Associate Director for Digital, Data and Technology in Newcastle upon Tyne

About us: Toluna is the global research and insights leader that enables businesses to make smarter, data-driven decisions – faster. For 26 years, we have partnered with the world's leading brands, delivering transformative impact through our advanced technology platform, comprehensive solution portfolio, expansive global first-party panel, and world-class team of leading research experts. Since 2019, we’ve made significant investments in artificial intelligence to enhance automation, accelerate insight delivery, and unlock deeper understanding at scale. With 40+ offices worldwide, Toluna operates in 70+ countries, redefining the future of insights.

Introduction: As a Junior Associate Director, you will play a key role in driving project success, leading client relationships, and managing a dynamic team of researchers. This position is pivotal in delivering actionable insights for high-profile clients across sectors, while fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Client and Project Management:
• Lead multiple projects with a focus on brand equity tracking, to support the client's brand growth objectives.
• Design research questionnaires that meet project objectives in consultation with clients.
• Lead and manage end-to-end tracking and ad hoc research projects, including survey design, data analysis, and results presentation.
• Analyze and transform data into clear, story-driven reports and presentations that address clients' research, commercial, and communication goals.
• Work closely with internal operations teams to oversee survey deployment, data collection, and analysis processes, while managing timelines, budget and delivery efficiency.
• Strategic Contribution:
• Develop a strong understanding of client business needs, with the ability to deliver tailored solutions.
• Act as a thought leader and research expert, demonstrating deep knowledge in consumer insights on topics like brand equity, advertising campaigns and product innovation.
• Stay updated with industry trends and contribute to business growth by suggesting new methodologies and solutions.
• Contribute to business development by supporting proposals, pitches, and account growth initiatives.
• Team Leadership:
• Manage and mentor a team of research professionals, fostering their professional growth and ensuring project excellence.
• Build a supportive and inspiring team culture that encourages creativity and collaboration.
• Review and sign off on team deliverables to ensure excellence.
• One of the most senior team members from the Research & CSM team who collaborates with Client and Commercial Directors to co-lead research-focused client engagements and manage emerging issues.
• You can expect to line manage 2–3 direct reports (typically Research Managers), supporting their development through coaching, feedback, and career progression planning.
• You will guide project work, promote best practice, and review deliverables to ensure high standards.
• You will also support team wellbeing, satisfaction and motivation, with the support of your line manager (Associate Director) where needed.

Your Profile:

• 10+ years of experience in quantitative research, including international and longitudinal studies.
• Understanding of brand equity measurement and experience applying it to answer business questions.
• Proven expertise in designing, managing, and delivering complex tracking as well as other adhoc research projects.
• Excellent analytical and storytelling skills with a focus on turning complex data into actionable insights and compelling presentations.
• Proven ability to build and manage client relationships.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Robust coaching and mentoring abilities.
• A results-driven, can-do attitude with a passion for research excellence.
• Positive, solution-oriented attitude with a passion for brands, product innovation and digital media.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, empathetic, and transparent work culture.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, handling multiple tasks effectively.
• Experience or education in fields such as Marketing, Business, Economics, Communications, Social Sciences, or similar areas. Formal degrees are welcome but not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

What success looks like in this role:

• Build strong relationships with key clients within the first 3 months.
• Lead multiple brand equity tracking studies with a strong focus on quality and client objectives.
• Ensure high-quality, on-time delivery across your team and projects.
• Contribute to account growth by identifying opportunities and supporting client development initiatives.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a collaborative team of research professionals.
• Work closely with a wider team of researchers and client directors.
• Contribute to process improvement by identifying efficient ways of working and enhancing research delivery.

Our Values:

• Acting with Ownership - Demonstrating individual accountability.
• Bringing a forward mindset - Being action-oriented, bold and entrepreneurial.
• Collaborating with Curiosity - Exhibiting teamwork through togetherness.
• Discussing openly, committing jointly - Sharing your views openly.
• Embracing empathy - Being egoless & caring.

What we Offer: At Toluna, we're all about creating a welcoming, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and plenty of opportunities to grow within our global team. Inclusion and respect are at the heart of what we do. Our community connects over 72 million people across 70 countries. If you're passionate about making an impact, we'd love to have you on board. Join our global team. We welcome big thinking and reward great work.