Principal Analyst, Enterprise Architecture

About This Role:

Forrester Research is seeking aPrincipal Analysttobe a critical member of theresearchteamresponsible forleadingourEnterpriseSolutionsArchitecturePractice,part of our Technology Architecture & DeliveryResearch Group.This practice servesCIOs, CTOs andIT Leaders andPractitionershelpingthem achieve high performance – the ability to deliver great business results through technology.ThePrincipalAnalyst deliversresearchthatencompasses: 1)Enterprise Architecture practice,strategy andportfolioof research

2)Drive research on key platforms, vendors and trends

3)Brings the right mix of both strategicand technical architecture and delivery experiences

4)fosters a culture of collaboration across our Research, Sales, Product and Customer Success teams.

The Principal Analyst hasa strongunderstanding of CIO/CTOconcernsand priorities,helpsthem understand the implications of technology, economies, labor, and other key trends on IT strategyand delivery.

Job Description:

The Principal Analyst works as part of a high-performing team with a strong emphasis on collaborating with others in all aspects of the job. A Principal Analyst is expected to:

• Lead theEnterpriseSolutionsArchitecturepracticearea, working across Forrester research teams, including theTechnologyStrategy and Executive Partner teams as well asSales andProduct to develop a complete research portfoliothat drivescustomer delight and revenue.

• Develop a deep understanding of what Forrester clients require to be successful as technologyexecutives and leaders.

• Establish an industry presence as an influential speaker and thinker; build relationships with journalists who cover the sector;participatein vendor briefings and field pressinquiriesas necessary.

• Conduct primary research into1)architecturestrategy,solutionsarchitecture, key technology platforms, and roadmaps,2) governance and risk management, 3) financialandcost optimization, and 4) performance managementincluding metrics, KPIs, benchmarks etc.Use this research to help clients navigate challenges by providing insights onthe future ofsolutions architecture,cost optimization, investment prioritization, and long-termworkplace strategy.

• Conduct deep analysis ofIT decision makerchallenges and preferences balanced with employee preferences and expectations.

• Create high quality, actionable, analyticallydeepand fact-based research content throughout the year. Research/write/createapproximately 8to 12 research projects per year, which includesofmix of written reports, tools, webinars, videos, blogs, podcasts, infographics, and other intellectual property. Build visibility for his/her research and contribute to Forrester client communities. 

• Driveand lead key Forrester Waves and Landscape reporting for the practice and adjacent areas.

• 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 advisoryand consultingengagements. 

• Present at Forrester-sponsored and industry-related events and deliver client webinars.

• Co-lead the global Forrester Enterprise Architectureforum andaward program.

• Contribute to theState of Modern Technology Operations survey, a key adjacent area

• Support business development and prospect conversations as arranged by Forrester’s account leadership teams.

• Fostersa leadership stylethat drives a culture ofcross-team collaboration, mentorship,integrityandrelentless&positive pursuits

• This role can growintoto the VP Principal Analyst rolefor a very drivenindividual that brings new innovations to Forrester and to our clientsas well as capture revenueand client engagement

Job Requirements:

• At least 10years of experiencein a mix of roles as adirector-level and abovepractitioner,enterprise architect,principal sales engineer,principal solutions architect, managingconsultant,Director/Manager of Sales Engineering,orresearch analyst inan industry vertical or technology services.

• Demonstratedability to serve asanadvisor tosenior management and C-level clients.

• Superior client-facing communication, listening, critical thinking, and collaboration skills with researchers, subject-matter experts, and client leaders.

• Solid technicalenterprise architecture, the practice, solutionsarchitectureandtechnology experiences as aleader butalso founded inengineering and architecture backgrounds in key platforms.  These platforms can includeCloud, Infrastructure, AI,OperatingSystems,Securityas wellasadditionaltechnology platforms.

• Practionerexperiences in Financial Services,Technology Services or another keyindustryvertical is preferred, including the ability to craft high-level architecture to illustrate complex topics and research coverage

• Ability toleverageprevailing AItopics and technologies as they relate to the practice of EA as well as AItools andsolutions architecture

• Ability to engage technology leaders across Enterprise Architecture,IT Delivery and Operations

• Strong knowledge oftheissues and challengesthat technologyexecutives andleadersfaceandexpertisein the broad implications of current and emerging technology markets, economics, labor, and econometrics.

• Ability to take complex, disparate ideas and distill them into simple, provocative concepts; willingness to take a stand on outcomes with clients, vendors, press, and competition.

• A strong record of academic achievement.

• Superior analytical, writing, editing, and presentation skills.

• The ability to travel30% of the time or more.

Please note that the base salary range indicated here is inclusive of all applicable US geographies listed in this requisition, with the exception of New York City and Georgia.  This salary range is based upon the position as described in the job listing.  The offered compensation may vary within this range and is dependent upon the successful candidate’s primary work location, experience, training, education, and credentials.

Base salary range: $141,000 - $229,000

Base salary range for Georgia: $126,000 - $206,000

Base salary range for New York City, NY: $161,000 – 263,000

For employees based in Washington State, the percentage listed here is an estimated bonus target as a percentage of base salary, in accordance with the Forrester Employee Bonus plan. Individual and company performance, as well as other eligibility criteria, will determine the actual incentive amount.

Bonus target: 15%

For information on benefits, please visit: https://forresterbenefits.com/

The application deadline is May 31, 2026. Please refer to the job posting on Forrester.com careers page if the deadline has been extended.

We’re a network of knowledge and experience leading to richer, fuller careers. Here, we’re always learning. Whether you want to hone your strengths or discover new ones, Forrester is the place to go for it. It’s a place where everyone is given the tools, support, and runway they need to go far. We’ll be right there beside you, every step of the way.