Research Director - Automotive

Escalent is an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm that helps clients understand human and market behaviors 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.