns analysis to firm and client priorities.

• Proactive, resourceful and solutions‑oriented; able to work independently while collaborating effectively on larger projects.

• Advanced interpersonal and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to senior executives and client audiences.

Technical Proficiency

• Strong capability with key financial and market data tools: Capital IQ, PitchBook, FactSet, LSEG (Refinitiv).

• High proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint; Power BI experience is a plus.

• Financial modelling experience desirable.

Additional Attributes

• Demonstrated ability to interpret raw data (e.g., deal data), surface trends and present decision‑ready insights.

• Ability to evaluate third‑party outputs, identify opportunities relevant to firm strategy and proactively surface them to stakeholders.

• Resilient, adaptable and able to operate in a fast‑paced environment.

• Team‑oriented, with a positive mindset and a commitment to delivering high‑quality service.