RESEARCH DIRECTOR

To be trusted with work with the Ipsos brand for the good of the business.

To lead project teams in the design, set-up and management of leading-edge research.

To carry out account management activities – managing existing client relationships, including seeking repeat business, and actively seeking major and new client opportunities and management.

• Responsible for the actions and activities of the team (with business area Director).
• Recruitment of junior staff.
• Profit and loss responsibility for projects that one is managing and business area.
• New business generation and existing client development plans (with business area Director).
• Problem resolution and ownership of results.
• Direct complex projects and higher-value work, displaying well-developed research skills, knowledge and thought.
• Generate meaningful insights from research data to add real value to the client.
• Use advanced research techniques and apply them appropriately.
• Demonstrate Company awareness through internal support, cross-selling and marketing, and take a corporate view with new business opportunities and the relationships with existing clients (client-facing stream).
• Be an ambassador and guardian of the brand for Ipsos, displaying the appropriate knowledge and behaviors.
• Significantly contribute to the strategic direction of the business area, implement agreed plans, and actively support the Division and Company.
• Make significant contributions to our work area(s) in terms of business generation/profit.
• Challenge and mentor junior staff in research skills and their career development.
• Recruit key skills and ensure operational efficiency of the Department is maintained at all times.
• Conduct performance reviews and design staff development plans for the team (with business area Director). Carry out appropriate performance management activities.
• Deliver required team financial performance (with business area Director).
• Keep abreast of current trends within market research and competitors, in order to develop personal skills/knowledge base and transfer knowledge, skills, and expertise through training and coaching.
• Keenness to learn and proactive self-development and development of others.
• Maximize opportunities for client contact and take a lead role; measure to be set through review process (relationship building and seeking repeat and new business wins, ideally including a minimum of two targeted account face-to-face meetings/year).

Manage the team to:

• Handle a number of different projects at once, ensuring time, budget and profitability requirements are met.
• Produce outputs and research that are of high quality and consistent with agreed outputs.
• Produce proposals that meet and where possible exceed the brief requirements.
• Ensure all questionnaires facilitate strong data collection capability.
• Provide accurate analysis and interpretation of data.
• Liaise professionally and effectively with the Operation departments to ensure we deliver what we say we will.

COMPETENCIES

• Self-Management
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Client Focus
• Knowledge & Expertise
• Flexibility

BACKGROUND

Experience:

• At least eight years of strong Market Research Experience and good application of knowledge.
• Solid experience in questionnaire design, table specifications, and project management.
• Understand and use statistical analysis.
• Selling of research projects and capabilities.
• Ideally, experienced in relevant category or sectors.

Skills/Knowledge:

• Good communication skills, written and oral.
• Sound problem-solving skills.
• Able to work under pressure and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Good data preparation skills.
• Good client service skills.
• Able to build strong links with the rest of the business.
• Proactive / Self-motivated.
• Able to work effectively in a team and independently.

Qualifications:

• Degree in related studies.