Research Business Manager

Responsibilities

• Own the operating rhythm of the R&D organization, including progress tracking, research reviews, and milestone accountability.
• Serve as the connective tissue between research leads, engineering, and infrastructure to resolve blockers and manage dependencies.
• Drive the end-to-end delivery of high-priority research initiatives, from coordinating rollouts to tracking outcomes against business goals.
• Manage relationships with external data vendors and research tool providers, leading due diligence and onboarding.
• Prepare leadership materials that synthesize technical research into clear business narratives and strategic presentations.
• Identify and drive process improvements across the research lifecycle to maximize impact on PnL.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project management, business operations, or strategy, ideally within technology, research, or financial services.
• Proven track record of driving complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from ambiguity to delivery.
• Strong analytical and structured thinking skills with the ability to connect operational details to business impact.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High organizational intelligence and the ability to build trusted relationships within an institution.
• A strong sense of ownership and the ability to drive work forward proactively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working alongside researchers, data scientists, or engineers in a research-intensive environment.
• Familiarity with research workflows, data vendor ecosystems, or quantitative research processes.
• Proficiency with Python or other modern analytical tools.
• Background in investment management, systematic trading, or data-driven financial services.
• Experience managing end-to-end vendor relationships, including evaluation frameworks and performance management.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents.
• Competitive 401k plan and employer-paid life & disability insurance.
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and competitive paid caregiver leaves.
• Wellness programs, snacks, lunch, and various team/company events.
• An open environment designed to maximize learning and knowledge sharing.

About the Company

Aquatic is a quantitative investment manager driven by a commitment to applying cutting-edge scientific research and technological innovation to global financial markets. We foster a culture of collaboration, meritocracy, ambition, and calm determination.