About us 

We turn customer challenges into growth opportunities.   

Material is a global strategy partner to the world’s most recognizable brands and innovative companies. Our people around the globe thrive by helping organizations design and deliver rewarding customer experiences.  

We use deep human insights, design innovation and data to create experiences powered by modern technology. Our approaches speed engagement and growth for the companies we work with and transform relationships between businesses and the people they serve

About the Director, Qualitative Insights role

The Director, Insights is someone who dreams big, values collaboration and is committed to turning customer challenges into growth opportunities

You will be responsible for leading and the successful delivery of multiple research and insights engagements at a time. You will act as a thought partner to our junior to senior-level clients, crafting insights and developing actionable and provocative recommendations, while maintaining trusted relationships. Unlocking organic growth through ongoing relationships and repeat clients. Liaising with internal Client Partners to support account planning and growth.

As the Director, Qualitative Insights you will

• Specific research design and delivery responsibilities include - but are not limited to - methodology recommendations and engagement design, discussion + activity guide development, online + face to face moderation, mentoring and developing others, managing internal project members, notetaking, financial project management, developing nearly client ready reports/deliverables (including slides video deliverables, microsites), overall account/project management and managing scope, critical thinking for roadblock escalation to effectively complete work and offers guidance to others to problem solve these challenges.

• Collaboration with internal cross-functional teams (e.g., Qual Insight Ops, Insight Design, Behavioral Sciences, Quant practice) in support of executing the highest quality work.

• Insights reporting responsibilities include translating data into learnings, integrated visual stories and comprehensive narratives that establish impactful and strategic recommendations. This process may or may not include Senior Team/Leader oversight.

• Team & client management responsibilities include establishing, supporting, and building thriving relationships with junior- to senior-level Insights, Marketing and other cross-functional client Stakeholders. Mentoring, coaching, and delegating appropriate work to Associates and Sr. Associates, Associate Directors, sharing responsibility for their growth, development and training roadmaps. You will be mentored by senior leadership and receive on-the-job formal training through Material.

About you

• We are open to alternative modes of education and experience that qualify candidates for the role.

• Many successful candidates have Bachelor’s degrees and/or studies in a social science, communications, or business related field and we welcome different backgrounds of study. Master’s degrees are a plus.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in market research, with a proven track record of managing multiple end-to-end research projects and developing client relationships.

• Prior experience managing and leading others as a people manager is a plus.

• Expert of qualitative methodologies, including focus groups, ethnographies, in-depth interviews (IDIs), online communities, etc. and broad experience across different types of objectives (JTBD/Needs, Segment Illumination, Audience Understanding, Journey Mapping, Product Innovation, Positioning, etc.) Understanding of quantitative research is a plus. Ability to integrate and seamlessly incorporate Quantitative methods, research and insights.

• Skills required for success include critical thinking, strategic thinking, project management and problem identification oriented around solutions and point-of-view. Ability to learn and adapt to cutting edge technologies to drive efficiency. Leadership presence through influence and peer relationships. Issue de-escalation and solutioning when needed.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex insights to diverse audiences including Senior level stakeholders.

• Positively influences organic client account growth and revenue.

• Inspires and motivates others. Act as a change leader who brings others along.

• Proficiency in market research software and tools and Microsoft/Google Suites.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and lead cross-functional teams and manage relationships with external vendors.

• Demonstrated curiosity, willingness to learn (learning mindset), openness to sharing, receiving, asking for, and applying feedback.

• Adaptability to new methodologies and technologies in the market.

Why work for Material? 

In addition to fulfilling, high-impact work, company culture and benefits are integral to determining if a job is a right fit for you. Here’s a bit about who we are and highlights around what we offer. 

Who We Are & What We Care About 

• Material is a global company and we work with best-of-class brands worldwide.  We also create and launch new brands and products, putting innovation and value creation at the center of our practice. Our clients are in the top of their class, across industry sectors from technology to retail, transportation, finance and healthcare. 

• Material employees join a peer group of exceptionally talented colleagues across the company, the country, and even the world. We develop capabilities, craft and leading-edge market offerings across seven global practices including strategy and insights, design, data & analytics, technology and tracking. Our engagement management team makes it all hum for clients.  

• We prize inclusion and interconnectedness. We amplify our impact through the people, perspectives, and expertise we engage in our work. Our commitment to deep human understanding combined with a science & systems approach uniquely equips us to bring a rich frame of reference to our work. 

• A community focused on learning and making an impact. Material is an outcomes focused company. We create experiences that matter, create new value and make a difference in people's lives.  
   

What We Offer 

In addition to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and FSA, Material offers: 

• A work environment that works best for you. Whether that’s fully remote, in one of our offices, or hybrid. 

• Flexible & synchronous time off. We trust our colleagues to take responsibility for and manage their workloads. That’s why we offer Flexible Time Off along with synchronous companywide closures and 11 company holidays.   

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Every parent deserves to spend the first few months of their new child’s life with them. 

• Help planning for your future. We offer 401K match, as well as periodic financial wellness and planning sessions throughout the year.  

Pay Range: $83,000.00 - $108,000.00

The range shown represents a grouping of relevant ranges currently in use at Material. Actual range for this position may differ, depending on location and specific skillset required for the work itself.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Privacy Statement

Material is committed to protecting privacy in our recruiting processes for all candidates. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. California-resident applicants should also refer to our California-resident Candidate Privacy Statement.

If you need support with a privacy-related matter, please send an email to: [email protected]o