Market Research Director

Overview

Shapiro+Raj is the largest certified minority business enterprise insights and inspiration company in North America. Our mission is to help Fortune 500 clients find new and different ways to grow their brands in today's continually reshaping landscape. We have integrated behavioral science principles with battle-tested brand marketing experience to creatively connect the dots between what consumers think, feel, say, and do. The results are powerful commercially viable insights that identify new pathways for growth. With offices in the heart of Chicago and New York, we are evolving to become one of the most desired market research consultancies in the world.

As a Market Research Director, you will be a leader in a collaborative, client-centric environment. This position is primarily responsible for the management of key client accounts and delivery of client services and deliverables. Essential duties include managing client development and leading strategy and market research projects on behalf of clients. This position works closely with clients, senior leadership, Managers, Executives, and Associates in all phases of strategy and market research, including S+R proprietary research tools. 

This will be a hybrid role. We are hiring in our Chicago, IL office location. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Responsible for the overall success of key accounts. 
• Works directly with clients to understand their information and business needs. 
• Cultivates new clients and extends existing client relationships, including business development activities. 
• Develops and approves client budgets. 
• Develop proposals and participate in client communications to maximize sales opportunities. 
• Design, execute and manage Quantitative and Qualitative projects, including analyses, execution, report writing, and presentation, to ensure schedule and budget requirements are met to ensure company growth and profitability. 
• Apply and demonstrate an advanced level of understanding and knowledge of appropriate statistical applications and research design techniques to provide consultancy to clients. 
• Monitor the work of other staff members on projects to ensure work tasks are completed according to the project management plan for seamless timely, quality work within budget. 
• Ensures timely delivery of reports with findings, implications, opportunities, and recommendations. 
• Becomes a trusted advisor and knowledgeable expert to clients. 
• Develop and provide expertise in target business industries to both external clients and internal teams. 
• Capable of executing exceptional communication skills in client management, project presentation, company product and service promotion, and team collaboration. 
• Collaborates with peers across the company by developing initiatives, evolving methods, and defining processes. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on social sciences, marketing, and/or market research. 
• 7-10 years minimum experience working in insights, research, or in a strategy role. 
• 3 years of proven experience in attracting new logos and courting both new revenue opportunities and partnerships. 
• Pharma experience desirable.
• Excellent PowerPoint, Excel, and written and visual communication skills. 
• Strong visualization capabilities.
• At least five years of experience in direct leadership and/or cross-functional team leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prompt AI systems for qualitative analysis while maintaining methodological rigor.

Preferred Candidate Qualifications 

• Master's degree or MBA.
• Self-starter with a strong team and client focus who has the flexibility to work in a dynamic environment. 
• Critical thinker, able to understand and respond to complex questions from clients, lead the development of research plans, and deliver impactful insights. 
• Team player able to work collaboratively and/or initiate and drive projects to completion with minimal oversight. 
• Passion for research and custom projects in multiple areas of specialization/across the product and services lifecycle.
• Familiarity with using AI tools to identify themes in qualitative data and generate initial insights for further investigation.
• Experience using Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Claude, or similar tools) to support research activities, including developing discussion guides, survey instruments, and analysis frameworks.

For this role, the anticipated base salary range is provided below. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include discretionary bonuses, benefits, and, for sales roles, potential sales commissions.

The final base salary offered will depend on factors such as the market, your skills, capabilities, and relevant experience, which will be objectively evaluated during the interview process. If you are a candidate for this role, your HR Partner can provide more details about the full compensation and benefits package associated with this position.

Base Salary Range (US)

$125,000 - $150,000

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage (4/5 premium coverage to be covered by the employer)
• Health Spend Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spend Account (FSA)
• Paid time off + company holidays
• Quarterly Companywide Wellness Days
• Monthly Recharge Fridays (No meetings)
• 401K Program
• Regular interactive employee events

Non-Contributory Benefits - Employer Paid:

• Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability (STD)
• Long Term Disability (LTD)

Shapiro+Raj is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Shapiro+Raj does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is our intention that all qualified applications are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors. 

Shapiro+Raj is committed to creating a diverse and equitable work environment. If you are interested in this opportunity but do not meet 100% of the listed qualifications, we still encourage you to apply!