Research & Technology Director for World Benchmarking Alliance

SRI Executive Search has been contracted by World Benchmarking Alliance to assist with the search for an exceptional candidate to fill the position of Research & Technology Director.

About World Benchmarking Alliance

“Catalysing change across the 2,000 most powerful global companies”

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is an independent, non-profit organisation that measures how businesses impact people and planet so that together, we can hold companies accountable for contributing to sustainable development.

To achieve this, we measure how the 2,000 most influential businesses are impacting people and the planet. Our research is freely available, our benchmarks and methodologies serve as a roadmap for companies to understand the changes they need to make to put our planet, society, and the economy on a more sustainable path. We support our Allies, UN agencies, governments, and other stakeholders in the broader corporate accountability ecosystem to understand how they can establish clear consequences for corporate inaction.

WBA has a distinctive organisational culture, drawing on principles of Teal and Regenerative Leadership. We are building a workplace where collaboration, trust, and personal growth are prioritised alongside high performance. We are committed to ongoing cultural evolution and seek candidates who are excited to contribute to an environment where both our results and our people continually improve.

For more information, visit www.worldbenchmarkingalliance.org.

Role Purpose

WBA is looking for a seasoned and driven leader to head the Research and Technology function and become part of WBA’s Executive Board, becoming one of our four Directors.

They have just completed a restructure to reimagine the way they work and to deliver a more agile and future-fit organisation in 2026 and beyond. This is a chance to play a foundational role in shaping WBA’s future and be part of a high-performing team. You’ll be a key architect in defining how WBA delivers impact in the research and Technology team, in order to deliver our ambitious mission.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Leading a global team of c.40 researchers within a broader organisation of c.85 colleagues, you will be:

• Providing strategic leadership for the Research & Technology function.
• Ensuring the quality, credibility and relevance of research outputs.
• Defining how technology and data systems support research and organisational delivery.
• Bringing greater integration across research, technology and engagement.
• Contributing to organisational strategy as a member of the Executive Board.
• Representing WBA’s research externally and building partnerships.

You’ll also be working closely with the Engagement and Communication teams across three impact pathways:

• Helping companies and industries learn (learning).
• Enabling stakeholders to hold companies accountable (pressure).
• Setting norms for sustainable and responsible business (norm setting).

Profile

• Proven ability to empower and develop high-performing teams, collaborating closely with fellow leaders to expand WBA’s research capabilities.
• Deep expertise and a strong track record in corporate sustainability research, enabling you to build WBA’s credibility as a centre of expertise in sustainability and corporate accountability.
• Strategic acumen and vision, with experience contributing to organisational direction as part of an executive team and Strategic Leadership Group.
• Demonstrated success in driving digital transformation and research process improvements, enhancing efficiency and unlocking richer, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to represent WBA’s research publicly and build strong research partnerships.
• Commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and upholding a culture of transparency, collaboration, and delivering impact.

Terms of Appointment

This is a permanent position.

Role Location

Remote in EMEA time zone (core hours), with biannual in-person team meet-ups. Amsterdam is the office base.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you click Apply and complete the Application Form. It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.