Research Specialist

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 Keller Executive Search

Keller Executive Search 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

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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.