Position: Associate Director or Research Director
Division: Financial Services
Location: Manchester or London
Overview
To develop and maintain relationships with financial services clients through delivery of first class research within time and within budget
The Research Director/Associate Director has responsibility for providing strong and effective leadership to a team of researchers dedicated to delivering comprehensive custom market research to Harris Interactive’s Financial Services clients. The Research Director/Associate Director takes ownership for all market research activity and relationships within their assigned accounts. Frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders and a deep understanding of financial services market drivers and activity is a critical requirement to ensure the continuous improvement of research, relationships, revenue and retention for the company. Your extensive market research experience and knowledge will mean you are a role model and mentor to research managers and colleagues in all aspects of research projects. The Research Director/Associate Director will support, coach and mentor researchers in the pursuit of research excellence by providing direction, guidance and sharing knowledge. The successful candidate is expected to create an environment of trust, teamwork and empowerment leading both team members and clients to feeling respected and valued.
Enduring and profitable client relationships ensure Harris Interactive successfully develops and grows providing opportunities for all involved. Your knowledge and business acumen will ensure that profitable relationships with clients thrive and that Harris Interactive’s reputation for innovative full service agency research is enhanced.
The company is going through an exciting time and about to embark on an ambitious period of growth. This is a high profile senior role that reports to the Head of Financial Services. It offers the right person the opportunity to use their in-depth market research and financial services knowledge and skills to make a significant positive impact within the company.
Responsibilities
- Leads the design and execution of research which incorporates advanced solutions to meet complex needs
- Proactively looks to improve on customer satisfaction within the team
- Provides added value consultancy for clients
- Conducts professional and authoritative presentations to clients
- Communicates confidently with clients about (their) business and sector issues
- Proactively works to improve efficiencies on project management within the team
- Oversees and takes the lead on projects to optimise quality and ensure excellence
- Takes responsibility for own target
- Ensures own job profitability target is achieved
- Develops, coaches and motivates staff within the team
- Establishes, manages and develops client relationships
- Provides significant input on proposals and pitches
- Presents at external conferences and seminars
- Initiates new business activity within sector
- Proactively works with the Marketing Department for the benefit of the team and accounts
- Provides input to team’s strategic direction
Requirements
- Degree level education
- Good understanding and experience of quantitative and qualitative research
- Line management experience
- Established financial services expertise
- Digital experience preferable
- Proven business development capability
- Understanding of behavioural economics
- Proven ability to lead client negotiations/meetings
To apply or find out more please email: JobsUK@harrisinteractive.co.uk
