Research Manager, fDi Benchmark

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Our Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

FT Locationsis a major division of the Financial Times Ltd specialising in all areas relating to foreign direct investment and investment promotion. We are the largest FDI Centre of Excellence globally. Our full suite of services include: location advertising to generate brand awareness; industry-leading tools to develop FDI strategies and identify potential investors; and tailored FDI events and investor roundtables to meet target companies and generate business leads.

fDi Benchmarkis the only online tool to benchmark the competitiveness of countries and cities in over 150 sectors. Its comprehensive location data series covers the main cost and quality competitiveness indicators for over 900 locations around the world.

fDi Rankingsis a series of rankings and awards conducted by fDi Intelligence focusing on the future attractiveness of various locations for inward investment.

We are seeking aResearch Managerto lead the day-to-day production of fDi Benchmark and oversee data collection for fDi Rankings. This role sits within the Economics Analysis & Insights team and is central to maintaining the integrity quality and development of our flagship data products.

You will manage a team of researchers ensure the accuracy and consistency of large datasets and collaborate closely with editorial product and development teams. This is a hands-on role combining people leadership data management and analytical oversight.

Key Responsibilities

People Management

• Lead support and develop the fDi Benchmark research team
• Provide training coaching and regular feedback to team members
• Set and review SMART objectives on a quarterly and annual basis
• Maintain high data quality standards through team oversight and review
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new researchers

Database Management

• Manage the update schedule and ongoing maintenance of the fDi Benchmark database
• Review and validate data inputs to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Identify gaps in coverage across sectors and geographies and improve data sources
• Maintain clear and structured documentation files and processes
• Manage relationships and agreements with external data providers
• Collaborate with development teams on system improvements and issue resolution
• Contribute to the evolution of data points and product enhancements
• Maintain data guides and be responsible for ad hoc production tasks

fDi Rankings Data Management

• Collaborate with editorial and research leadership to assess feasibility of new rankings
• Oversee timely and accurate completion of rankings data collection

Required Skills and Experience

• Masters degree or equivalent experience in Economics Statistics or a related field with strong economic focus (2:1 or above)
• Minimum 12 months experience working with economic or FDI-related data
• Advanced Excel skills (including SUMIF COUNTIF VLOOKUP)
• Strong analytical critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• High attention to detail and ability to review and validate others work
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
• Proven track record to collaborate effectively within a team environment
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Demonstrable interest in economics and current affairs

Desirable

• Experience or understanding of location benchmarking
• Experience with database management
• Previous team leadership experience including coaching and feedback

Whats in it for You

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave medical cover inclusive parental leave packages subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are availablehere.

Weve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions please email and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further Information

At the FT we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills experience and qualifications.
Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
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