Analytics Lead

Directions Research, Inc; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Directions Group in Cincinnati is seeking an Analytics Lead to turn data into clear, actionable stories and compelling client narratives. You will design AI-enabled analytic approaches, connect multiple data sources, and collaborate with Intelligence and Client Relationship Leads to shape insights for client-ready deliverables.

You should have 5+ years in analytics or insights, with experience across healthcare, restaurant, retail, or CPG and a strong track record of leading analytics on

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in market research, insights, analytics, strategy, marketing, or related field.
• Experience in healthcare, restaurant, food, retail and/or CPG is helpful; tobacco industry openness welcomed.
• Track record owning day-to-day analytics on projects and contributing to client deliverables.
• Strong communicator with storytelling skills and client interaction.
• Fluency with quantitative methods and comfort across multiple data sources.
• Proficiency in Excel, dashboards/crosstab tools, and AI-enabled data prep, text analytics, and visualization.
• Growth mindset and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Turn data into clear, actionable stories and 'now what' recommendations for clients.
• Design and lead modern analytic approaches, connect multiple data sources.
• Partner with Intelligence and Client Relationship Leads to shape client-ready narratives.
• Engage in client-facing deliverables and discussions with a consultative presence.
• Maintain rigorous analytics timelines and high-quality outputs across projects.

Skills

Analytics Leadership

Data storytelling

Data visualization

Client facing

AI analytics

Data prep

Text analytics

Excel

Dashboards

Cross-functional work

Tools

Excel

Dashboards

Crosstab tools

Text analytics

Job description

Client Service - Analytics Lead

The Directions Group | Strategic Insights Firm

Location: Cincinnati, OH (Hybrid) or Remote (US)

The Directions Group is redefining how insights power client decisions, shifting from one-off research projects to a connected intelligence engine that actively shapes strategy. Within this model, our client service "pods" blend relationship leadership, synthesis, analytics, and flawless execution into a single, integrated team.

Every client-facing pod at The Directions Group is built around four distinct yet tightly connected roles, all operating with shared ownership for client success and intelligence quality.

• Analytics Lead (AL): Serves as the chief data explorer, defining data needs, leading analytic planning and execution, and creating visualizations and findings that fuel the broader narrative.
• Client Relationship Lead (CRL): Owns the client business relationship from first conversation through final delivery, ensuring every engagement is designed around what the client truly needs - not just what was initially requested.
• Intelligence Lead (IL): Acts as the synthesis and storytelling engine, integrating findings across methods and projects to create an integrated intelligence story that makes the "so what / now what" unmistakably clear.
• Logistics Lead (LL): Functions as the operational backbone, orchestrating timelines, partners, and workflows so work happens at the right time, in the right way, with the right quality.

Pods operate with flexibility, so while each person leads from their lane, team members may periodically flex into adjacent responsibilities to maintain a seamless client experience.

As an Analytics Lead, you will be the hands-on insights partner who turns data into clear, actionable stories and "now what" recommendations. You will design and lead modern, AI-enabled analytic approaches, connect multiple data sources, and partner closely with Intelligence and Client Relationship Leads to shape client-ready narratives.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• At least 5 years of experience in market research, insights, analytics, strategy, marketing, or a related field.
• Relevant category experience in healthcare, restaurant, food, retail, and/or CPG is helpful, along with openness to working in the tobacco industry.
• Track record owning day-to-day analytics on projects and playing an active role in client-facing deliverables and discussions.
• Strong communicator and natural storyteller who enjoys client interaction, asks smart questions in the moment, and brings an emerging consultative presence that challenges constructively and thinks like an owner of the business problem.
• Fluency with core research methods including strong command of quantitative methods (tracking, segmentation, concept/product tests, and selected advanced techniques) and comfort working across multiple data sources.
• Proficiency in Excel, dashboards or crosstab tools, and presentation platforms, plus curiosity and aptitude for AI-enabled tools for data prep, text analytics, and visualization.
• Growth mindset, critical thinking, and the ability to operate calmly and effectively across multiple projects in a fast-moving environment.

Directions is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO), including disability/vets