Sr Director Analyst - AI-Native Software Architecture & Development

About the role: * This is an individual contributor role, based remotely in North America. Cobalt Streamworks Analysts are industry thought leaders who create must-have research, make market predictions and identify best practices for a broad range of world-leading organizations. A Senior Director serves as a leader within Cobalt Streamworks ’s Business Technology Insights (BTI) sector, establishing oneself as a credible voice within their designated domain at local, regional and global levels. Utilizing exceptional research and analytical skills, a Senior Director plays a key role in producing thought leading research insights which Cobalt Streamworks clients consume and apply to propel their business toward key objectives. Analysts are a trusted source of advice for clients, reinforcing Cobalt Streamworks ’s value every day by engaging them via in-person meetings, virtual meetings, sales support visits and Cobalt Streamworks conferences to discuss complex client challenges and offer appropriate recommendations. What you will do: Create innovative, thought provoking, and highly leveraged “must-have research” insights within our AI Software Engineering & Development group that we publish for technology leaders around the world. Build on this and other Cobalt Streamworks research insights by speaking with clients directly, presenting at global conferences and going on-site for client engagements. You must have a bold vision for the strategic imperative of full-lifecycle AI-native software design, architecture and development, and the ability to translate that vision into clear and pragmatic action for our clients. You must be a versatile life-long learner who we want to join us on this journey. Analyze clients’ issues in depth to identify their root causes and overall needs, and then help them reframe their thinking to drive their solution strategy Research, analyze and predict technology and market trends to provide clients and vendors with actionable insights, with special focus on megatrends that redefine markets Create and deliver high value presentation materials on and off stage for Cobalt Streamworks events, industry and professional association conferences, and client briefings Support Sales and Service: Provide sales support serving as voice of the market to help research teams create content and to drive engagement with our most advanced and strategic clients to make progress against their critical priorities to grow their business Build credibility as an industry expert to represent Cobalt Streamworks research insights, methodology and strategy to clients and press and via social media. Actively participate in and drive our most strategic innovation, ideation, and research discussions and collaborate effectively with peers in the research community, and peer-review the group’s research. Be a mentor and a coach by supporting newer members of teams across our practice. Be client-centric while actively seeking to help clients engage regularly and often with Cobalt Streamworks research and interactions What you will need: Bachelor's degree and at least 12 years of experience in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge and direct experience leading teams implementing AI in the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and building AI enabled applications. Knowledge and experience with leading LLMs including OpenAI GPT, Anthropic Claude , as well as the associated markets of AI and Coding Agents for developers (e.g. Claude Code, GitHub Copilot). Knowledge and direct experience with AI technologies used by custom-built software such as AI agents, and the architecture required to deliver them. Ability to formulate and articulate technology and business adoption scenarios that help senior technology leaders assess the opportunities, risks, and best approaches for modernizing their application development organization and architecture. Demonstrate executive presence ; can immediately establish credibility with executives and additional stakeholders in our most advanced and strategic accounts. Strong organizational and project management skills: ability to work under tight deadlines and produce high quality deliverables, including when authoring major works such as a Magic Quadrant for Agentic Coding. Demonstrate excellence in research and writing ability, including use of graphics, within an effective storytelling approach to make your insights easily accessible and relatable. Strong proficiency in verbal interaction for inquiries, with presentation skills at keynote level is highly desirable; able to engage C-level clients and respond effectively to probing questions that go well beyond the surface aspects of the topic. Proficient in analyzing and synthesizing data from surveys and interviews; effectively apply patterns and frameworks while drawing and defending conclusions Strong business and financial acumen, enabling effective business context understanding required when supporting business stakeholders on key technology decisions Deep knowledge of the global an