Research Director, Automotive - Europe in London

Escalent is an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm that helps clients understand human and market behaviours to navigate disruption. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, our strategies guide the world leading brands. We accelerate growth by creating a seamless flow between primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal business data, providing consulting and advisory services from insights through implementation. Based on a profound understanding of what drives human beings and markets, we identify actions that build brands, enhance customer experiences, inspire product innovation and boost business productivity. We listen, learn, question, discover, innovate, and deliver for each other and our clients to make the world work better for people.

Role Overview

At Escalent, the Research Director, Automotive is a role that leads the local automotive sales and delivery team (6 members) which works on a hybrid schedule from Guilford. This position requires prior experience providing insights, market analysis or consulting that is grounded in research or behavioural analytics. This position plays a strategic role in driving growth and innovation with UK-based auto-sector clients and leads the local team. Reporting to the EVP and Managing Director in the US, this position requires a deep understanding of the Automotive sector, with additional expertise in Energy/Utilities and Financial Services being highly beneficial. The Director will collaborate with leaders across various sectors, such as Consumer and Financial Services, as well as other Escalent Group brands including Hall & Partners and C Space, to enhance solutions and ways of working for the local Automotive team. In addition, this role entails leveraging the combined capabilities of the organisation and enhancing employee engagement and growth opportunities for the team accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Automotive team in Europe, identifying client issues and overseeing the effective delivery of our existing research projects with automotive manufacturers.
• Actively participate in ongoing research and sales efforts as appropriate.
• Respond to RFPs, write proposals, lead client presentations, review final deliverables and effectively respond to ad hoc client inquiries.
• Retain clients and identify growth opportunities, enhance client satisfaction and drive revenue.
• Retain and develop the existing team based in the Guilford office, and also make connections with colleagues in the London, UK office.
• Collaborate with leaders across sectors and brands within Escalent Group to creatively integrate capabilities, delivering innovative solutions that address clients' evolving business needs.
• Meet and exceed budget and revenue targets set for the UK Automotive sector.
• Work with the marketing and sales team members on strategies to position the company as a preferred provider.
• Provide input for new research and data services based on competitive analysis and client needs.
• Represent Escalent at industry-specific conferences to establish a reputation as a trusted resource, and demonstrate thought leadership in blog / LinkedIn posts and comments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Proven track record of leadership and client account management within market research or analytical services, particularly in the Automotive industry.
• Proficiency in Salesforce.com or similar tools.
• Strong strategic planning skills and the ability to drive revenue growth.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for effective leadership and collaboration across sectors.
• Demonstrated adaptability to manage diverse personalities within a multinational setting.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.