Careers

Job Title:  Research Manager
Department: Custom Department - Automotive
Location:  Southfield, Michigan
Job Code: DBS-RM-AUTO-SFLD

Company Summary:

Headquartered in New York, GfK Custom Research North America (www.gfkamerica.com), is part of the GfK Group (www.gfk.com), the world's fifth largest market research company. GfK Custom Research North America combines the global resources of the GfK Group with the local knowledge of North America's leading research and consulting companies delivered by more than 700 employees in the US and Canada. Beyond our sector-specific experts, specialty practice areas and research centers of excellence, we deliver unmatched knowledge designed to help our clients grow their business.

GfK Automotive is the automotive research and consulting division of GfK Custom Research North America.  GfK Automotive has been the preeminent provider of product, brand and consumer research and consulting to the global automotive industry for more than 20 years.  The Southfield, Michigan office of GfK Automotive is seeking a positive, team-oriented Research Manager to participate in its growing custom ad-hoc research business.  This individual would be responsible for designing research studies, developing and pricing proposals, overseeing the execution of automotive product clinics, qualitative and quantitative research projects, and providing consulting services and analytical insight and recommendations to the end client.  The position will require flexibility to travel for project related work to/from client locations and project sites in support of client projects as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ideal candidate for this opportunity will possess the following qualifications:

  • Experience in preparing research proposals including proposal pricing and recommended methodology
  • Excellent project management skills – proposal development through to the final report.
  • Experience with a variety of automotive research projects –product clinics, qualitative, internet studies
  • Strong client management skills
  • Business development experience – preferred (especially with in the automotive sector and market research industry)
  • Preparation of actionable final reports and client presentation of results
  • Ability to train and direct Research Assistants and Research Associates
  • Ability to apply appropriate statistical techniques as required in proposals and analysis
  • Ability to travel/support a flexible work schedule (including weekend travel) as needed

Experience & Skill Responsibilities:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Depth of experience in study design, proposal development and pricing and project execution
  • Experience with variety of market research studies, methodologies and techniques in automotive (required) and other industries (preferred)
  • Demonstrated client service skills
  • Ability to consistently produce high quality work (attention to detail)
  • Ability to manage simultaneous requests (good organizational skills, multi-tasking ability)
  • Knowledge of the automotive and automotive market research industry (preferred)
  • Experience in focus group/in-depth interview moderation a plus, but not required
  • Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint is required.  SPSS experience is a plus.

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred. 3 to 5 years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience is desired

Application Procedures:

We offer a very competitive salary commensurate with your experience and a full benefits package.  Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to HRAutoDetroit@gfk.com.  Your submission must include Job Code DBS-RM-AUTO-SFLD in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

EOE/M/F/V