Research Director - Saudi Arabia

WHYFIVE MENA; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Director to spearhead its operations in Saudi Arabia. This full-time, on-site role involves leading client relationships and designing impactful research projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in market research, with the ability to nurture client relationships and drive new business opportunities. Join a forward-thinking firm that values insight-led strategy and is committed to shaping the research landscape in one of the region's fastest-growing markets. If you are passionate about making a difference through research, this is an exciting opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Brand and Customer Experience (CX) research methodologies.
• Proven experience in managing research across Government, Banking, FMCG, Media, and Telecom sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the growth and operations of WHYFIVE in Saudi Arabia.
• Act as a strategic partner for key clients, ensuring high-quality insight delivery.

Skills

Market research

Analytical skills

Research design

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Team management

Education

Master's in Marketing

Ph.D. in Psychology

Degree in Social Sciences

Job description

At WHYFIVE MENA, we are expanding and in response to increasing client demand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are looking to appoint a Research Director to lead and grow our presence in the Saudi market.

We are seeking a seasoned professional already based in Saudi Arabia, with a strong background in research agency environments and a deep understanding of the evolving market dynamics in the Kingdom.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in managing and delivering research across key sectors including Government, Banking, FMCG, Media, and Telecom.
• Strong expertise in both Brand and Customer Experience (CX) research methodologies.
• A solid track record of building and maintaining client relationships, with the ability to nurture existing accounts and drive new business opportunities.

The role will involve:

• Leading the growth and operations of WHYFIVE in Saudi Arabia.
• Working closely with the European and MENA teams to plan growth opportunities.
• Acting as the strategic partner for key clients, ensuring high-quality insight delivery and business impact.

If you’re passionate about insight-led strategy and eager to contribute to shaping the research landscape in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets, we’d love to hear from you.

About WHYFIVE:

WHYFIVE supports companies in their Marketing Strategy, based on real human insights rather than superficial data or gut feel.

We focus on fundamental diagnostic research, bringing objectivity, clarity, and depth to decision-making processes, helping leaders gain profound understanding before making critical business decisions.

Our highly specialized Insights team uncovers the core motivations behind human behavior—whether consumers, clients, employees, or partners. We don’t stop at research; our Impact team translates insights into strategic action plans for brands, marketing, communication, innovation, or employer strategies to ensure real impact.

Role Description

This is a full-time on-site role for a Research Director at WHYFIVE MENA, located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Research Director will be responsible for leading client relationships, designing research projects, overseeing research activities, and utilizing analytical skills daily.

Qualifications

• Market research and analytical skills
• Experience in research design and research & development (R&D)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to lead and manage a research team
• Master's or Ph.D. in Marketing, Psychology, Social Sciences, or a related field