Research Analyst (Durban)

We are looking for Research Analyst to join our team.

Job specification

• Location: Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal
• Job type: Fixed-term (6 months) with the intention of permanent, office based
• Working hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm/ 7am - 4pm
• Education level: Bachelor's degree (Property Studies, Economics, Statistics, Data Analytics, Geography, Marketing, Business or related field)
• Experience: 2-3 experience in Market Research, Property Research or Data Analysis
• Job level: Mid-level analyst
• Reports to: Head of market research
• Start date: 1 October 2026
• Laptop provided: Yes
• Own vehicle: Essential, as travel may be required
• Apply by: Email

Overview:
The Research Analyst plays a key role in delivering high-quality market intelligence across residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use property developments. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, the ability to interpret complex datasets, identify market trends and provide strategic recommendations that support client decision-making.
The successful candidate will take ownership of research projects from inception through to final recommendations, ensure all outputs meet Rainmaker Marketing's quality standards, provide technical guidance to junior researchers and demonstrate the potential to grow into a senior analytical position within the department.

Responsibilities:
Research and market analysis

• Conduct comparative market analysis across multiple property sectors
• Produce detailed observations, insights and strategic recommendations
• Perform gap analysis for proposed developments
• Develop online surveys
• Analyse survey findings and present actionable insights

Project management, leadership and mentoring

• Manage projects from brief through to completion
• Prepare and present research findings
• Support client presentations
• Provide technical guidance to market researchers and interns
• Support research standards and continuous improvement

Data analysis and quality assurance

• Perform quality checks on all research outputs
• Validate findings against client briefs
• Review datasets for accuracy and consistency
• Utilise Claude and ChatGPT to improve efficiency while maintaining analytical oversight
• Analyse Lightstone, SAPOA, Rode and TPN datasets where applicable
• Produce area profiles and property market summaries
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and critical thinking
• Excellent report writing
• Large dataset analysis
• Presentation and communication skills
• Project management
• Experience with Claude, ChatGPT and AI tools
• High attention to detail
• Mentoring and coaching ability
• Highly analytical and inquisitive
• Strong commercial awareness
• Professional and accountable
• Self-driven with excellent planning skills
• Collaborative team player
• Committed to continuous improvement
• Deliver accurate, high-quality research with minimal revisions
• Manage projects within agreed timelines
• Produce actionable market insights
• Maintain Rainmaker's quality standards
• Provide technical support to junior team members
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability
• Develop capability to independently present to clients