Director, Qualitative Client & Commercial Strategy

About the role

We are seeking a strategic thinker who can connect client needs to the right qualitative solutions and shape clear, compelling recommendations. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator who translates complex ideas into simple, persuasive stories for proposals, pitches, and client conversations. You will be an organized, flexible partner who manages moving pieces, coordinates inputs, and keeps proposal work on track, while building strong relationships with clients and collaborating across internal teams. A curious, growth-minded problem solver who embraces new approaches and continuously learns about clients, capabilities, and the marketplace will thrive in this role.

Responsibilities

• Proposal Development and Coordination
  • Coordinate and help lead the RFP and proposal development process in partnership with internal teams.
  • Recommend best qualitative solutions independently, manage timelines, organize inputs such as pricing and resourcing, and help develop compelling pitch materials that respond directly to client needs.
  • Manage or support selected opportunities from initial request through proposal presentation, ensuring the pitch team communicates a clear, cohesive story that reflects the client’s needs and Kantar’s value proposition.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely within the qualitative team with project managers, researchers, and moderators to align on best practices, logistics, and delivery considerations.
  • Manage internal stakeholders and collaborate with cross-Kantar departments, such as BD, Consulting, Creative, Brand, Client Partners, and more for proposal strategies and client expectations.
• Business Development Support
  • Work with broader commercial partners and CCS team members to support responses to RFPs from ‘new logos’ and existing clients, contributing to cohesive and compelling value propositions.
• Product Expertise and Application
  • Apply a strong working knowledge of Kantar’s qualitative offerings and capabilities to help shape tailored solutions that address client needs and clearly communicate the value of Kantar’s approach.
  • Present qualitative capabilities to clients and engage in product demos to bring solutions to life.
• Relationship Development and Management
  • Account Strategy Support: Partner with senior commercial leaders to support the development and execution of account strategies tailored to client needs, drawing on Kantar knowledge, client context, and internal partnership.
  • Client Engagement: Lead and participate in client meetings, business reviews, and planning conversations to help maintain strong client relationships and identify opportunities where Kantar Qual can add value.
  • Trusted Client Partnership: Build and maintain productive relationships with priority clients and internal stakeholders, helping the Client & Commercial Strategy team operate as a trusted partner and responsive commercial resource.
• Financial Acumen
  • Demonstrate a practical understanding of key financial inputs such as pricing, gross margin, operating profit, and scope assumptions.
  • Support recommendations that align with Kantar’s financial guidelines while delivering strong value to clients.
  • Support account planning, pipeline tracking, and financial monitoring for assigned opportunities or accounts.
  • Help identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement to inform senior decision-making.

Qualifications

• Experience in client relationship management, business development, proposal development, or commercial strategy support.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with clients and internal partners.
• Proactive team member with driven leadership skills to connect the dots seamlessly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex proposal processes and coordinate cross-functional inputs.
• Strong prioritization skills and ability to adapt recommendations and ways of working based on evolving client and business needs.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to understand client needs, market context, and business implications.
• Growth mindset with curiosity, initiative, and openness to innovative approaches to client challenges.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on industry trends, Kantar capabilities, and emerging client needs.

Benefits

• Medical plans with comprehensive, affordable coverage for a range of health services
• Health Savings Account / FSA
• Dental, Vision and benefits to cover unique healthcare needs
• Wellness Program
• 401k with match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO

Pay

The salary range for this role is $108,100 – $132,100 USD annually. Your final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include, but are not limited to, location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications.