Director - Quantitative Research

Quantitative Research Consultancy · Chicago, Illinois

About the role

We're looking for a strategic advisor who is innately curious about people and looking to grow their career within an innovative boutique culture. As our Quantitative Research Director, you won’t just oversee research—you will own the commercial impact of our insights. We need a critical thinker to uncover the "problem behind the problem" and ensure our work addresses the client’s true commercial pain points. You won’t just answer the brief—you’ll challenge it.

The right candidate is a seller/doer with the combined ability to lead consultative quantitative projects and a proven track record of winning and building business. The Director role is critical to the success of the quantitative team and has a revenue target, people leadership, and project responsibilities across the research process lifecycle.

At The Sound, we thrive on blending the art and science of insights and seeing beyond spreadsheets to find the human heart in every data point. We believe data is a conversation, a window into real human experiences. We're passionate about transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with clients.

Responsibilities

• Gain the attention and trust of senior-level clients through building and winning business.
• Build relationships with clients, understand their unique business needs, and create solutions that help them win in the marketplace.
• Fully own a revenue target by identifying new commercial opportunities and demonstrating the ROI of our quantitative products to current and potential clients.
• Evaluate every proposal through a cost-benefit lens, ensuring our quant solutions are as profitable for the firm as they are precise for the client.
• Use standard brand and communications management thinking, models, and strategic tools (e.g., brand structures, positioning vs. purpose, creative strategy vs. execution).
• Shift the focus from "what the data says" to "what the business must do," delivering actionable roadmaps that justify investment and drive client ROI.
• Craft bespoke analysis plans based on client objectives, carry out those analyses with team support, and confidently present elevated, story-driven narratives to senior stakeholders.
• Apply various quantitative research methodologies (e.g., conjoint analysis, MaxDiff, segmentation/cluster analysis) in terms of survey design and interpretation of results to drive key insights.
• Mentor junior team members and lead the quantitative research team.

Requirements

• At least 7+ years of prior hands-on quantitative primary (survey-based) research experience, with at least 3+ years on the research agency side.
• Existing long-term partnerships with clients where you are viewed as a trusted advisor.
• The ability to drive organic account growth through 'insight-led' business development.
• The ability to break down a client's business problem to its fundamental truths.
• Experience designing and delivering on quantitative-led approaches, such as A&U, Brand Tracking, Concept Evaluation, Copy Testing, Jobs To Be Done, and Segmentation.
• Familiarity with application and interpretation of advanced analytics techniques, such as MaxDiff, TURF, and Conjoint analysis.
• Working knowledge of Excel/Sheets, PPT/Slides/Keynote, and Word/Docs; knowledge of DisplayR, SPSS, Decipher, or similar software is a plus.
• Strong writing skills, as compelling and impactful storytelling is at the heart of our philosophy.
• High emotional intelligence and capacity for self-accountability.
• Courage to stand up for what's right, even when unpopular.

Benefits

• Market-competitive salary anticipated around $140,000 - $160,000 base (dependent on experience).
• 4 weeks’ vacation leave; 2 weeks’ sick leave; sabbatical leave every 5 years.
• Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, and EAP.
• Flexible Spending, Health Spending, Dependent Care, and Transit programs.
• Retirement match program; Cell phone reimbursement program; Travel Insurance.
• Gender-neutral parental leave, Adoption Assistance program, and Caregiver Program.
• Tuition Reimbursement/Continuing Education program and internal development opportunities.
• Performance acknowledgment with shout-outs, bonus incentives, and recognition.
• Hybrid-work position with a flexible work schedule.
• Office closures during holidays, Winter Break, Summer Fridays, and a company retreat.

Pay

$140,000–$160,000 (estimated base depending on experience).

Schedule

Hybrid/In-office, based in Chicago or the Chicagoland area.

About the company

The Sound is a Global Exploration, Strategy, and Innovation consulting agency located in Chicago, London, and Vancouver. We use leading-edge market research techniques and marketing models to solve client brand, marketing, communications, and product challenges. We are a team of strategic researchers, brand experts, idea generators, and cultural anthropologists, dedicated to engaging brands with people.