Research Director, Industrial Water, North America

Bluefield Research is seeking a dynamic Research Director to lead water market and industry analysis for the U.S. and Canada industrial water sector. This key role focuses on industrial water management across heavy and light industries, including manufacturing, energy, food & beverage, chemicals, and more. This key role involves managing and collaborating with a talented team of global water experts to deliver industry-leading insights and real-time client support.

Bluefield’s global research team is known for its high-quality, data-driven analyses in an evolving market shaped by climate change, policy developments, and competitive strategies. We’re looking for a leader with industry expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and a demonstrated want to influence the future of water for a growing roster of companies focused on the water sector.

Become a water industry thought leader. We are seeking a candidate who has strong skills in the following:

• Team Leadership: Guide a team of analysts to deliver impactful reports, data-backed presentations, and client workshops.Foster collaboration, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose across the team and company.
• Research and Data: Monitor and analyze key trends– including policy shifts, climate impacts, infrastructure investments, and supply chain dynamics– to support our ongoing stream of research.
• Client Engagement: Provide expert support to clients, ensuring alignment between research insights and their business needs. This is manifested through workshops, presentations, webcasts, and podcasts to maximize client value.
• Industry Thought Leadership: Become a leading voice across the water sector by representing Bluefield as a thought leader through speaking engagements, published insights, and client interactions. Build and nurture relationships with industry stakeholders to identify new opportunities for growth.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Closely collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to strategically identify near and long-term opportunities, promote Bluefield insights to existing prospective clients, and be a subject matter expert. This also includes attending conferences and associated travel.
• Project Management: Develop research plans, manage project timelines, and guide resource allocation to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality analysis. The role also includes working closely with the editorial and production teams.

Required Skills and Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in water, energy, infrastructure, market research sectors, or applicable industry.
• Prior experience as a research analyst
• Prior management experience is a plus
• Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus (e.g., Tableau, Sisense, Qlik) preferred.
• Strong PowerPoint and Excel Skills (i.e. ability to build pivot tables, basic understanding of how statistical modeling works)
• Exceptional communication skills—verbal and written—with strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments with effective organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel for client meetings, conferences, and sales activities.
• Fluency in English with strong writing and presentation skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• Experience in an entrepreneurial environment is highly valued.
• U.S. citizenship or valid work visa required.
• This position will be based out of either our Boston (Massachusetts) or our Berkeley (California) offices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including dental and vision.
• Generous PTO: 3 weeks of vacation plus paid public holidays and sick leave.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Opportunities for career growth in a dynamic, growing company.

Compensation: Competitive salary and performance-based bonus, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter (PDF) to careers@bluefieldresearch.com. Include the position title in the subject line.

Only qualified candidates will receive a response.