Research Director - AI-Driven Growth & Client Leadership

YouGov M.E. FZ-LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

YouGov M.E. FZ-LLC seeks a Research Director to set design standards, lead top client relationships in the region, and drive AI-enabled research and team development. You will own complex projects from enquiry to delivery, mentoring staff and shaping methodologies with a client-first mindset.

The role demands senior leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strong commercial acumen to grow key accounts while upholding YouGov’s standards in accuracy and ethics.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of quantitative market research with client leadership and team management.
• Proven ability to grow high-value accounts and drive repeat business.
• Lead multiple complex projects and teams to deadline and budget.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong judgment for stakeholders.
• Authoritative presenter adaptable to C-suite and analysts.
• Experience with CI/G4 scripting and ops familiarity.
• Interest in AI tools to enhance research and reporting workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead the region's most complex, high-value client relationships and advise on strategy across YouGov suite.
• Design and oversee research projects, guiding junior staff and ensuring quality and impact.
• Write proposals, price strategies, and sign-off on large-scale bids and tenders.
• Lead client presentations, translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Champion AI/automation within the team and ensure responsible use.

Skills

Client leadership

Project management

Executive communication

AI awareness

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

CI/G4 scripting

Crunch

Office 365

Google Workspace

Job description

YouGov M.E. FZ-LLC seeks a Research Director to set design standards, lead top client relationships in the region, and drive AI-enabled research and team development. You will own complex projects from enquiry to delivery, mentoring staff and shaping methodologies with a client-first mindset.

The role demands senior leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strong commercial acumen to grow key accounts while upholding YouGov’s standards in accuracy and ethics.