Director of Research

Summary

Join Tracker Group as the Director of Research and play a pivotal role in delivering its research program. You will oversee the quality of research deliverables across six teams focusing on energy, nature, policy, data, and investor engagement. Responsibilities include guiding research teams, synthesizing findings, writing reports, and coordinating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate possesses extensive financial sector experience, strong analytical and writing skills, and a deep understanding of sustainability issues. This leadership role requires experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and fostering a positive work culture. The position offers a hybrid work environment, generous annual leave, pension contributions, health benefits, and a cycle-to-work scheme.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of direct experience in the financial sector including time with a major capital markets focused institution
• Demonstrated delivery of high-quality capital markets targeted research, quantifying financial exposures to material sustainability-related risks, either on the buy- or sell-side
• Proven ability to write impactful papers and reports focused on targeted institutional investors and/or major corporates operating in climate-related and/or nature-related sectors
• Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills demonstrated through research outputs produced over time
• Clear understanding of financial securities and their functions, including but not limited to listed equity, soft commodities, corporate fixed income and sovereign fixed income; and different climate and nature related asset classes, such as infrastructure and real estate
• In-depth understanding of financial accounts and investment analytics
• Demonstrable knowledge of Climate & Energy Transition and/or Natural Capital issues
• Strong writing skills with the ability to produce analytical papers in a timely fashion, with relevant prompt engineering and technology query experience
• Understand how AI can be applied in climate data analysis (e.g., trend forecasting, risk modelling) to guide and integrate innovative methods into research
• Data interpretation and insight development: ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations for investors, policymakers and stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team, track record of building consensus and inspiring mutual respect
• A commitment to developing positive work culture, particularly on addressing DEIB issues
• A track record of leadership, with experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams, fostering innovation, and mentoring researchers
• Experienced presenter and public speaker

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the Tracker Group’s research and tools are consistent with the strategic vision of the organisation
• Responsible for sourcing and synthesising qualitative and quantitative data for Tracker Group research outputs, working in co-ordination with the teams and partners
• Scope, conceptualise, and support the delivery of an investment/finance-oriented research programme including, but not limited to, in-depth data analysis on companies, sectors and countries; a range of financial securities (e.g. equity, corporate and sovereign debt, commodities); and market-based regulation
• Where the work programme requires, ensure teams undertake analysis of corporate shareholdings and lenders, and articulate the critical material risks posed by and to these positions by designing stress test scenarios that analyse the risk and potential for financial downside, as well as the opportunities for enhanced financial return
• Evaluate capital market investment flows from institutional investors to corporate stakeholders where necessary via conduits such as banks, project finance, insurance or other intermediaries
• Co-ordinate with the Head of Communications on the full production cycle of each Tracker-style deliverable and agree on the communications plan
• Oversee the delivery of webinars and other targeted marketing
• Guiding the Head of Engagement on the investor engagement plan to ensure maximum impact for research outputs and clear performance measurement indicators
• Align with the Head of Development/Fundraising in promoting the Tracker Group to existing and potential funders, and ensuring the delivery of funded agreements
• Be accountable for the quality of written products and associated investment tools defined in the workplan
• Meet ad hoc research needs in consultation with the Senior Management Team
• Along with other team members, be responsible for the presentation of research findings to expert audiences and to other stakeholders (such as media, funders), where required
• Review and adapt research processes where appropriate to ensure quality and efficiency, while being mindful of costs, with assistance from Finance
• Develop a team culture, working closely with the Head of Human Resources, which promotes inclusivity, cooperation and mutual respect

Preferred Qualifications

• Chartered Financial Analyst (or equivalent)
• Sustainability-related qualification
• Data visualisation: Understanding of tools like Power BI or Tableau for presenting data in an engaging, clear format for a range of stakeholders
• Familiarity with climate research tools, geospatial mapping tools or climate modelling frameworks, sufficient to oversee technical teams or understand outputs
• Proficient expertise with data sets such as Bloomberg and/or FactSet – demonstratable skills in accessing and synthesising data together with publishing on these platforms

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Environment: Minimum of two days in the office, with the rest either from the office or home
• Annual Leave: 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with an additional day for every year worked (up to a maximum of 30 days per year)
• Pension Contribution: 7% employer contribution
• Health Benefits: Possibility to opt into private healthcare
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Access to a cycle-to-work scheme
• Remote Work Flexibility: Up to four weeks per year working remotely