Seasoned Channel & Customer Research Sector Lead – Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, FinTech) – Remote, Insight‑Driven Leadership & Strategic Innovation at brighthush

About brighthush

brighthush is a trailblazing AI‑powered research platform that transforms raw data into crystal‑clear insights for investors, analysts, and business leaders worldwide. Since our founding in 2008, we have evolved from a niche market‑intelligence startup into a global powerhouse, serving thousands of clients across the United States and beyond. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: to turn complex market intelligence into actionable insights that accelerate growth and unlock hidden value. At the heart of brighthush lies a culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. We empower our people to challenge the status quo, experiment boldly, and shape the future of research.

Why brighthush is the Place to Grow Your Career

As a fully remote, flexible organization, brighthush offers a work environment that balances autonomy with a strong sense of belonging. Our teams thrive on mentorship, data‑driven decision making, and the opportunity to influence product strategy and client outcomes at scale. If you are passionate about financial services, eager to lead cutting‑edge research, and want to be part of a high‑impact team that redefines how market dynamics are understood, brighthush is the place for you.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Channel & Customer Research Sector Lead to spearhead our Financial Services coverage across banking, insurance, and fintech. In this role, you will design and execute primary research projects, build robust frameworks, and lead a team of analysts to deliver high‑quality, actionable insights to our clients. Your deep domain expertise and analytical rigor will shape the direction of our research agenda and drive the next wave of innovation in the financial services sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Roadmap Development: Create and maintain a dynamic Channel & Customer Research (CCR) coverage roadmap for Financial Services equities, translating sector priorities into a structured pipeline of channel check projects that align with investor demand, client engagement trends, and key industry debates.
• Framework Design & Execution: Lead the development of high‑quality channel check frameworks, including expert source‑base strategy and structured questionnaires that generate consistent, trackable insights across quarters and across companies under coverage.
• Domain Expertise & Thought Leadership: Serve as the primary domain expert for Financial Services, maintaining a deep understanding of business models, distribution channels, and investment debates across lending, deposits, payments, insurance underwriting, and fintech innovations. Use this knowledge to guide project design and ensure research relevance.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Operations Managers and analysts to provide guidance on expert targeting, feasibility, and project structure, ensuring channel checks deliver actionable, differentiated insights from industry participants.
• Opportunity Identification: Continuously identify new companies, sub‑sectors, and channel check opportunities within the Financial Services ecosystem. Expand CCR coverage by mapping value chains (e.g., brokers, agents, lenders, ISVs, payments ecosystems) and identifying expert networks capable of supporting ongoing research.
• Quality Assurance & Process Improvement: Refine research frameworks and workflows, implement best practices, and ensure consistent delivery of high‑quality research outputs that meet client expectations and internal standards.
• Mentorship & Team Leadership: Coach and mentor junior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning, analytical excellence, and professional growth.
• Client Engagement & Thought Leadership: Represent brighthush at industry conferences, webinars, and client meetings, delivering compelling presentations that showcase our research capabilities and thought leadership.
• Data Governance & Innovation: Collaborate with the data science team to integrate AI‑driven insights into research workflows, ensuring data quality, compliance, and ethical standards are upheld.

Essential Qualifications

• Experience: 5–8 years in equity research, market intelligence, consulting, or a related analytical role, with a strong focus on Financial Services (banking, insurance, fintech, or adjacent sectors).
• Domain Knowledge: In‑depth understanding of key financial services companies, business models, distribution channels, and core investment debates across lending, deposits, payments, underwriting, and fintech.
• Research Design: Proven track record of designing primary research frameworks and questionnaires that translate industry knowledge into structured, repeatable insights.
• Analytical Acumen: Highly analytical and intellectually curious, capable of quickly developing expertise across new companies and subsectors while identifying where channel checks can generate differentiated, investable insights.
• Collaboration: Comfortable working cross‑functionally with research leadership, operations teams, and analysts to ensure projects are well‑structured, feasible, and executed to a consistently high standard.
• Channel Check Experience: Ideally, experience within a channel check or expert interview context.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication, with the ability to distill complex findings into clear, actionable narratives for senior stakeholders.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting tight deadlines in a fast‑moving environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a research team or managing a portfolio of projects.
• Familiarity with AI‑driven research tools and data analytics platforms.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings to senior stakeholders.
• Track record of publishing thought leadership pieces or contributing to industry conferences.
• Experience in a global or multi‑region research environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting financial services research.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Roadmap Planning
• Primary Research Design & Execution
• Financial Services Domain Expertise
• Analytical & Quantitative Analysis
• Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
• Mentorship & Team Development
• Data‑Driven Decision Making
• Excellent Written & Verbal Communication
• Adaptability & Continuous Learning

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At brighthush, your career trajectory is shaped by your ambition and performance. As a Sector Lead, you will:

• Progress to a Director or Head of Research role, overseeing multiple sectors and a larger research portfolio.
• Lead cross‑sector initiatives, influencing product development and client strategy at the enterprise level.
• Participate in executive‑level strategy sessions, contributing to the company’s vision and roadmap.
• Access continuous learning resources, including industry certifications, advanced analytics courses, and mentorship from senior leaders.
• Benefit from a culture that rewards innovation, encourages experimentation, and celebrates success.
• Earn recognition through internal awards, speaking opportunities, and publication credits.

Work Environment & Culture

brighthush is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performing workplace. Even though we operate fully remotely, we maintain a strong sense of community through:

• Regular virtual town halls and all‑hands meetings.
• Team‑based hackathons and research challenges.
• Mentorship programs pairing junior analysts with senior leaders.
• Flexible work hours and a results‑oriented approach.
• Annual virtual retreats and optional in‑person meetups for those who wish to connect face‑to‑face.
• Cross‑departmental collaboration tools that foster transparency and knowledge sharing.
• Recognition programs that celebrate milestones, innovations, and client successes.

Compensation & Benefits

While specific figures vary by experience and location, brighthush offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Base salary commensurate with market rates for senior research leaders.
• Performance‑based bonus structure tied to individual and team metrics.
• Equity participation, allowing you to share in the company’s long‑term success.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Professional development stipend and access to industry conferences.
• Flexible remote work policy with support for home office setup.
• Wellness programs, mental health resources, and employee assistance plans.
• Annual performance reviews with clear career progression pathways.

H1B Sponsorship

brighthush has a history of sponsoring H1B visas for qualified candidates. While sponsorship is not guaranteed for every role, we encourage international talent to apply and will consider sponsorship on a case‑by‑case basis.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about financial services research, thrive in a fast‑paced environment, and want to shape the future of market intelligence, we would love to hear from you. Submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re excited about this opportunity at brighthush.

Join brighthush – Where Insight Meets Innovation

At brighthush, we don’t just provide data; we transform it into strategic advantage. As our new Channel & Customer Research Sector Lead, you will be at the forefront of this transformation, driving research excellence that empowers our clients to navigate the evolving financial landscape. If you’re ready to lead, innovate, and grow in a culture that celebrates curiosity and impact, apply today and help us illuminate the future of financial services.