President, Insights

ABOUT BASTION

Bastion U.S. is an integrated, full-service marketing and communications agency committed to understanding the human behind the data. As part of our mission, Bastion Insights operates as a strategic research and insights division, delivering powerful consumer intelligence through advanced qualitative and quantitative methods. Our expertise ranges across quantitative methodologies (brand tracking, segmentation, conjoint analysis, A&U studies, advanced analytics) and qualitative approaches (focus groups, IDIs, online communities, diaries). We work with some of the world’s most innovative and respected brands to inform smarter decisions and drive real-world impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Bastion Insights is seeking a highly strategic, commercially minded, and entrepreneurial President to lead and grow our boutique market research practice. This is a high-visibility executive role for a business builder with a passion for insights, an instinct to drive growth, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate MUST be as subject matter expert in market research & insights who is as comfortable pitching a Fortune 500 CMO as they are mentoring a junior researcher—someone who can evolve our offering, expand our footprint, and deliver insight-led growth across sectors.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Set the strategic vision for the practice, identifying growth opportunities, emerging methodologies, and new service areas.
• Guide the development of innovative research solutions tailored to evolving client needs, especially in areas such as AI-enabled analysis, agile research, and predictive insights.
• Oversee operational execution to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all research engagements.

Business Development & Growth Leadership

• Own and drive the commercial growth strategy of Bastion Insights, with a focus on new client acquisition, expansion of existing relationships, and increased revenue generation.
• Build and lead proactive outreach strategies, develop compelling proposals, and pitch to senior decision-makers across industries.
• Represent Bastion Insights in high-stakes client conversations, industry events, and thought leadership forums.
• Collaborate with marketing and corporate leadership to position Bastion as a go-to insights partner.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior-level clients, helping them translate business challenges into researchable questions and research findings into strategy.
• Drive long-term client value by embedding insights into their decision-making processes.
• Lead key accounts and ensure exceptional service delivery, quality control, and client satisfaction.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary research team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and excellence in both client service and internal collaboration.
• Promote knowledge sharing and professional development within the team.

Financial & Performance Management

• Own P&L responsibilities including revenue forecasting, profitability tracking, and operational budgeting.
• Establish and manage performance metrics tied to revenue growth, client retention, and operational efficiency.
• Establish comprehensive project pricing strategies with vendor partners that ensure competitive positioning while maintaining profitability
• Partner closely with the CFO to ensure financial discipline and sustainable scaling.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess 15 years of experience in primary market research (quantitative and qualitative), with a proven track record in commercial growth, preferably in a consultancy or agency setting.
• 10 years in a leadership role with business development responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, develop strategic partnerships, and close complex deals.
• Deep expertise in a range of research methods including brand tracking, segmentation, conjoint analysis, A&U studies, and qualitative techniques such as focus groups and IDIs required.
• Strong consultative selling skills and the ability to tailor insights-driven offerings to diverse business challenges.
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities; comfortable presenting to senior executive stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, client impact, and organizational growth.
• Demonstrated strong vendor management expertise.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation) into research offerings is a strong plus.
• BA in Marketing/Market Research/Behavioral Science or related field preferred
• Ability to work hybrid from Costa Mesa office preferred.

SALARY RANGE

• The salary range for this role is $220,000-$250,000 plus commission and benefits.

WHY BASTION?

• Join a high-caliber team with the flexibility, autonomy, and agility of a boutique firm backed by the resources of a global collective.
• Lead a division poised for its next chapter of growth—with the freedom to shape its strategy and culture.
• Work with bold brands and decision-makers who value insight-led thinking.
• Be part of an organization that blends creativity, data, and human understanding to solve complex business challenges.

Bastion U.S. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees.

Ready to lead with insight—and build something exceptional? Apply now.