Senior Research Director

Confidential; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in Chicago seeks a Senior Research Director to lead diverse market research teams, manage client relationships, and oversee end-to-end research programs. You will design and implement robust studies, ensure timely delivery, and drive excellence and innovation across projects.

The role demands a strong mix of quantitative and qualitative expertise, mentoring juniors, clear client communication, and hands-on project leadership to unlock consumer insights for agile business decisions.

Qualifications

• University degree required.
• 7–10 years hands-on research experience preferred.
• Experience with consumer-packaged goods, technology, media/entertainment, financial services, health, or retail sectors.

Responsibilities

• Lead diverse market research programs from design to delivery.
• Manage client relationships and ensure project milestones.
• Coach and develop junior researchers and build high-performing teams.
• Drive innovation in research methods and reporting.
• Oversee operations, project fulfillment, and data storytelling.

Skills

Quantitative methods

Qualitative methods

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Data visualization

Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint)

Education

University degree

Tools

Questionnaire design

Sample frame development

Field management

Job description

As a Senior Research Director, you will:

• Be deeply engaged in all facets of daily business operation including:
• client relationship management,
• research execution & commitment fulfillment, and
• Be responsible for helping to build, develop and lead a team of diverse market researchers
• Design, implement & manage a wide array of research programs & projects with a keen eye toward excellence and innovation, including:
• operations process & project fulfillment,
• analysis & creative development of impactful deliverables.
• Bring an exceptional drive and entrepreneurial mindset, while also being highly organized related to planning and implementing both strategic and tactical aspects of the business.
• Actively develop and manage large strategic client relationships.
• Be an enduring, positive and collaborative leader who coaches and develops junior colleagues and genuinely cares about all facets of the company, our strategy and reputation in the market.

Our next Senior Research Director will bring:

• A strategic market researcher mindset; you are well-versed in a broad array of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and can readily apply these toward answering client business & research objectives.
• Exceptional hands‑on research expertise, including questionnaire design, sample frame development, field management, analysis planning, data visualization and creative report writing.
• Incredible attention to detail and be highly organized, with an ability to manage multiple projects at once and consistently shifting priorities and timelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the confidence to engage clients in methodological discussions and results read-outs.
• Passion to mentor junior colleagues and train the next generation of research practitioners.
• Skill with technology and social media, as well as online market research methodologies and technology platforms.
• An innate ability to find the story in the numbers, and to sift through qualitative & qualitative data to extract meaningful nuggets and insights.
• Creative data visualization and reporting skills – someone who develops reports that always impress colleagues and clients.
• A passion for unlocking the power of consumer insights to help drive agile decision making.

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have:

• A University or College degree
• 7 - 10 years of relevant, hands‑on work experience, preferably with a supplier side organization.
• Background in Consumer‑Packaged Goods (CPG), Technology, Media/ Entertainment, Financial Services, Health or Retail industries
• Exposure to sophisticated market research practices including a wide variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Experience managing end‑to‑end market research projects, including:
• Designing and developing questionnaires and discussion guides,
• Identifying and writing up analytical findings,
• Visualizing and reporting quantitative and qualitative data,
• Report writing and taking deliverables to the next level,
• Working in marketing research software packages.
• A strong track record of mentoring & managing junior researchers
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, Excel and PowerPoint, in particular, as well as a quick learner of new technologies/software.
• Analytical/ Logic and Reasoning orientation.
• Strong numeric and problem‑solving orientation.
• Strong client service orientation.

Please note, you must be eligible to work in the US to be considered for this role.

We value the unique qualities and experiences that each candidate brings to the table.

We believe in a personal approach to hiring and take the time to thoroughly review each resume ourselves. Rest assured, we do not use AI or automated systems to review or filter resumes. Every application is carefully reviewed by our hiring team to ensure a fair and personalized evaluation process.

Research has shown that individuals in underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to apply.

We welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Support is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Finally, we know from time‑to‑time emergencies happen and you may need to reschedule an interview - we understand and encourage you to be in communication without worrying about losing the opportunity or your credibility.