Principal Analyst, Modern Software Delivery Services

Forrester•Washington, DC

About The Position

At Forrester, we’re trusted to work on trailblazing, mission critical problems that business and technology leaders face today. That’s why we’re always looking to empower talented individuals to perform at their best every single day. We’re proud of our community of smart people and vibrant voices who come together to do what’s right by our clients and each other. Our success is driven by curiosity, courage and customer obsession. The confidence and drive to be bold at work. Join us and build an extraordinary future. About This Role: Forrester Research is seeking a Principal Analyst to be a critical member of the research team writing for our software development body of work. This work serves technology leaders and helps them achieve high performance — the ability to deliver great business results through technology. It also guides vendors in defining the future of the market. The Principal Analyst will do work that serves software development and delivery leaders and technology executives, helping them drive high performance through modern software development services and organizational transformation. The role will also guide service providers in shaping strategy, differentiation, and future market direction, particularly as AI accelerates and reshapes delivery models. Job Description: The Principal Analyst will work as part of a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job.

Requirements

At least 10 years of executive-level experience in either leading consultants in modern and custom software development in a delivery services company, or managing those relationships from the enterprise side. Understanding development team organizational structure impact required. Industry analysis experience in this area with exposure to large-scale delivery and organizational transformation is also acceptable.
A deep understanding of the modern software delivery services market and its forward trajectory, including the impact of AI-assisted development, platform engineering, and evolving development team structures on how work is delivered and governed.
A demonstrated ability to serve as an advisor to senior management and C-level clients.
Superior client-facing communication, listening, critical thinking, and collaboration skills with researchers, subject-matter experts, and client leaders.
Strong knowledge of the issues and challenges that technology executives and leaders face, and expertise in the broad implications of current and emerging technology markets, economics, labor, and econometrics.
The ability to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts; a willingness to take a stand on outcomes with clients, vendors, press, and competition.
The ability to travel 30% of the time.

Responsibilities

Conduct primary research alongside key analysts on 1) the evolution of modern software development and delivery services, including agile, DevSecOps, cloud-native, platform engineering, and AI-infused delivery models; 2) development team organizational structures, including product-centric operating models, project-to-product transitions, pod-based teams, platform teams, and hybrid client — provider models; 3) how generative AI and AI-assisted engineering are transforming service provider offerings, delivery economics, and client expectations; 4) how service providers help clients build internal capabilities through cocreation, change management, reskilling, and cultural transformation; 5) value measurement, governance, and metrics that shift application delivery from outputs to business outcomes; and 6) the future of the modern software delivery services market as AI compresses the SDLC and reshapes competitive differentiation.
Create approximately eight to 12 high-quality, actionable, analytically deep, and fact-based research projects per year which include a mixture of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Work alongside sales and marketing teams to promote visibility for this research.
Drive and lead key Forrester Wave™ and Landscape reports.
Consult with clients to apply Forrester’s research in the context of their specific business environment and help solve their problems through inquiry, guidance, and advisory and consulting engagements.
Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events, as well as deliver client webinars.
Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker, build relationships with journalists who cover the sector, and participate in press inquiries as necessary.
Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester’s account leadership teams.
Fosters a style that drives a culture of cross-team collaboration, mentorship, integrity, and relentless and positive pursuits.