Insights Director, Auto - Remote, US-based only

Who We Are

Escalent is an award-winning data analytics and advisory firm that helps clients understand human and market behaviors to navigate disruption. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, our strategies guide the world’s leading brands. We accelerate growth by creating a seamless flow between primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal business data, providing consulting and advisory services from insights through implementation. Based on a profound understanding of what drives human beings and markets, we identify actions that build brands, enhance customer experiences, inspire product innovation and boost business productivity. We listen, learn, question, discover, innovate, and deliver—for each other and our clients—to make the world work better for people.

Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Insights Director to work with clients to create the future based on impactful syndicated research within the automotive sector. This is a hands-on, client-facing role requiring strong quantitative expertise, strategic acumen, and executive presence.

You’ll take ownership of syndicated projects end-to-end—from brainstorming content and methodology through to delivery—while acting as a trusted advisor to clients and a leader within the business.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000. If this is not the right range for you, please see our other roles.

Responsibilities

Product Ownership

• Continually challenge our and our clients’ thinking by identifying topics, methodologies, and analytical approaches that provide uncommon insight into the future of the automotive industry
• Engage with clients, prospects, and others within the automotive industry to understand key trends and identify knowledge gaps
• Provide leadership on evolving existing syndicated studies, creating new studies, and go-to-market strategy

Project Leadership

• Lead research projects from initial brainstorming through to final delivery
• Design and execute multi-method research projects, including (but not limited to) secondary, quantitative, and qualitative
• Ensure insights are transformative for our clients through storytelling and strategic recommendations

Client Leadership

• Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels
• Act as a strategic partner, confidently challenging and shaping client thinking
• Lead presentations with impact

Commercial & Business Development

• Own syndicated renewals among existing clients
• Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts
• Contribute to Escalent’s thought leadership and sector expertise

Quantitative Oversight

• Design and oversee quantitative research elements (e.g. surveys, concept testing)
• Work closely with data teams/partners to ensure robust analysis and outputs
• Integrate quant findings seamlessly into broader insight stories

Qualitative Expertise

• Personally moderate a range of qualitative methodologies (e.g. IDIs, groups, workshops, online communities)
• Bring strong facilitation skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences
• Interpret and synthesize complex qualitative data into clear, compelling narratives

Qualifications

• Must have a bachelor's degree in a related field. An advanced degree is preferred
• Proven product management experience
• Excellent client handling and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to translate insight into strategic, actionable recommendations
• Strong presentation skills, in both virtual and in-person environments
• Ability to lead projects end-to-end independently
• Experience delivering multi-method research (qual + quant)

Desirable

• Experience in automotive research
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience within the auto industry
• Experience/interest in the energy industry, especially EV
• Qualitative research expertise
• Experience with research tools and platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS, Recollective, etc.)

Personal Attributes

• Curious, strategic thinker with a passion for understanding consumer behavior
• Confident communicator and storyteller
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail
• Collaborative, but comfortable taking ownership and leading from the front
• Commercially minded with a proactive approach to growth

Benefits and Culture

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Large carriers on a national level (domestic partner coverage included)
• 401k with Company Match – No vesting period; bi-weekly contributions
• Flexible PTO - Feel no guilt in taking off a minimum of 3 weeks of “real” vacation time
• Paid Parental Leave, including adoption
• 12 Paid Company Holidays
• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $115,000
• Hybrid/Virtual Work - Virtual-first workforce with employees in most states

Explore our Careers and Culture page to learn more about the people behind the brand: https://escalent.co/careers-and-culture/

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.