Director, Ipsos Understanding Unlimited

Research Director, Qualitative

– Ipsos Understanding Unlimited (IUU)

What makes this role important at Ipsos? At Ipsos Understanding Unlimited (IUU), we believe that great research is equal parts curiosity, craft, courage and client‑first. We’re looking for a Research Director who embodies all four – a qualitative expert who knows the ins and outs of research and can lead studies from design to delivery with confidence, creativity, and the ability to translate findings into strategic action for our clients.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, execution, and delivery of qualitative research studies – from proposal to debrief.

Serve as the primary client contact, providing strategic guidance and insight‑driven recommendations.

Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure profitability and operational excellence.

Maintain strong business acumen with a growth mindset, targeting project margins while aligning with broader portfolio goals.

Moderate focus groups, in‑depth interviews, and workshops with skill, empathy, and energy – including evening engagements both in‑person/in‑facility and online.

Partner with the qualitative team to ensure quality, efficiency, and creative excellence across every stage of research.

Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the continued growth of Ipsos’ qualitative expertise.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on hybrid qualitative‑quantitative design and innovative methodologies.

Travel as needed for fieldwork and client engagements.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in qualitative research, ideally in an agency or consultancy setting.

Deep knowledge of qualitative design, methods, logistics, and project management – able to run a study end‑to‑end with minimal direction.

Proven track record of building and nurturing client relationships, from day‑to‑day communications to becoming a trusted strategic advisor.

Exceptional moderating skills across methodologies, audiences, and categories, both in‑person/in‑facility and online.

A proactive mindset – anticipating challenges and identifying opportunities before they’re prompted.

Strong analytical, written, and storytelling skills to synthesize insights into compelling narratives.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Experience with AI tools for analysis or design is a strong asset.

Passion for uncovering human truths that drive meaningful business outcomes.

Benefits At Ipsos you’ll experience career development opportunities, an exceptional benefits package (including generous PTO, healthcare plans, wellness benefits), a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.

Commitment to Diversity Ipsos recognizes the necessity of building an inclusive culture that values each employee’s individuality and diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees, creating an environment that promotes inclusion, and enabling employees from all walks of life to flourish. Ipsos encourages our employees to act in a respectful and responsible manner, in line with best practices concerning diversity and inclusion, human rights, equality, and civility for every individual. Ipsos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

About Us Ipsos is one of the world’s largest research companies and the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full‑service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 data‑driven solutions and a presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together researchers, implementation, methodological, and subject‑matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical expertise to deliver top‑quality research and insights. We help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5,000 clients worldwide. We are proud to have received our Great Place to Work Certification in 2022 & 2023.

About the Team The Ipsos Understanding Unlimited service line uses qualitative techniques to humanize data and bring cultural intelligence into our clients’ thinking. We bring ‘life to life’, through listening, observing and illuminating human interactions. IUU has a community of 1,300 specialists with diverse backgrounds and skill sets (e.g., ethnographers, community managers, semioticians) who understand people better than anyone else. With us, clients are fluent in 88 cultures.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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