Careers

Position: Senior Research Director
Department: GfK Mystery Shopping
Location: New York, NY

 

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.

Position Summary:

In this position, you will be responsible for playing a senior role in the Mystery Shopping group, having responsibility for a number of large clients for the group.   You will be expected to manage the P&L in support of the division’s revenue goals.   This role includes not only new business development, but also helping to set mystery shopping strategy in the United States and growing the business.   Strength in analysis and reporting, ability to inspire trust in key clients and ability to lead dynamic teams are key criteria for success.

Specific Responsibilities:  

  • Oversee multiple research projects on a day-to-day basis – including design, analysis, reporting and consulting.
  • Lead teams and make decisions regarding project staffing, timelines, and cost.
  • Works with and coach direct and indirect reports.
  • Manage financial operations.
  • Provide input into project plans.
  • Monitor study performance in terms of schedule, quality and costs.
  • Manage the client relationships for many large projects– this includes meeting with clients in-person, by phone, proactively investigating client needs, balancing needs of client with what is best for GfK.
  • Collaborate with colleagues on marketing Mystery Shopping, proposal writing, presenting proposals to clients, working with other divisions of GfK to effectively leverage firm’s offerings, working closely with operations department to ensure that deliverables are met.
  • When necessary, travel to represent GfK to potential clients.

Required Skills:

  • BA/BS; MA a plus
  • 6 - 8 years experience in account management and marketing research account management; 5+ years in mystery shopping.
  • Leadership: This person must be able to inspire and lead a team, set strategy for successful growth.
  • Client Management: This person must confidently represent GfK to the outside world, and should inspire confidence in GfK.
  • Proposal writing: Must be an excellent, proven writer. Must have the ability to create excellent sales presentations
  • Mystery Shopping Program Design: Must have an ability to think creatively about program design both from an internal (systems, shoppers, etc.) and an external (usefulness or output, etc.) perspective.
  • Project Direction: Must have a proven track record of managing all aspects of project work.
  • People management: Must be a good manager–nurturing with respect to the team’s growth. Must have ability to interface well with commercial, operations, sales and IT staff.
  • Presenting: Must have ability to present to clients and potential clients.
  • Will need an appreciation of computer systems and a good knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

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 "DBS-SVP-MS” in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

EOE/M/F/V