Careers

Job Title: SVP, Business Development
Department: Business Development
Location: Minneapolis
Job Code: SVP-BD

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.

By offering access to several of the world's largest databases combined with a full-range of ad-hoc research services, GfK Custom Research North America delivers proven, state-of-the-art solutions developed from a 360° view of each client's market. These include GfK Roper Reports®, GfK Starch® Ad Readership Studies, GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media public release surveys and more.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop new client relationships and identify opportunities for all Custom Research North America sectors and practice areas.  This includes cold calling on new prospects, meeting with clients in-person, by phone or via webcast; proactively investigating client needs, and balancing the needs of the client with what is best for the company.
  • Lead sales meetings and oversee the proposal process, with the goal of generating assigned annual revenues—this includes collaborating with the research team in writing proposals, creating budgets, and presenting proposals to clients, working with multiple sector and practice areas to effectively leverage GfK’s many offerings.
  • Represent the company in all contract negotiation with clients.  Have all contracts properly reviewed and signed by proper representatives.
  • Manage the client relationship, taking responsibility for client’s satisfaction.  Work with the Key Account Manager (KAM), bringing a united GfK voice to the relationship while transitioning the client relationship to the assigned KAM.
  • When necessary, travel to represent firm to potential clients.
  • Work effectively with the business leaders and research staff to maximize opportunities for each sector and practice area.
  • Track and report business development activity on a regular basis in the format provided. 

Professional Job Requirements:

  • BA/BS with 10 years related experience in custom market research.
  • Must confidently represent GfK to the outside world.  This person must be able to balance the needs of the client with the company’s needs, to the satisfaction of both parties.
  • Must have the ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, webcast and with written word.
  • Must have the ability to create and present excellent and effective sales presentations.
  • Must have an ability to actively listen to the clients’ needs and think creatively about many different approaches and pull the appropriate researchers into the opportunity to best meet the client’s needs.  Should be familiar with many different types of methodologies and products used by GfK.
  • Must have the ability to interface with and bring together the research teams during the proposal process and project work to present a professional, united front to the client.
  • Must be respectful of the time of the researchers who are needed to support the sales process.  Must have ability to interface well with employees in many roles throughout the company and build upon the team spirit.
  • Must have ability to publicly present findings of research.

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 hr@gfk.com.  Your submission must include Job Code "SVP-BD” in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

EOE/M/F/V