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- Tasks: Lead impactful automotive research projects and deliver strategic insights to clients.
- Company: Escalent, an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values curiosity and strategic thinking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive sector while shaping client strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Research Director or strong Associate Director in automotive research.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Who We Are: 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’s 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: We’re looking for an experienced, agency-side Research Director to lead and deliver high-impact research programmes within the automotive sector. This is a hands-on, client-facing role requiring strong qualitative expertise (c.50%) alongside solid quantitative capabilities. You’ll take ownership of projects end-to-end from proposal writing through to delivery while acting as a trusted advisor to clients and a leader within the business. We have offices in Guildford and London, and offer a genuinely flexible working environment. Location is not a barrier for the right person, provided you are willing to spend time in the office at least once a month.
Responsibilities:
- Automotive Specialism
- Apply (or develop) expertise in automotive research, particularly around product development
- Lead or support automotive product studies, including clinics (e.g. concept, design, quality or usability testing)
- Demonstrate curiosity and engagement with automotive trends, innovation, and consumer behaviour
- Project Leadership
- Lead research projects from initial brief through to final delivery
- Design and execute multi-method research programmes (mixing qualitative and quantitative, along with custom and subscription content)
- Ensure high standards of insight, storytelling, and strategic recommendations
- Client Leadership
- Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels
- Act as a strategic partner, confidently challenging and shaping client thinking
- Lead presentations and workshops with impact
- Qualitative Expertise
- Independently moderate a range of qualitative methodologies (e.g. IDIs, groups, workshops, online communities)
- Bring strong facilitation skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences
- Interpret and synthesise complex qualitative data into clear, compelling narratives
- Quantitative Oversight
- Design and oversee quantitative research elements (e.g. surveys, concept testing)
- Work closely with data teams/partners to ensure robust analysis and outputs
- Integrate quant findings seamlessly into broader insight stories
- Commercial & Business Development
- Write compelling proposals and contribute to new business pitches
- Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts
- Contribute to the agency’s thought leadership and sector expertise
Qualifications:
- Proven experience at Research Director level (or strong Associate Director ready to step up) within an agency environment
- Experience in automotive research
- Strong qualitative skillset, including confident moderation
- Experience delivering multi-method research (qual + quant)
- Ability to lead projects end-to-end independently
- Excellent client handling and stakeholder management skills
- Strong proposal writing and commercial awareness
- Ability to translate insight into strategic, actionable recommendations
Desirable:
- Direct experience with automotive product development clinics
- Experience running or contributing to online communities
- Additional language skills
Personal Attributes:
- Curious, strategic thinker with a passion for understanding consumer behaviour
- Confident communicator and storyteller
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail
- Collaborative, but comfortable taking ownership and leading from the front
- Commercially minded with a proactive approach to growth
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.
Research Director - Automotive employer: Escalent
Contact Detail:
Escalent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director - Automotive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in leading research projects and your understanding of automotive trends. Bring your A-game and be ready to discuss how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions related to qualitative and quantitative research. Think about specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills and successes in the automotive field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to submit your application directly on our site, and don’t forget to follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director - Automotive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Automotive: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the automotive sector shine through. We want to see how your curiosity and engagement with trends can add value to our team.
Craft a Compelling Proposal: Since proposal writing is key in this role, make sure to showcase your skills here. Highlight your experience in leading projects and how you can translate insights into actionable recommendations for clients.
Be Authentic and Personal: We love getting to know the real you! Share your unique experiences and perspectives that have shaped your approach to research. This helps us see how you'd fit into our collaborative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Escalent
✨Know Your Automotive Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive sector. Being able to discuss recent developments or consumer behaviours will show that you're genuinely interested and engaged, which is key for a Research Director role.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
Since you'll be interpreting complex qualitative data, practice how to present your findings in a clear and compelling way. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've turned insights into actionable recommendations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience leading projects and managing client relationships. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges or influenced client thinking, as this will demonstrate your capability as a trusted advisor.
✨Practice Proposal Writing
Since writing compelling proposals is part of the job, consider preparing a mock proposal based on a hypothetical project. This will not only help you articulate your ideas but also showcase your commercial awareness during the interview.