Sr. Research Manager in Needham, Massachusetts at IDC

About the Role & Team

IDC is seeking a Senior Research Manager to lead our market coverage of the rapidly evolving software development lifecycle, with a focus on DevSecOps, Software Supply Chain Security, and AI Application Security. In this role, you will serve as an industry expert, thought leader, and strategic advisor. You will analyze market trends, evaluate vendor capabilities, and deliver actionable insights to both technology suppliers and IT buyers. This role will shape IDC's global perspective on DevSecOps and the Software Supply Chain, highlighting how these disciplines must evolve to meet the security landscape of AI and Agentic AI. The ideal candidate possesses a deep conceptual understanding of how modern software is built, secured, and deployed, paired with a passion for high-impact market research, data analysis, and client engagement.

What You’ll Do

• Thought Leadership & Research: Author comprehensive, high-quality research reports, market forecasts, and vendor assessments (such as IDC MarketScapes) detailing trends, competitive dynamics, and user adoption in DevSecOps and AI-driven security
  · Market Tracking & Forecasting: Analyze market size, growth trajectories, and spending patterns across the software supply chain and application security segments
  · Advisory Services: Provide strategic counsel to technology vendors and enterprise IT buyers on product positioning, market entry, and technology procurement
  · Industry Engagement: Serve as a prominent spokesperson for IDC at industry conferences, webinars, and in media interviews
  · Collaboration: Partner with IDC's global software development, cloud, and cybersecurity research teams to deliver cross-cutting insights on the future of digital innovation
  
  

What You Bring

• Experience: 2+ years of experience in market research, industry analysis, product management, strategic consulting, or technical journalism covering the software or cybersecurity sectors
• A strong conceptual grasp of the DevSecOps tools landscape is highly preferred
• Application Security Testing (AST): Securing AI applications, AI-generated code, and AI agents used in modern software development
• DevSecOps & CI/CD Pipelines: Understanding how security is integrated into automated build, test, and deployment workflows (shifting security "left")
• Software Supply Chain Security: Familiarity with risks associated with open-source software, dependencies, and tools like Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), secrets management, and repository security
• AI Application Security & Governance: Understanding the emerging security risks unique to AI-driven development, including securing Large Language Models (LLMs), AI code assistants, and autonomous software agents
• Core Tooling Landscape: Conceptual familiarity with the capabilities of major platforms (e.g., SAST, DAST, SCA, and container security tools)
• Analytical Mindset: Proven ability to synthesize complex technical concepts and quantitative data into clear, compelling, and structured written research

• Communication Skills: Exceptional writing and public speaking skills, with the ability to confidently present data and insights to C-level executives
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research deadlines, custom consulting projects, and client inquiries simultaneously
• AI Proficiency: Demonstrated skill in incorporating modern AI collaboration tools and LLMs into daily workflows to synthesize information, outline reports, and enhance writing efficiency
• Data & Office Proficiency: Strong quantitative skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including building and managing pivot tables. Knowledgeable across the broader Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint) to draft reports and present findings
• Travel: Willingness to travel (approximately 15%) for client meetings, industry events, and team collaboration
• Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

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

• 15 vacation days (prorated based on start date)
• 12 company-paid holidays
• 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
• 1 volunteer day
• 401(k) company match (IDC matches 3% on the first 6% of employee contributions)
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
  
• Company-paid parental leave
  

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.

The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $115,000 – $150,000, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

IDC is currently able to employ remote workers in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Washington D.C. (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kansas (KS), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA), Vermont (VT), Washington (WA), and Wisconsin (WI).