Research Director, Enterprise Communication Services

Overview

About the Role & Team IDC is seeking a Senior Director to lead its Telecom Market Research programs covering U.S. and Worldwide telecommunications services. This senior individual contributor and thought‑leadership role will drive IDC's research agenda across the full spectrum of connectivity services—including wireline, wavelength, dark fiber, and cloud datacenter‑related telecommunications—delivering authoritative analysis, market forecasts, and strategic counsel to IDC clients and the broader industry.

The ideal candidate is a recognized subject‑matter expert who combines deep technical knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure with commercial acumen, executive presence, and a passion for translating complex market dynamics into actionable intelligence.

Key Competencies Include
: Strategic Vision Sees beyond current market conditions to identify long‑horizon trends and opportunities.
Analytical Rigor Builds defensible, data‑driven forecasts and synthesizes complex information with precision.
Influence & Executive Presence: Commands credibility in boardroom settings and with senior media contacts.
Intellectual Curiosity Continuously updates expertise as the telecom landscape rapidly evolves.
Collaboration Works effectively across geographies and functional teams within a matrixed organization.
Commercial Acumen: Understands how research insights translate into business value for clients.

What You’ll Do

Research & Forecasting Design and manage comprehensive market research programs covering U.S. and global telecommunications services, connectivity products, and emerging technology trends. Develop and maintain quantitative demand‑side models and revenue forecasts across wireline, wavelength, dark fiber, SD‑WAN, and cloud‑connected network services. Analyze Service Provider transformation dynamics, business model evolution, segment economics, and competitive positioning. Produce timely market sizing, share analysis, and five‑year forecasts across relevant technology and service categories.

Thought Leadership & Publication Author high‑quality IDC research documents—Market Perspectives, Market Forecasts, Vendor Profiles, and IDC Futurescape reports. Present findings at IDC conferences, Directions events, and major industry forums; serve as an IDC media spokesperson on telecom topics. Develop annual predictions and multi‑year outlook documents that shape IDC clients' strategic planning.

Client Engagement & Advisory Conduct executive‑level advisory sessions, vendor briefings, and custom consulting engagements for Service Providers, enterprises, and technology vendors. Collaborate with IDC sales teams to identify and convert custom research and consulting opportunities. Build and maintain strong relationships with C‑suite stakeholders at major carriers, hyperscalers, and network equipment vendors.

Collaboration & Program Development Work closely with IDC's global research community—including regional analysts and technology coverage groups—to produce integrated, cross‑geography insights. Identify emerging research opportunities and help define the multi‑year research roadmap for Telecom practice. Mentor junior analysts and contribute to the professional development of the broader team.

What You Bring

• 12+ years of experience in telecommunications market research, strategy consulting, or a senior role within a telecom operator, network vendor, or analyst firm.
• Deep subject‑matter expertise across U.S. and global telecom services: wireline (Ethernet, MPLS, IP VPN), wavelength/optical, dark fiber, and cloud connectivity.
• Proven ability to build market models, demand forecasts, and competitive analysis frameworks for complex, multi‑billion‑dollar markets.
• Strong understanding of Service Provider economics, wholesale/retail market structures, and enterprise demand drivers for connectivity.
• Track record of publishing credible, high‑impact research and presenting to senior‑level audiences.
• Exceptional writing, data storytelling, and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in Economics, Engineering, Business, or a related field strongly preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exp…