Senior Research Analyst - Partnering Ecosystems, Alliances & Channels

About the Role & Team

The Senior Research Analyst will support IDC's EMEA Partnering Ecosystems practice, helping technology vendors, distributors, cloud providers, systems integrators, and ecosystem participants understand how partner business models, ecosystem strategies, channel programs, and go-to-market approaches are evolving across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The role will contribute to IDC research covering partner ecosystems, strategic alliances, marketplaces, distribution, channel strategy, and emerging AI-driven ecosystem trends. Working closely with IDC's worldwide Partnering Ecosystems, Alliances & Channels team, the analyst will support primary research, develop written research content, contribute to custom consulting projects, and assist in delivering actionable insights to clients.

This position combines qualitative and quantitative research, market analysis, survey development, executive interviews, and content creation. The role offers an opportunity to work closely with senior analysts and industry leaders while contributing to research and thought leadership on the evolution of technology ecosystems, partner-led growth, AI, marketplaces, alliances, route-to-market innovation, and changing partner business models.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct primary and secondary research on partner ecosystems, alliances, marketplaces, and channel-related topics.
• Support survey design, data analysis, executive interviews, and research projects.
• Develop written research content including market notes, presentations, reports, blogs, and client deliverables.
• Contribute to custom consulting engagements by gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing market, ecosystem, and competitive information.
• Assist in preparing and delivering client presentations, webinars, executive briefings, and workshops.
• Monitor and analyze technology ecosystem trends, including AI, cloud, marketplaces, distribution, and partner business model evolution.
• Collaborate with regional and worldwide IDC analysts to support research programs and client engagements.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3+ years of experience in partnering ecosystems, alliances, channel strategy, distribution, route-to-market strategy, consulting, market intelligence, research, or a related advisory role.
• Good understanding of the technology ecosystem, including technology vendors, cloud providers, distributors, systems integrators, service providers, and partner communities.
• Experience analyzing business, market, ecosystem, go-to-market, or partner strategy topics and translating findings into actionable insights.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including survey analysis, executive interviewing, market analysis, and development of compelling narratives and recommendations.
• Understanding of technology industry trends and their impact on partner ecosystems, including areas such as AI, cloud, marketplaces, alliances, distribution, partner business models, and route-to-market evolution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create thought leadership, present findings, and engage effectively with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting client-facing research, consulting, strategy, alliance, channel, ecosystem, or market intelligence activities.
• Comfortable representing IDC through client presentations, webinars, industry events, executive briefings, and media engagement.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with regional and worldwide research teams.
• Knowledge of EMEA market dynamics, including regional differences, regulatory considerations, and geopolitical factors, is desirable.

Why This Role Stands Out At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• A complete benefit package: private healthcare, non-contributory 8% pension plan, 28 days of holidays, 1 volunteer day, plus annually reviewed company-wide closure on 24 December – 1 January inclusive (Global Shutdown).
• Individualized Culture: An environment where you can explore new areas outside your specialty and stay engaged with work you enjoy.
• Remote Work & Flexibility: Work from home with a requirement of only one day per month in the office.
• A position in a highly professional and globally respected market research and advisory firm, where initiative leading to results is rewarded.

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify. 

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