Research Specialist

This is a remote position. ### About the Role We are looking for a Research Specialist to build and run a research capability that supports both internal business needs and client-facing work. This is a hands-on role: the successful candidate owns research requests end to end, from scoping through to a finished, decision-ready output. The work spans company, market, and competitive research, feeding directly into business decisions and, over time, into research delivered as part of client engagements. ### Key Responsibilities • Research and verify information on companies, sectors, and markets, across a range of business topics • Sustain ongoing tracking of relevant developments over time, not just respond to one-off requests • Turn raw findings into clear, structured written briefs and summaries, translating facts into useful business insight • Support company, market, and competitive intelligence relevant to the firm’s core work • Maintain research files and reference materials for future use • Handle ad hoc research requests with strong accuracy and good turnaround • Contribute to refining research processes and documentation over time ### Requirements • Genuine, hands-on experience in market or business research (a background in competitive intelligence, strategy/commercial research, or a related analytical field is a plus, not a substitute) • Demonstrated ability to research and verify information from multiple sources, quickly and accurately • Demonstrated ability to produce a clean, structured, decision-ready brief • Fluency with research databases, company/industry data sources, and standard spreadsheet/office tools • Strong written English and clear presentation of findings • Comfortable managing multiple research requests and shifting priorities ### Nice to Have • Experience or interest in eventually supporting client-facing research work • Familiarity with professional services, recruitment, or consulting environments • Strong Excel or Google Sheets capability • Experience preparing slides, summaries, or briefing materials ### Benefits ### What We Offer • Remote work arrangement • Opportunities for professional growth • Flat management structure with direct access to decision-makers • Open communication environment ### About Haldren Haldren is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. The firm emphasises ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes. To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit https://www.haldren.com/ ### Disclaimer **Equal Employment Opportunity Statement** Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics under applicable South African law. **Commitment to Diversity** A diverse and inclusive workplace is supported through fair, merit-based selection processes and accessible recruitment practices. **Data Protection and Privacy** Personal information is handled in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and related requirements, including lawful processing, data minimisation, and appropriate security safeguards. **Pay Equity** Compensation practices are designed to support fairness and non-discrimination, with role-related factors such as responsibilities, experience, and skills considered. **Health and Safety** Workplace health and safety obligations are supported in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including reasonable measures to reduce risk. **Compliance with Law** Employment practices are intended to comply with applicable South African legislation, including the Employment Equity Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.