Careers

Job Title:  Research Director
Department: Financial Services
Location:  Princeton, NJ
Job Code: JR-RD-FS-PRN

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.

The Research Director works closely with Account Management to deliver excellent study design, implementation and analysis in order to meet client needs.  The objective of the Research Director is to effectively manage all assigned studies in order to deliver them on time and on budget.  The Research Director also assists the Vice President of Account Management in preparing and maintaining study budgets.  Specific responsibilities include:

  • Manage the day-to-day client contact for assigned projects including meeting with clients either in-person or by phone, proactively investigating client needs, communicating study progress, and resolving any issues.
  • Oversee project direction and reporting to ensure a timely and high quality end product for presentation to the client.   This includes designing surveys, leading project kick-off meetings and working closely with internal departments to ensure schedule, quality and costs are maintained.
  • Develop analytical design for studies and devise reporting procedures.
  • Develop insightful reports and deliverables for clients.
  • Maintain hands-on quality control involvement throughout the project.
  • Prepare budgets and proposals to be submitted to existing and/or potential clients.
  • Mentor junior members of the project team as needed.
  • When necessary, travel to represent GfK to potential clients.

Experience & Skill Responsibilities:

  • 5 to 7 years related work experience in marketing research with a minimum of 3 years experience on the supplier side.  Financial Services market research experience a plus.
  • Ability to write questionnaires as well as plan and create insightful and actionable reports.
  • Experience managing simultaneous multiple complex, high value projects simultaneously. 
  • Experience working with various research methodologies including telephone, online, face-to-face.
  • Must be able to coordinate other research and operations staff and delegate completion of individual tasks.
  • Client Management: This person must confidently represent GfK to the outside world, and should inspire confidence in GfK.
  • Proven track record of managing all aspects of quantitative research project work.
  • Ability to interface well with commercial, operations, sales and IT staff.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Will need and appreciation of computer systems and a good knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Education:

BA/BS in Marketing or equivalent, MS desirable.

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 JR-RD-FS-PRN in the subject line of your email and provide salary requirements in order to be considered. 

EOE/M/F/V

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: