Research Director

Explorer is seeking a Director to join our Market Research team, playing a pivotal role in delivering outstanding client service, and building a high‑performing team.
About Us:At Explorer, we are shopper experts. We focus on all thing’s shopper research, using a behavioral approach to identifying and understanding actionable opportunities for our clients. As part of Savanta, we have a broad range of shopper research offerings, with a specialty in Pack, Planogram, Retail, Signage, and Path-to-Purchase research.
Are you ready to lead impactful projects and transform data into compelling stories? At Explorer, you'll drive client success and team excellence.
Explorer is part of Savanta which is a fast-growing data, market research, and advisory company. Being part of the Savanta Network provides Explorer with global coverage while maintaining our consultative approach with clients.
This role requires you to reside in Ontario, Canada, with opportunities for travel across North America. You'll report directly to the Vice President, leveraging your skills to make a real difference. Currently this role is remote but will be linked to the Ontario office and may change to hybrid in the future.
About the Role:Step into a role where you drive client success. Working alongside the Vice President, you’ll manage multiple accounts, ensuring projects are delivered smoothly and client goals are met. Each day brings new challenges - from turning raw data into clear, actionable stories for reports and presentations, to distilling analytics into sharp insights that solve real business problems.
You’ll be the bridge between complex findings and those who need to act on them. Your work connects insight with impact. Sometimes that means being onsite, overseeing field operations so client expectations aren’t just met – they’re exceeded. When issues arise, you respond with practical solutions that build trust. You will primarily work with quantitative research in the shopper space.
You’ll play an active part in mentoring your team, helping others reach their potential and contributing to a culture of support and growth. Through leading training sessions and developing research skills, you’ll strengthen the group – so everyone’s equipped to deliver standout results.
Key responsibilities will be:
Leading Projects: Support the vice president in the oversight and management of multiple client accounts, delivering exceptional results and building lasting relationships.
Transforming Data into Narratives: Convert complex information into captivating stories with precision in report writing and presentations.
Providing Clarity: Apply advanced analytics to distil complex data into straightforward, actionable insights that solve business challenges.
Connect with Stakeholders: Develop well-crafted reports and presentations that resonate with both strategic planners and operational managers.
On-Site Field Management: Be present on-site with clients (primarily across the US and Canada) to ensure field operations align seamlessly with client expectations and needs.
Resolving Issues: Address client concerns with practical solutions that ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
Mentoring & Training: Inspire and support team members to achieve their goals while fostering a collaborative work culture. Develop and lead training initiatives to enhance our team's skills in research methods and strategies.
About You:Explorer is looking for individuals that are highly skilled managing complex projects and making data actionable.
You will bring:
Substantial experience in the Market Research industry, with a mix of client-side and supplier-side experience highly appreciated.
Proven leadership skills that inspire and effectively guide teams in high-pressure situations.
Expertise in advanced analytics and experience in transforming data into actionable business solutions.
The ability to deliver precise strategies and insights, even under tight schedules.
Experience running and delivering quantitative research studies, both online and central location testing.
Exceptional communication skills for building strong relationships with senior-level clients.
Experience in Shopper Research is desirable, particularly in areas like packaging testing, optimizing store layouts, and understanding customer pathways.
A proactive mindset with a passion for balancing various projects efficiently and meeting fast turnaround requirements.
And in return, Explorer offers*:
Salary: $105,000 CAD + (depending on experience and ability)
Health package
Team & Company Socials
Why Join Us:Part of the vibrant Savanta & Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial company culture that actively recognizes and values its people and offers excellent opportunity for career development.
Explorer Research is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest assets, we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
*Full details of local benefits and perks available on request from the People Team (HR).
All candidates will be considered equally;
however, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
We encourage authentic responses to demonstrate your experience and approach, rather than relying on Generative Al tools to write your cover letter or any questions in the application process. We may use Al Decoders as part of the review process and if answers match to a high extent that may be factored into the review.
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