Insights Director, Auto - Remote, US-based only

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/