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

• Experience covering cloud datacenter interconnect, colocation, and hyperscaler network infrastructure trends.
• Familiarity with regulatory and policy dynamics shaping the U.S. telecom landscape (FCC, broadband policy, Open Access).
• Prior experience at a major analyst firm (IDC, Gartner, Forrester, Heavy Reading, Dell'Oro, etc.) or top-tier strategy consultancy.
• Established network of industry contacts at Tier 1/Tier 2 carriers, dark fiber operators, and network technology vendors.
• Experience with quantitative modeling tools (Excel, Python, R) and data visualization platforms.

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 per year (increases with tenure; carryover allowed)
• 10 paid sick days per year
• 1 week paid new parenting leave
• Flexible work options (remote, part-time, flexible hours)
• Health, dental, vision, and paramedical coverage for you and your family
• Annual healthcare spending account
• Employee Assistance Program for counseling and support
• Best Doctors medical second opinions
• Life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match (up to 4% of salary)
• $75/month technology allowance for home office or phone expenses
• Company-paid cell phone plan

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 Canada market data from an independent third-party partner. The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between 115,000 CAD – 180,000 CAD, 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. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job