Quantitative Research Director

ABOUT C R RESEARCH

There’s a reason we’ve been named one of Chicago’s Best Places to work. For over 60 years, C R has recognized that our people are our greatest asset. Our culture is built on our employees’ curiosity, allowing everyone to grow and cultivate their passions and strengths, while at the same time, collaborating and supporting one another. We truly welcome creative thinking and input from all levels in our organization.

At C R, all analysts work directly with senior managers and owners, who are all still analysts working on projects, as well as face-to-face with clients. Our client brands are mostly Fortune 1,000 companies (both B2C and B2B) and our teams work across a variety of categories using the most innovative methodologies.

POSITION FUNCTION:

Work in conjunction with other quantitative analysts to design and manage client research projects. Involved in all aspects of research projects from research design/proposal through full written report. Develop and maintain client relationships through strong and timely communication skills as well as by providing strong analytic insight and reports with a consultative mindset towards business strategy and client outcomes.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Project Duties:

• Spearhead the design and implementation of comprehensive research initiatives and client communications
• Maintain quality control throughout the project by managing and supervising the analytic direction of the research through the design of questionnaires, survey programs, field coordination, quality control, analytic plans, data processing, reporting and analysis to ensure they are strategically structured around the desired outcomes.
• Proactively keep projects on track by anticipating client and project needs and coordinating resources as appropriate
• Thoughtfully manage client needs and expectations throughout the research process with strong communication, solution oriented consultative thinking, and client service mindset.
• Develop comprehensive questionnaires/screeners, analytic plans, and reports using established and new techniques, along with creative and critical thinking.
• Support on or respond to both simpler and more complex client Request for Proposal (RFP) through a written proposal that outlines a recommended custom research design, methodology, timing and costs, with the ability to include any of C R’s full slate of established capabilities.
• Develop and apply both basic and more complex quantitative research methods to address marketing issues with a focus on strategic recommendations to address client objectives.
• Oversee vendor relationships for tasks or processes that are outsourced., understand tools and when and how to incorporate
• Understand and apply data processing and statistical principles including complex variables to enhance the analysis through new banners/filters, manipulation tables/data, and statistical analyses to explore hypothesis for reporting.
• Build proficiencies in and leverage internal tools like Q and Displayr for report development, data manipulation, exploring hypotheses, etc.
• Implement and leverage ad hoc/external tools in the research approach to add value and insight to deliverables
• Supervise the development of basic reports, and develop complex final reports to ensure engaging deliverables through the use of data visualization, organization, storytelling, and a focus on objectives including: report/presentation set-up, data posting, data analysis and analysis
• Interpret and report complex statistics (such as conjoint, segmentation) including the incorporation of qualitative results as relevant
• Leverage tools like Q and Displayr for Report development, data manipulation, exploring hypotheses, etc. Develop strong summaries of key findings, connecting the dots and distilling learnings
• Assist in the evaluation, development, and leverage use of digital project related tools, both internal and external, to enhance project efficiencies and data analysis.
• Work collaboratively with both junior and senior level team members to elevate research output and client success

Management duties;

• Responsibly delegate tasks to supporting team members in ways that best utilize team resources and grow the skills of junior analysts.
• Provide fair, timely, and constructive feedback (both positive and negative) and hold others accountable for doing the same.
• Manage others in terms of work level, time management, workload, motivation, development path, delegation, etc., and administer appropriate professional development opportunities.
• Set a leadership example across the company and be seen as a leader and role model.
• Be proactive in addressing communication and performance gaps, advocating for needs in a constructive manner.
• Train analyst staff on guidelines and procedures of analytic department.

Client Engagement:

• Attend and lead or help lead client meetings and presentations.
• Lead client meetings and present results in a clear, confident, and engaging way.
• Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about clients’ businesses, industries, and/or customers.
• Speak confidently about the company's methods, capabilities, and points of differentiation.
• Build strong client relationships through effective and proactive communication with s and a focus on great research, deep perspective, and best in class, committed client service.

Other Duties:

• Keep up-to-date and knowledgeable about your clients’ businesses, industries and/or customers.
• Contribute to the overall organization by offering ideas and suggestions for improving processes and/or C R’s products and services.
• Keep abreast of industry changes.
• Share knowledge and experience with C R staff.
• Exhibit a consultative mindset towards business strategy and client outcomes
• Special projects as required.
• Regular attendance.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• 7 years of total marketing insights related experience with at least 4 years in a research supplier/agency role, hands-on experience conducting custom market research projects.
• Self-starter with full analytic abilities.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• A proven record of exemplary client service.
• Ability to juggle numerous concurrent projects and tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage large projects with a keen attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic, engaged, and positive attitude.
• Significant, hands-on experience using Microsoft Office products and data analytics software.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office environment. May require some travel to client sites.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

How To Apply

Please submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to jobs@crresearch.com and include the job title in the subject line.

No 3rd party applications will be considered.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship or OPT.

C R Research provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, C R Research complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

C R Research expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.