Associate Manager - A2R

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced A2R research professional to play a pivotal role in the development of high‑impact thought leadership, benchmarking insights, and client‑facing research deliverables. This role sits within The Hackett Group’s global research team and works in close partnership with senior A2R advisors and practice leaders.

Success in this role requires exceptional PowerPoint capability, strong analytical skills, and proven research experience. Candidates must be able to operate independently, move quickly, and translate research insights into clear, compelling, executive‑ready deliverables with minimal guidance.

Critical Success Factors for This Role

PowerPoint Mastery – Mandatory

PowerPoint is not a supporting skill in this role; it is core.

The successful candidate must:

• Walk in the door with advanced PowerPoint skills, including slide storytelling, visual structuring of complex ideas, charting, tables, and executive‑level layouts
• Work quickly and confidently in creating and refining slides for senior audiences
• Be capable of producing polished, client‑ready decks (e.g., Spotlight reports, benchmark readouts, research summaries) with limited iteration

Excel & Analytical Skills – Strongly Preferred

• Highly proficient user of Generative AI models (inc. Co-Pilot) and a proven ability to interrogate and validate the model outputs.
• Solid Excel skills are required for analyzing benchmark data, survey results, and research inputs
• Ability to move from raw data to insights efficiently

Prior Research Experience

This role requires proven business research experience.

The candidate must have:

• Hands‑on experience with primary and secondary research in a professional setting
• Prior responsibility for shaping research questions, analyzing findings, and developing structured research outputs
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a deadline driven environment

Key Responsibilities

• Develop fresh perspectives on A2R business and technology trends, including emerging areas such as generative AI and agentic AI
• Lead and support the creation of A2R research deliverables, including:
• Benchmark‑driven reports and Spotlight studies
• Quantitative and qualitative research outputs
• Executive presentations and client‑facing insights
• Shape, execute, and synthesize findings from quantitative and qualitative research initiatives
• Translate research outputs into high‑quality PowerPoint deliverables for internal and external use
• Edit, critique, and refine research outputs to meet Hackett quality and storytelling standards
• Collaborate closely with A2R advisors to ensure research remains relevant, pragmatic, and client‑ready
• Track A2R and technology trends via market analysis, vendor activity, news, and investment signals

Ways of Working / Operating Model

• This role works primarily with senior A2R leaders as internal customers who will
• Provide direction on research topics and priorities
• Set expectations for deliverable types, content focus, and timing
• Offer feedback and content insights
• The role holder is expected to:
• Self‑manage workstreams and deliverables
• Take ownership for execution, structure, and quality
• Operate with minimal project management support

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of experience in business research, consulting, strategy, or advisory roles
• Demonstrated experience delivering research‑based insights in a professional environment
• Strong understanding of A2R subprocesses (e.g., fixed assets, intercompany, cost accounting, close, consolidation, external reporting)
• Master’s degree (MBA, CFA, CA or equivalent preferred)
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills
• Strong proficiency in PowerPoint (advanced) and Excel
• Advanced understand of LLM models (inc. Co-Pilot)

Additional Skills & Attributes

• Experience with survey design and research tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS, SAS)
• Understanding and exposure to data visualization tools such as Power BI
• Ability to perform rigorous secondary research and synthesize diverse data sources
• High attention to detail, speed, and quality under time pressure
• Comfortable working with senior stakeholders and incorporating feedback quickly
• Self‑driven, intellectually curious, and highly accountable for outcomes