Research Director

ID 5680

It's a pivotal time to join our innovative and forward-thinking Research team here at McCann Central - we've got an abundance of exciting opportunities coming up across our global client portfolio and have seen significant growth in the past few years. This growth has largely been down to our commitment to innovation, our high-quality outputs and our exceptionally motivated team. We pride ourselves on delivering insights that will create real impact for our clients and because we are centered within a global comms community - we get to see that impact come to fruition.

We are looking for a Research Director who is top of their game when it comes to all things numbers, insight and client impact. You will have ownership of our quantitative offer across the marketing mix - including brand, communications, innovation, strategic and tactical work. We need a commercially minded individual who thrives in a fast paced, diverse, entrepreneurial team and is able to build strong relationships with senior clients to develop new business leads. You will be leading (and growing!) client projects across multiple markets, helping our high-profile clients make sense of ever-changing consumer behaviours with the ultimate mission 'to find truth that drives effective creativity'.

The Role

As a Research Director, you will lead work across multiple categories and markets, working with some amazing clients. Equally important is building strong relationships across the McCann network, collaborating closely with Business Leadership, Creative, and Strategy departments.

The Research Director will need to deliver against the following:

• BE DRIVEN - proactively seek out opportunities to win new business with clients and account teams by building strong relationships and being entrepreneurial and curious
• BE COMMUNICATIVE - craft compelling proposals by listening to client needs and understanding how research can drive meaningful change
• BE INNOVATIVE - embrace new approaches to foster creativity and fresh perspectives, utilizing the creative freedom available
• BE COMMERCIAL - own the design and execution of profitable projects, ensuring margins are achieved
• BE COLLABORATIVE - mentor junior team members, supporting their growth while ensuring project objectives and timelines are met
• BE INFLUENTIAL - deliver impactful debriefs that resonate with clients and make a difference

Requirements

Why would you want to work here?

We're the only research team of our kind within the global McCann Worldgroup network, growing rapidly by 20-30% annually. Our role within the global business places us at the heart of conversations across divisions of a vast advertising and communications network spanning over 200 offices in 130 countries. We work with both global and local clients, pioneering innovative approaches to consumer journeys, brand measurement, and creative development.

McCann Central is one of the most successful agencies in McCann's global network, with many team members based outside London, allowing you to work on world-class campaigns without relocating to the capital.

Our awards include Euro Effies, Cannes Network of the Year, Campaign's European Integrated Agency of the Year, and numerous others at Cannes Lions, Clios, One Show, D&AD, LIAs, Golden Drum, and Creative Circle Awards. Our focus on effectiveness and creativity is evident in our work and research, which often incorporates innovative tools like AI and natural language analysis to influence storytelling.

Our team is passionate, diverse, and committed to continuous learning. We value deep skillsets and deep process knowledge, fostering an environment of ongoing development.

Personal Skills & Experience

• Excellent communicator and storyteller - verbally, visually (PowerPoint), and in writing
• 8+ years experience in an analytically driven marketing role with global accounts
• Degree in a field demonstrating strong communication and analytical skills (e.g., social science, psychology, communication)
• Top-tier quantitative skills and ability to coach team members
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify questions, analyze data, and develop recommendations
• Experience selling quantitative offerings like tracking, concept testing, segmentation, and statistical solutions
• Highly advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Ability to present complex data clearly and effectively
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Gravitas and ownership in quantitative methodologies that impress clients

We offer a competitive salary, benefits including 28 days holiday, enhanced pension contributions, life assurance, and more. Our culture emphasizes learning and development, providing access to industry-leading training and collaboration with major media partners. Join us for a fun, collaborative environment where you can grow your career and work on impactful campaigns.

Our commitment to equal opportunities

We believe diversity is essential for success. We foster an inclusive environment that values social, cultural, and cognitive differences, creating meaningful experiences for our employees, clients, and vendors. This ethos drives our business practices and culture.

McCann helps brands build impactful platforms that drive growth and cultural influence. Founded over 100 years ago, McCann's "Truth Well Told" philosophy continues to guide us as the world's leading advertising agency network, creating impactful campaigns globally.