About this role
Client Service Director/Senior Research Director is responsible and accountable for key accounts in the cluster, as well as holding joint responsibilities for the strategic, resourcing and financial planning for the business.
Commercial and strategic:
Positively and proactively feed into the strategic direction of the business, with a focus on FMCG consumer and sensory product testingEngage with clients to understand needs, both unmet and emergingInnovate and ideate: proactively develop and deliver commercially viable (ideally scalable) methodologies/solutions/tech to marketWork with senior team to ensure finances are accurately tracked, recorded and reportedPro-actively look for new business and business development opportunitiesEngage with broader industry to ensure understanding of sector trends: feed back to the business (AI, emerging trends etc)Team:
Collaborate across departments and clusters to enhance internal synergy and client value; foster a ‘one SAM’ mentality and delivery styleWork within senior team to resource fairly and sustainably across business and within direct teamLine manage a senior team of ~6 researchersEnsure team members receive appropriate coaching and trainingMentor team members in research skills, leadership, and career developmentEnsure outputs from team members meet the expected standards of quality and insightAccounts:
Serve as the primary contact for key accountsLead client relationships and ensure consistent communication across project lifecyclesDrive business development and identify growth opportunitiesDevelop and implement long-term strategic plans aligned with company objectivesEnsure accounts meet revenue targets and maintain profitabilitySupport pricing strategies and contract negotiationsAct as visible ‘point of escalation’ on smaller accountsDemonstrate and role-model engaging, inspirational and pro-active with clients: showcase ‘trusted partner’ frameworkProjects
Provide guidance on complex proposals, tenders, and client presentationsEnsure alignment of project execution with strategic goalsSupervise research teams to ensure timely, high-quality project deliverySupport on strategic recommendations and story-led reportingManage team resources and budgets effectivelyHold teams accountable to accurate reporting and tracking of commercials on each projectHands-on involvement in specialist/high profile/strategically significant projects Minimum 10 years in the industry Significant FMCG product testing experience: practical experience of core product testing methodologies: i.e. HUTs, CLTs, IDIsSignificant experience in quantitative consumer research methodologiesSolid understanding of qual research: minimum requirement is knowing when to recommend qual/bring in qual experts from within SAMAble to deliver powerful project and strategic recommendations in story-led formatsStrong commercial acumen: planning, predicting, tracking and reporting of financialsSignificant experience in a Senior Research/Director roleHold teams accountable to high standards for holistic client serviceStrong leadership abilities to manage teams and oversee large-scale research initiatives Proficiency in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills Rigorous, responsive and proactive Excellent written and oral communication skills in English