Consultant, Research & Intelligence

Spotlight•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

Spotlight is hiring a Consultant for its Research & Intelligence team to help develop and sustain intelligence programs for clients and internal stakeholders. The role addresses complex strategic questions through rigorous research and analysis, turning findings into actionable insights and recommendations that support informed decision-making. It is strategy-focused, helping clients understand competitive advantages, market trends, and positioning—not management consulting focused on improving operations or organizational efficiency. The Consultant partners across practice areas and works with clients and internal stakeholders to frame strategic challenges, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, and deliver concise, visually engaging, executive-ready presentations. Work includes monitoring market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging trends, as well as conducting external surveys and client interviews. The role also owns strategic projects from inception through delivery and runs AI Influence Visibility Assessments for a portfolio of B2B technology clients, including baselines, delta reports, and ongoing monitoring of how clients appear in AI-generated responses. The anticipated start date is January 2027. Spotlight is based in the Crossroads and describes itself as a growing firm and a seven-time recipient of the KC Business Journal’s Best Place to Work award. It is an equal-opportunity employer.

Requirements

At least 6 years of experience in qualitative and quantitative research, trend analysis, strategic recommendations, content creation, and executive presentations.
Experience conducting interviews, actively listening, building rapport with external stakeholders, and gathering insights about complex business needs.
Superior verbal and written communication skills, including a record of creating and delivering concise, impactful, persuasive executive-level presentations aligned with client needs and goals.
At least 6 years directly managing complex engagements with senior-level clients from concept to completion.
Experience managing teams and overseeing work across multiple programs simultaneously.
Understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and disruptive forces, with the ability to connect insights to strategic business implications.
Ability to structure complex problems, conduct rigorous analysis, extract insights from diverse data sources, and develop data-driven recommendations.
Strong understanding of general business principles, financial concepts, and industry landscapes.
Advanced proficiency in slide-making software such as Google Slides or Microsoft PowerPoint.
Familiarity with AI-powered content and editing tools, including their capabilities and limitations.
Strong intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about new industries and topics.
Commitment to continuous improvement; comfort with ambiguity and trial and error.
Self-starter able to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and deliver high-quality results.
Upbeat, fun, and engaging attitude.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with research databases and competitive or market intelligence tools.
Background in research, analysis, consulting, marketing, internal strategy, or competitive intelligence.

Responsibilities

Partner across Spotlight’s practice areas to define and frame structured solutions to clients’ strategic challenges.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, synthesizing data and market intelligence into coherent narratives.
Create and deliver concise, visually engaging presentations for senior leadership, translating findings into insights, recommendations, and key takeaways.
Conduct primary research through external surveys and client interviews to understand business challenges, pain points, and strategic priorities.
Monitor and analyze market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and emerging trends to anticipate opportunities and threats.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, influence strategic direction, and integrate intelligence into client strategies and internal decision-making.
Own strategic projects from inception to completion, managing scope, timelines, and deliverables.
Run end-to-end AI Influence Visibility Assessments for B2B technology clients, including 30-day baselines, 60-day delta reports, and ongoing program monitoring.
Interpret LLM prompt performance across models and platforms, identifying patterns in when and how clients are cited, recommended, or omitted in AI-generated responses.