Research VP, Distribution Channel Strategy & Intelligence

Overview About the Role & Team IDC's leading voice on technology distribution channel dynamics, combining rigorous data stewardship and research with high-impact executive advisory. The role owns the analyst relationship with the North America, AP Distribution Trackers and Channel Partner Ecosystem (CPE) data analytics, supports IDC's exclusive partnership with the Global Technology Distribution Council (GTDC) that delivers the industry's most comprehensive view of technology distribution data and market trends across the U.S., Canada and Asia Pacific. The analyst interprets sell through signals, identifies shifts in distribution channel strategy, partner tier structures, and distributor economics. Advises tech executives with actionable strategic guidance that helps tech vendors and distributors optimize their programs and offerings for growth. Key client engagement stakeholder in collaboration with the Commercial team. What You’ll Do Serve as the primary analyst owner of the North American and Asia Pacific Distribution Trackers and Channel Partner Ecosystem product, partnering closely with the Data COE on methodology, data integrity, taxonomy, and cadence. Convert channel data into strategic narratives for senior executives at technology vendors, including Channel Executives, Category Managers, Pricing Managers, and Market Intelligence leaders. Lead primary and bespoke research and advisory engagements that help tech vendors assess, redesign, or benchmark their distribution programs. Act as a key IDC customer relationship owner in collaboration with the IDC Account Executives and Customer Success Team. Manage and expand a book of technology vendor relationships anchored around the NADT, APDT, Channel Partner Ecosystem and related advisory services. Identify upgrade and expansion opportunities across tracker tiers (weekly vs. monthly), custom cuts of the data, and bespoke channel strategy engagements. What You Bring Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree required 12-15 years of experience in senior roles in Distribution Companies or Vendor’s Distribution Programs, and/or Analyst Research Firm’s Channel Specific Programs Direct, operational exposure to how sell-through data is generated, used, and interpreted at the program level Fluency in how the technology distribution model works — distributor economics, sell-through vs. sell-in dynamics, VAR/reseller ecosystems, and how vendors manage distributor relationships at scale Highly proficient analytical and data fluency skills to transform complex channel sales data into strategic market insights, specifically getting into datasets, forming hypotheses, testing them, and distinguishing between a data integrity issue and a genuine market signal Ability to frame distribution data trends as strategic imperatives, not just reporting what happened, but telling vendors what it means for their channel program and what to do Proven ability to partner with a data operations or data analyst team, aligning on methodology, validating outputs, flagging anomalies, and co-evolving the tracker product roadmap Ability to represent IDC publicly, in press quotes, conference presentations, social media, as a credible, informed voice on Global technology distribution trends Comfort working within ambiguity and structured thinking The ideal candidate has a natural instinct for finding the most compelling angle in a dataset and building a coherent story around it Percentage of travel required – 25% Desired work model: 100% Remote, Hybrid or 100% On-site (Boston, MA) 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 (prorated based on start date) 12 company-paid holidays 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state) Medical, dental, and vision coverage 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date) 1 volunteer day 401(k) company match (IDC matches 3% on the first 6% of employee contributions) Company-paid short-term disability Company-paid life insurance Company-paid parental leave 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 U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner. The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $180,000 – $230,000, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation. Equal Opportunity Employer IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify. IDC is currently able to employ remote workers in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Washington D.C. (DC), Florida (FL), Georgia (GA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kansas (KS), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Missouri (MO), Mississippi (MS), North Carolina (NC), New Hampshire (NH), New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), Pennsylvania (PA), Rhode Island (RI), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Utah (UT), Virginia (VA), Vermont (VT), Washington (WA), and Wisconsin (WI). #LI-JF1#LI-Remote