Research Head - Sell Side

Job Summary:

We are seeking a seasoned Head of Research (Sell-Side) to lead, scale, and represent our equity research business across institutional and retail segments. The role demands a strong research pedigree, deep compliance knowledge, media credibility, and the ability to build high-performing research teams while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and regulatory compliance. The incumbent will be the face of the research brand—driving thought leadership, institutional relationships, and revenue-linked research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Leadership & Strategy

• Lead end-to-end sell-side equity research operations (fundamental + technical).
  
• Define research philosophy, coverage universe, and sector allocation.
  
• Oversee institutional-grade research reports, initiation notes, thematic reports, earnings updates, and strategy notes.
  
• Ensure research output meets global best practices and Indian regulatory standards.
  
• Balance alpha-generating insights with compliance-driven research discipline.
  

2. Team Building & People Management

• Build, mentor, and lead a multi-sector research team (senior analysts, associates, trainees).
  
• Design training frameworks for:
  
• Fundamental valuation (DCF, SOTP, relative valuation)
  
• Technical analysis (price action, indicators, market structure)
  
• Industry & macro analysis
  
• Review and sign-off on research before dissemination.
  
• Foster a culture of ethical research, accountability, and performance excellence.
  

3. Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with SEBI (Research Analyst) Regulations, exchange circulars, and internal SOPs.
  
• Oversee:
  
• Research disclosures
  
• Conflict-of-interest management
  
• Chinese wall enforcement
  
• Research distribution protocols
  
• Coordinate with compliance officers, auditors, and regulators.
  
• Act as the internal authority on research governance and risk controls.
  

4. Institutional & Market Engagement

• Actively engage with:
  
• Domestic institutional investors
  
• Mutual funds, PMS, AIFs, proprietary desks
  
• Maintain direct working relationships with institutional dealers and trading desks.
  
• Participate in:
  
• Institutional calls & roadshows
  
• Results briefings & strategy meets
  
• Provide market intelligence and actionable insights aligned with institutional requirements.
  

5. Media & Brand Representation

• Be the official research spokesperson of the company.
  
• Regular appearances on:
  
• Business news channels
  
• Print & digital newspapers
  
• Financial podcasts and panels
  
• Author opinion pieces, market columns, and strategy articles.
  
• Enhance the credibility, recall, and authority of the research brand.
  

6. Business Development Support

• Support sales & institutional teams in research-led client acquisition.
  
• Help design paid research products, subscription models, and thematic offerings.
  
• Contribute to revenue growth through:
  
• Research differentiation
  
• Institutional mandates
  
• Strategic partnerships
  
• Provide market insights to senior management for business expansion decisions.
  

• 10+ years of hands-on experience in fundamental and technical equity research.
  
• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing research teams.
  
• Proven experience in sell-side research houses, broking firms, or institutional research desks.
  
• Strong track record of published research for institutions, newspapers, and television.
  

Regulatory & Professional Requirements

• SEBI-registered Research Analyst (mandatory).
  
• Deep understanding of:
  
• SEBI RA regulations
  
• Insider trading norms
  
• Research compliance frameworks
  
• High ethical standing with no adverse regulatory history.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and valuation skills.
  
• Strong command over macroeconomics, sectoral trends, and market cycles.
  
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
  
• Media-ready presence with clarity of thought.
  
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and institutional investors.
  

Preferred Profile

• CFA / CA / MBA (Finance) or equivalent professional qualification.
  
• Prior role as:
  
• Head of Research
  
• Chief Analyst
  
• Senior Sector Head with media visibility
  
• Strong domestic institutional network.
  
• Recognized name within the capital markets ecosystem.
  

Key Success Metrics (KPIs)

• Quality & consistency of research output.
  
• Institutional client engagement & retention.
  
• Research-driven revenue contribution.
  
• Compliance audit outcomes (zero-tolerance deviations).
  
• Brand visibility & media credibility.
  
• Team performance, stability, and capability development