Principal Analyst, Enterprise Architecture

About This Role

Forrester Research is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team responsible for leading our Enterprise Solutions Architecture Practice, part of our Technology Architecture & Delivery Research Group. This practice serves CIOs, CTOs and IT Leaders and Practitioners helping them achieve high performance – the ability to deliver great business results through technology.

The Principal Analyst delivers research that encompasses:

• Enterprise Architecture practice, strategy and portfolio of research

Drive research on key platforms, vendors and trends. Bring the right mix of both strategic and technical architecture and delivery experiences. Foster a culture of collaboration across our Research, Sales, Product and Customer Success teams.

• Lead the Enterprise Solutions Architecture practice area, working across Forrester research teams, including the Technology Strategy and Executive Partner teams as well as Sales and Product to develop a complete research portfolio that drives customer delight and revenue.
• Develop a deep understanding of what Forrester clients require to be successful as technology executives and leaders.
• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker; build relationships with journalists who cover the sector; participate in vendor briefings and field press inquiries as necessary.
• Conduct primary research into architecture strategy, solutions architecture, key technology platforms, and roadmaps; governance and risk management; financial and cost optimization; and performance management including metrics, KPIs and benchmarks. Use this research to help clients navigate challenges by providing insights on the future of solutions architecture, cost optimization, investment prioritization, and long‑term workplace strategy.
• Conduct deep analysis of IT decision maker challenges and preferences balanced with employee preferences and expectations.
• Create high‑quality, actionable, analytically deep and fact‑based research content throughout the year. Research/write/create approximately 8 to 12 research projects per year, which includes a mix of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Build visibility for his/her research and contribute to Forrester client communities.
• Drive and lead key Forrester Waves and Landscape reporting for the practice and adjacent areas.
• Consult with clients to apply Forrester’s research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry, guidance, and advisory and consulting engagements.
• Present at Forrester‑sponsored and industry‑related events and deliver client webinars.
• Co‑lead the global Forrester Enterprise Architecture forum and award program.
• Contribute to the State of Modern Technology Operations survey, a key adjacent area.
• Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester’s account leadership teams.
• Foster a leadership style that drives a culture of cross‑team collaboration, mentorship, integrity and relentless positivity.
• This role can grow into the VP Principal Analyst role for a very driven individual that brings new innovations to Forrester and to our clients as well as capture revenue and client engagement.

• At least 10 years of experience in roles such as director‑level and above practitioner, enterprise architect, principal sales engineer, principal solutions architect, managing consultant, Director/Manager of Sales Engineering, or research analyst.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C‑level clients.
• Superior client‑facing communication, listening, critical thinking and collaboration skills with researchers, subject‑matter experts and client leaders.
• Solid technical enterprise architecture experience and, as a leader, founded in engineering and architecture backgrounds in key platforms such as Cloud, Infrastructure, AI, Operating Systems, Security and additional technology platforms.
• Practioner experiences in Financial Services, Technology Services or another key industry vertical is preferred,…