Director, Research Strategy – Observer

Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees.

We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999.

The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0003298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP

Director, Research Strategy 

Position Summary 

Ipsos Observer has a position available for a Director/Vice President, Research Strategy.

This role would preferably be out of our New York, NY, Chicago, IL or Los Angeles, CA offices, though a remote opportunity would be considered as we are flexible on location.

The research strategy team is critical to the success of our business in providing thoughtful, flexible and focused research expertise to our clients which span across all major client categories, consulting firms, ad agencies, market research, data collection and sampling companies.

The ideal candidate will serve as a well-rounded and knowledgeable market research expert and leader to clients, as well as to internal business development teams and project management teams.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, client consultation on research/sample design to best meet objectives, advising business development teams on recommended approaches and on developing winning proposals, and leading project execution initiatives by guiding project managers on all phases throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires a proactive, resourceful researcher with superior attention to detail and critical thinking skills who is capable of building positive and collaborative working relationships with clients and colleagues.

Key Responsiblities

The responsibilities for this position span across project execution, business development and client support.

These responsibilities include:

  • Develop, review and optimize proposals including objectives, methodology, sampling, analytic opportunities, deliverables and timelines
  • Cultivate and strengthen client relationships through developing an understanding of their business objectives and ensuring exceptional client service
  • Develop and revise questionnaires using research design best practices, including in-depth discussions with clients to ensure the survey instrument will result in actionable, relevant insights
  • Oversee and troubleshoot complex research projects including testing links for respondent experience, advanced programming logic (e.g.

    MaxDiff, segmentation algorithms, etc.), quota designs, data quality issues, data inconsistencies, fielding issues, etc.

  • Check data processing specifications for accuracy and to ensure output will meet expectations for analytic plan
  • Create analytic plans and reports including charting (in PowerPoint or Google Slides) and writing analyses (headlines, key findings, recommendations) based on client objectives.
  • Use secondary data sources to determine quota or balancing targets (both US and international) for clients with specific need for representative sample
  • Present findings to clients virtually or in-person
  • Advise and educate (including leading trainings) project management and business development teams on a wide variety of research topics and provide resources to answer questions as needed
  • Build new client relationships and expand existing business with current clients, managing all aspects of the proposal and sales process for your accounts
  • Employ a consultative, strategic selling approach to generate revenue, primarily from existing accounts and in-bound leads, that meets or exceeds defined revenue and profit targets
  • Utilize CRM system to ensure accurate and current information about accounts
  • Maintain knowledge of Ipsos’ products and services and trends in the market research industry

Required Skills and Experience

  • Minimum 7 years of market research experience with demonstrated career advancement
  • Research design expertise including:
  • Sampling and quota structures
  • Questionnaires
  • Analytic planning
  • Reporting, analysis and data visualization
  • General market research best practices and innovation
  • Experience across a variety of market research projects (B2B, B2C, Ad Hoc, Tracking, etc.)
  • Proactive and resourceful
  • Consultative and collaborative
  • Superior attention to detail, critical thinking, organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Possess account development skills
  • Consultative sales experience matching, proposing and selling market research solutions to clients with custom needs
  • Self-motivated, curious, high energy with a passion for research and a tireless work ethic
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), as well as listening and presentation skills 
  • Exceptional people management skills, including the ability to train, coach and motivate others and to work with a variety of people in a team setting
  • Proficient with MS Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), SPSS and Desktop Reporter
  • Periodic domestic travel required

Ipsos recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee’s individuality and diverse perspectives.

For more than 40 years, our mission has been to generate and analyze data about society, markets, brands, and behaviors to provide our clients with the insights that elevate their understanding of the world.

This could not be fulfilled without Ipsos’ diverse employees who compile and analyze this data—they are the essence of who we are and what we do.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion, and allowing employees from all walks of life to flourish.

Ipsos encourages our employees to act in a respectful and responsible manner, in line with codes of best practices concerning diversity and inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility for every individual.

Ipsos is An Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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