Qualitative Research Director — Remote Ontario, US Travel

Savanta; Canada; Remote; CAD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Flexible working practices

Health package

Team & Company Socials

Job summary

Explorer is seeking an experienced Qualitative Director to lead our Research team. You will oversee projects from proposal to delivery, moderating groups in person and digital, and mentoring a high‑performing team. You’ll advise clients on qualitative strategy and connect insights to commercial impact.

You will report to the VP, drive profitability and best practices, and champion digital approaches while maintaining a hands‑on role in delivering narratives that inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Substantial ability to run qualitative research projects.
• In-depth knowledge of qualitative methods with understanding of quantitative methods.
• Strong hands-on moderation experience, in person and digitally.
• Proven leadership skills with track record of mentoring and developing others.
• Excellent project management, coordinating teams and multiple moderators, and experience managing client accounts and recruitment vendors.
• Willingness to travel throughout the US at least once a month.
• Excellent senior-level client management and storytelling skills.
• Commercial awareness including understanding of project margins.
• Sound judgment on research approaches, including AI use when appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative projects from proposal to delivery.
• Moderate qualitative research in person and digitally.
• Manage client relationships as a senior contact and identify revenue opportunities through technology.
• Attend fieldwork and travel to the US monthly.
• Coordinate projects with multiple teams, set vision and objectives for junior staff, ensure quality and connect insights to outcomes.
• Own project profitability and provide forecasts for the Head of the team.
• Lead qualitative proposals with support from senior colleagues on new business.
• Transform findings into clear stories and develop resonant reports for planners and managers.
• Mentor and develop team members to grow capabilities.

Skills

Qualitative research

Moderation

Leadership

Project management

Client management

Mentoring

Fieldwork travel

Storytelling

AI in research

Commercial awareness

Tools

CoLoop

Job description

Explorer is seeking an experienced Qualitative Director to lead our Research team. You will oversee projects from proposal to delivery, moderating groups in person and digital, and mentoring a high‑performing team. You’ll advise clients on qualitative strategy and connect insights to commercial impact.

You will report to the VP, drive profitability and best practices, and champion digital approaches while maintaining a hands‑on role in delivering narratives that inform strategic decisions.