Associate Director (Winston-Salem / North Carolina based)

Escalent; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental & Vision Insurance

401k with Company Match

Flexible PTO

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Escalent is seeking an Associate Director to lead a high-profile, always-on panel testing program in North Carolina. You will own on-site logistics, kit management, participant communication and study coordination to ensure a seamless client experience.

You'll build client relationships, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and drive process improvements across study waves, aligning with client needs and Escalent standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in market research, consumer insights, project management, or a closely related field.
• Experience managing complex multi-stakeholder projects end-to-end.
• Experience in client-facing roles; comfortable managing relationships and direct professional conversations with clients.
• Familiarity with research operations, logistics, or fieldwork coordination is a strong plus.
• Training on our proprietary platform will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution of product test studies, typically 12–15 per year, each running ~3.5 weeks.
• Procure product samples and all packaging and kit materials needed for each study.
• Oversee and/or assist with test kit assembly following precise instructions and quality control.
• Manage on-site kit distribution at the client facility and track participant participation.
• Design and maintain detailed project plans; manage timelines across multiple workstreams.
• Coordinate with research and community teams to keep every study on track.
• Monitor panelist engagement and flag issues early; support migration to the proprietary platform.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Learning mindset

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Who We Are

Escalent is an AI enabled insights and expert advisory firm grounded in deep industry expertise Our company includes C Space Hall & Partners Cogent Syndicated and Javelin Strategy & Research each adding specialized expertise to what we deliver together Across our brands we share a standard for how we work grow and create impactand the experience we want clients to have to see human truth and AI power come together feel a step ahead of change know theyre working with the best in the business and act with confidence Thats the Escalent Standard talented people doing their best work together to make a meaningful difference

Role Overview

Were seeking an Associate Director who thrives on leading projects builds lasting client relationships turns insights into compelling storylines and collaborates with teams in the UK and India to deliver the kind of client experience that generates repeat business This role will be a Client Dedicated Associate Director the operational backbone and primary client facing contact for a high profile always on panel research program run on behalf of a client This is a unique embedded role that blends hands on operational excellence with day to day client relationship management The program you could lead involves an internal employee panel of product testers who participate in different type of product testing studies throughout the year You will be the person who makes those studies happen from on site logistics and kit management oversight to study coordination participant communication and ensuring a seamless experience for both the client and the participants

Location & Travel

This role is based in North Carolina You will be on site at the clients facility in Winston Salem approximately 34 days per week for the first 23 months migration and launch phase then transitioning to roughly 1 week per month aligned with study execution cycles 1215 studies per year Base salary range for this role is 80000 120000 If this is not the right range for you please check out our other openings This position is based in North Carolina in or driving distance to Winston Salem

What Youll Do

Operational Execution & Logistics Primary Focus Own end to end execution of each product test study typically 1215 studies per year each running approximately 35 weeks depending on their complexityProcure product samples and all packaging and kit materials needed for each study expensed back to EscalentOversee and or assist with test kit assembly following precise instructions maintaining strict quality control throughoutManage on site kit distribution at the clients facility ensuring each participating employee receives the correct assigned kitTrack individual employee participation throughout each study waveCoordinate the collection and return of test materials at study closeDesign and maintain detailed project plans; manage timelines closely across concurrent workstreamsCoordinate with Escalents research and community teams to keep every study on trackMonitor panelist engagement and flag any issues early; help maintain a healthy active communitySupport the migration from the current vendor platform to Escalents proprietary platform during the onboarding phase approx weeks 18Client Relationship Management Serve as the primary day to day contact for the clients teamBuild a trusted proactive working relationship with client stakeholders being responsive organized and solutions orientedCommunicate clearly on study status timelines and any issues; expedite and problem solve quickly when neededParticipate in regular client check ins and status meetings; prepare concise updates and agendasManage client expectations with confidence including pushing back constructively when timelines scope or requests need to be realignedCollaborate with the broader Escalent account team Strategic Advisors Research Team Tech Support to ensure the client experience is seamlessResearch & Program Support Support the broader Escalent central delivery research team in study design participant recruitment coordination and fieldwork managementHelp synthesize participation data and flag insights relevant to panel health and program performanceContribute to insight summaries and review decks as needed in partnership with the central delivery research teamIdentify opportunities to improve and evolve the program over time from process automation to logistics improvements

Qualifications

Must be based in North Carolina within commutable distance to Winston SalemExperience 5 years of experience in market research consumer insights project management or a closely related fieldDemonstrated experience managing complex multi stakeholder projects from end to end detail oriented deadline driven and calm under pressureExperience in client facing roles; comfortable managing relationships and having direct professional conversations with clientsPrior experience with research operations logistics or fieldwork coordination is a strong plusFamiliarity with consumer insight communities or panel management platforms is a plus training on our proprietary platform will be provided

Skills & Mindset

Exceptional organizational and project management skills you thrive on getting things right on time every timeA hands on can do attitude you are not above assembling kits driving to a site or solving an unexpected logistical problem the morning of a studyStrong interpersonal skills warm professional and credible with client stakeholders at multiple levelsConfident communicator who can push back tactfully and manage expectations without losing the relationshipCuriosity and a learning mindset eager to grow into a broader consulting role over timeProficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel and Outlookcalendar management; experience with project tracking tools a plus

Compensation Benefits and Culture

Medical Dental and Vision Insurance Large carriers on a national level domestic partner coverage included401k with Company MatchFlexible PTO Feel no guilt in taking off a minimum of 3 weeks of real vacation timePaid Parental Leave12 Paid Company HolidaysBase salary range for this role is 80000 120000 determined by level of experienceWhere required by applicable state or local law the base pay for this position will be no less than the applicable minimum wage Actual compensation will be determined based on the applicable legal requirements as well as the candidates qualifications experience and location

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin disability veteran status age marital status pregnancy genetic information or other legally protected status