Associate Director (Qualitative) | Media & Tech Division | New York, US

We are seeking an experienced Associate Director (Qualitative) to join our Media & Tech Division in New York City. This is a hands-on, client-facing role, ideal for someone passionate about delivering high-quality insights, managing client relationships, and driving business growth through technology and innovation.

Savanta is a data, market research and advisory company with teams in the UK, Americas, and APAC. Working with high-profile organizations and some of the world’s best-known brands, we Inform & Inspire our clients to Make Better Decisions through powerful data, empowering technology and high-impact consulting.

Savanta is on a bold journey - transforming from a traditional market research firm into a tech-first, insights-driven leader.

This position is ideally suited for candidates with several years’ experience in the Media and/or Tech sector within a research agency environment.

This role will be based in our NYC office, with the expectation to be in the office 2-3 days a week.

About the Role:

As Associate Director, you’ll be tasked with leading, implementing and delivering first-class strategic research programs across a range of methodologies, and delivering insightful recommendations that help drive value within our most high-profile clients.  This role is focused on qualitative research methodologies.

There is a high level of responsibility for delivering high-quality custom research through first-class project-management, delegation, and progression of day-to-day activity while ensuring clients are kept informed and that any project issues are swiftly resolved. 

As an AD, you will have your own portfolio of accounts that you will be responsible for in terms of revenue target, client satisfaction, and growth. 

You will be part of a team that strives to make efficiencies, whilst improving the quality of deliverables and looks to increase profitability on an ongoing basis.   A key requirement is to have a tech-first mindset as we look to implement new techniques, automation, and AI.

Your role will involve:

• Client Account Management: Lead day-to-day management of multiple projects and client relationships, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.
• Project Leadership: Oversee project planning, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. Deliver insightful presentations and actionable recommendations to clients.
• Business Development: Support the senior team in developing growth strategies, identifying new business opportunities, and contributing to proposals and pitches.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop junior staff, foster a culture of innovation and service excellence, and deliver training on market research and technical skills.
• Tech-First Mindset: Champion the adoption of new techniques, automation, and AI to improve efficiency and profitability.

This role is suited for a hands-on researcher ready to immerse themselves in the work and take ownership from day one.

About You:

The ideal candidate is an experienced research professional with a strong agency background, ready to lead complex, high-impact research initiatives for an international client base.

You will be a senior team leader responsible for shaping client relationships, ensuring exceptional project delivery, and nurturing the development of your team.

You will have experience in:

• Qualitative research methodologies and/or consulting within an agency setting.
• Leading international market research programs.

• Managing client accounts, deliver projects end-to-end, and contribute to business development.

• Creating and developing storytelling reports and presentations in PowerPoint.
• Strategic and analytical thinking, capable of distilling complex findings into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
• Conducting briefs and workshops for C-level executives, quickly building trust with senior stakeholders.
• Forging strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Driving efficiency, quality and productivity while managing time and resources effectively and consistently meeting strict deadlines
• Managing and motivating a team, including mentoring, inspiring best practice at every opportunity, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

A tech-first mindset is essential as we adopt a variety of technology tools to enhance efficiencies and provide added value to clients.

And in return, Savanta offers*

• Salary range: $85,000-$95,000
• Commission scheme
• Flexible working practices
• Health package
• Retirement plan
• Team & Company Socials
• Committees for Health & Well Being, Charities & Volunteering and DE&I

Please click here to view the full job description

Why Join Us:

With offices in the US, Canada, India and the UK, over 500 staff globally, and ambitious growth plans, Savanta offers the benefits of scale, whilst our specialists with their deep expertise and nimble teams, make life at Savanta feel more like working at a ‘boutique’ agency.

Our client portfolio includes some of the world’s most recognizable and valuable brands such as Google, Amazon, Meta, Chase, Vodafone, Samsung, Heineken, LEGO, Aston Martin, Unilever, and the Cabinet Office. 

The company was founded on the belief that tech should be integral to its success, and this culture of tech innovation makes us best placed to put Savanta at the heart of our clients’ businesses offering solutions before they even know the problem. 

Part of the vibrant Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture that actively recognizes and values its people and offers unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring, coaching as well as extensive training programs.

*Full details of local benefits and perks available on request from the Savanta People Team (HR).

Savanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Savanta is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset - we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds.

All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.

We encourage authentic responses to demonstrate your experience and approach, rather than relying on Generative Al tools to write your cover letter or any questions in the application process.  We may use Al Decoders as part of the review process and if answers match to a high extent that may be factored into the review.

For information on how Savanta uses your data, please see https://savanta.com/about/careers/job-opportunities