Research Manager (fDi Benchmark)

TL;DR

Research Manager (fDi Benchmark): Lead day-to-day production of online benchmarking tool for competitiveness of countries and cities across 150+ sectors with an accent on data accuracy, team oversight, and database maintenance. Focus on managing rankings data collection, improving data coverage and sources, and collaborating with editorial and development teams on product enhancements.

Location: Belfast, 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite)

Company

World-leading news organisation and largest global FDI Centre of Excellence, providing tools like fDi Benchmark and fDi Rankings for investment strategies and location competitiveness.

What you will do

• Lead, coach and develop the fDi Benchmark research team, setting objectives and ensuring high data quality standards.
• Manage update schedules, validate data inputs, identify coverage gaps, and improve data sources for the Benchmark database.
• Maintain documentation, manage external data providers, and collaborate on system improvements and product enhancements.
• Oversee data collection for fDi Rankings, assessing feasibility of new rankings with editorial leadership.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Statistics or related field (2:1 or above)
• Minimum 12 months’ experience with economic or FDI-related data
• Advanced Excel skills (SUMIF, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP)
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, organisational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for team collaboration
• Demonstrable interest in economics and current affairs

Nice to have

• Experience with location benchmarking
• Database management experience
• Previous team leadership, coaching and feedback

Culture & Benefits

• Generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave, subsidised gym memberships.
• 50% hybrid model fostering trust, remote adaptability and in-person collaboration.
• Supportive culture focused on diversity, equity, inclusion and employee growth.
• Opportunities for career development and community involvement.