Careers

GfK ARBOR, GfK Custom Research Inc. (CRI), GfK Caribou Lake, GfK NOP, GfK Automotive and GfK Research Dynamics have now come together to form GfK Custom Research North America.

Its activities cover the three business sectors of Custom Research, Retail and Technology and Media. The GfK Group achieved sales of 1,112.2 million euros in financial year 2006. The Group has 115 companies covering over 90 countries. Of a total of approximately 8,760 employees (as of September 30, 2007), 80% are based outside Germany.

For more than 20 years, GfK Automotive has been the preeminent provider of product, brand and consumer research and consulting to the global automotive industry.  The Irvine, CA office of GfK Automotive is seeking a positive, team-oriented Research Manager to participate in its growing custom ad-hoc research business for major Automotive OEM clients.  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, but also requires travel between the Gardena and Irvine offices of GfK Automotive as well as 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
• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment
• 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 (required)
• Experience in focus group/in-depth interview moderation a plus, but not required
• Ability to create charts/presentations using Excel and PowerPoint - proficiency in preparation of high quality, professional-looking PowerPoint presentations incorporating visually appealing, high quality graphics and charts efficiently is a plus
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint is required.  SPSS experience is a plus.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s degree preferred

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 HRAutoIrvine@gfk.com.  Your submission must include Job Code RM-Auto-Irvine in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

EOE/M/F/V