Research Director

Smith Hanley Associates; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Hanley Associates is seeking a Research and Insights Director to lead sophisticated, custom research engagements and act as a senior strategic partner to clients. The role sits on the leadership team, blending client consultation, research oversight, and team development.

This is an opportunity for a seasoned leader who thrives in consultative partnerships, elevates people and product, and helps shape the future of a creative, strategy-forward insights organization.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in custom market research design and analysis.
• Deep experience leading complex, strategic projects across qualitative, quantitative, and advanced analytics.
• Proven ability to consult with senior stakeholders and shape business strategy.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing research talent.
• Highly strategic thinker with strong ownership and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Build consultative, trusted partnerships with senior client stakeholders.
• Lead strategic conversations around business objectives and research design.
• Identify organic growth opportunities and contribute to account expansion.
• Partner with senior leadership on new business pitches and capability presentations.
• Design and oversee complex custom research across qualitative, quantitative, and advanced methodologies.
• Provide high-level strategic oversight at key project milestones.
• Ensure creative, custom methodologies are executed with rigor and impact.
• Guide the development of story-driven, visually compelling deliverables with actionable recommendations.
• Serve as senior internal advisor to project teams and strategic consultant to clients.
• Drive efficiency, quality control, and profitability across engagements.

Job description

A cutting-edge insights and strategy agency is hiring a Research and Insights Director to lead complex, custom research engagements and serve as a senior strategic partner to clients. This role sits on the leadership team and blends high-level client consultation, research oversight, and team development.

This is an opportunity for a seasoned research leader who thrives in consultative partnerships, enjoys elevating both people and product, and wants to help shape the future of a creative, strategy-forward insights organization.

What You’ll Do

• Build consultative, trusted partnerships with senior client stakeholders
• Lead strategic conversations around business objectives and research design
• Identify organic growth opportunities and contribute to account expansion
• Partner with senior leadership on new business pitches and capability presentations
• Design and oversee complex custom research across qualitative, quantitative, and advanced methodologies
• Provide high-level strategic oversight at key project milestones
• Ensure creative, custom methodologies are executed with rigor and impact
• Guide the development of story-driven, visually compelling deliverables with actionable recommendations
• Serve as senior internal advisor to project teams and strategic consultant to clients
• Drive efficiency, quality control, and profitability across engagements

What They’re Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in custom market research design and analysis
• Deep experience leading complex, strategic projects across qual, quant, and advanced analytics
• Proven ability to consult with senior stakeholders and shape business strategy
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing research talent
• Highly strategic thinker with strong ownership and accountability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to roll up sleeves and contribute directly at any stage of the research process when needed