Research Manager, Global CPaaS

Job summary

The Research Manager will lead and develop IDC's global CPaaS research and advisory practice by analyzing market trends and providing strategic insights. They will author research reports, build market forecasts, and advise technology vendors and telecom operators on growth strategies.

Job details

Overview About the Role & TeamIDC is seeking a Research Manager to lead and grow its global CPaaS (Communications Platform-as-a-Service) research and advisory practice. This individual will shape IDC's perspective on API-driven communications, customer engagement platforms, and their convergence with contact center and UC&C ecosystems. The role requires a strong understanding of network APIs, conversational messaging, developer requirements, and the emerging role of GenAI and agentic AI in transforming enterprise communications. The position involves data-driven market analysis, regular writing on industry developments, thought leadership on emerging trends, creation of custom deliverables for specific clients, and advisory engagements with telecom operators, CPaaS providers, and technology vendors on growth strategy, market positioning, and ecosystem development. Our collaborative, innovative, and entrepreneurial culture is the perfect place for you to discover your future. Join IDC, the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the technology industry, and help shape how the world understands where communications technology is headed next. What You’ll Do Own, develop, and deliver market intelligence supporting IDC's global CPaaS research and advisory practice, covering API-driven communications and customer engagement platforms Track and analyze key industry trends, including network APIs, conversational messaging, developer requirements, and the impact of GenAI and agentic AI on enterprise communications Monitor the convergence of CPaaS with adjacent domains such as contact center and unified communications & collaboration (UC&C) ecosystems Shape the models to size and forecast the CPaaS market and related communications services Author syndicated and custom research reports on broad market trends and specific vendor offerings within the CPaaS space Advise telecom operators, CPaaS providers, and technology vendors on growth strategy, market positioning, and ecosystem development Analyze primary and secondary data to develop a data-driven, well-supported point of view on market direction Collaborate with analysts across IDC's broader coverage areas — including enterprise communications services, network infrastructure, cloud, and AI — to deliver cross-domain insights Build and maintain relationships with analyst relations partners and product/marketing leaders at technology vendor clients Support related consulting engagements and custom research projects Attend and/or present at relevant vendor, industry, and IDC events as required as a CPaaS subject matter expert Contribute written and social media coverage of CPaaS-related news, vendor developments, and market events What You Bring Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MSc) a plus, particularly in telecommunications or related technical field 5–10 years of relevant CPaaS experience with demonstrated expertise in areas such as network APIs, conversational messaging or related technologies Familiarity with the role of GenAI and agentic AI in communications and customer engagement use cases Strong quantitative and qualitative (narrative) research skills, including data modeling and market sizing Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical trends into clear, actionable insight for clients Self-driven, with strong initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving ability Ability to travel as needed (approximately 15–20%) for client meetings, vendor briefings, and industry events Work Model: 100% Remote 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 $110,000 CAD – $135,000 CAD, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation. If this role relocates to a different country, the salary range will be updated to reflect that country's range, rather than a currency conversion of the original range. Equal Opportunity Employer IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify. #LI-CW1#LI-Remote

What you’ll do

The Research Manager will lead and develop IDC's global CPaaS research and advisory practice by analyzing market trends and providing strategic insights. They will author research reports, build market forecasts, and advise technology vendors and telecom operators on growth strategies.

Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and 5–10 years of relevant experience in CPaaS, network APIs, or related communications technologies. Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills are required, along with the ability to translate complex technical trends into actionable insights.

Benefits

• Vacation days
• Paid sick days
• Paid new parenting leave
• Flexible work options
• Health coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paramedical coverage
• Annual healthcare spending account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical second opinions
• Life insurance
• AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Technology allowance

Listed skills

• Forecasting · Preferred
• Qualitative research · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Market intelligence
• Market sizing
• Forecasting
• Data modeling
• Strategic advisory
• API-driven communications
• Conversational messaging
• GenAI
• Agentic AI
• Enterprise communications
• Research writing
• Thought leadership
• Ecosystem development
• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research
• Communication skills
• Analyst Relations
• Market Size
• Network Infrastructure
• Research Reports
• Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Curiosity
• Technology Ecosystems
• Thought Leadership
• Global Perspective
• Market Positioning
• Research
• Adaptability
• Application Programming Interface (API)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Telecommunications
• Investments
• Communication
• Consulting
• Customer Engagement
• Data Modeling
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Equities
• Growth Strategies
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Market Analysis
• Market Data
• Market Intelligence
• Market Trend
• Product Marketing
• Unified Communications
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Writing

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Consulting
• Technology
• Management & Leadership
• Data & Analytics
• Research Manager
• Communications Manager (General)
• Advertising and Public Relations Managers
• Public Relations Managers

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