Director, Ipsos Understanding Unlimited

Director, Ipsos Understanding Unlimited At Ipsos Understanding Unlimited (IUU), we believe that great research is equal parts curiosity, craft, courage and client‑first mindset. We’re looking for a Research Director who embodies all four — someone who knows the ins and outs of qualitative research and can lead studies from design to delivery with confidence and creativity, while addressing client business objectives.

What You Can Expect To Be Doing

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.

Apply strong business acumen with a growth mindset: manage project budgets to target margins while keeping sight of broader objectives such as team revenue goals, portfolio growth, and strategic client development.

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 qual‑quant design and innovative methodologies.

Travel as needed for fieldwork and client engagements.

Requirements

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

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

Proven track record of building and nurturing client relationships — from managing 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 — you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and next steps before they’re asked for, think three steps ahead, and keep projects moving smoothly.

Strong analytical, language, and storytelling skills, with the ability to synthesize insights into compelling narratives.

Strong Microsoft Office skills including 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.

If you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, we encourage all who feel they might be a fit for the opportunity to apply. We may consider a variety of backgrounds and are also committed to considering candidates for available positions throughout our organization, not just the one you’re applying to!

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

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 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.

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