Research Manager, fDi Benchmark

About Us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

FT Locations is a major division of the Financial Times Ltd, specialising in all areas relating to foreign direct investment and investment promotion. We are the largest FDI Centre of Excellence globally. Our full suite of services include: location advertising to generate brand awareness; industry-leading tools to develop FDI strategies and identify potential investors; and tailored FDI events and investor roundtables to meet target companies and generate business leads.

fDi Benchmark is the only online tool to benchmark the competitiveness of countries and cities in over 150 sectors. Its comprehensive location data series covers the main cost and quality competitiveness indicators for over 900 locations around the world.

fDi Rankings is a series of rankings and awards conducted by fDi Intelligence, focusing on the future attractiveness of various locations for inward investment.

We are seeking a Research Manager to lead the day-to-day production of fDi Benchmark and oversee data collection for fDi Rankings. This role sits within the Economics, Analysis & Insights team and is central to maintaining the integrity, quality and development of our flagship data products.

You will manage a team of researchers, ensure the accuracy and consistency of large datasets, and collaborate closely with editorial, product, and development teams. This is a hands-on role combining people leadership, data management, and analytical oversight.

Key Responsibilities

People Management

• Lead, support and develop the fDi Benchmark research team
• Provide training, coaching and regular feedback to team members
• Set and review SMART objectives on a quarterly and annual basis
• Maintain high data quality standards through team oversight and review
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new researchers

Database Management

• Manage the update schedule and ongoing maintenance of the fDi Benchmark database
• Review and validate data inputs to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Identify gaps in coverage across sectors and geographies and improve data sources
• Maintain clear and structured documentation, files and processes
• Manage relationships and agreements with external data providers
• Collaborate with development teams on system improvements and issue resolution
• Contribute to the evolution of data points and product enhancements
• Maintain data guides and be responsible for ad hoc production tasks

fDi Rankings Data Management

• Collaborate with editorial and research leadership to assess feasibility of new rankings
• Oversee timely and accurate completion of rankings data collection

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Economics, Statistics, or a related field with strong economic focus (2:1 or above)
• Minimum 12 months’ experience working with economic or FDI-related data
• Advanced Excel skills (including SUMIF, COUNTIF, VLOOKUP)
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• High attention to detail and ability to review and validate others’ work
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly
• Proven track record to collaborate effectively within a team environment
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Demonstrable interest in economics and current affairs

Desirable

• Experience or understanding of location benchmarking
• Experience with database management
• Previous team leadership experience, including coaching and feedback

What’s in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, please email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further Information

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Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.
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