Director - Quantitative Research

The Sound•Chicago, IL

2d•$140,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We aren't looking for a data manager; we are looking for a strategic advisor. We're looking for someone who is innately curious about people and looking to grow their career within an innovative boutique culture. As our Quant 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 have 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're not just crunching numbers; we're listening to the stories behind them. We believe data is a conversation, a window into real human experiences. So, if you're passionate about transforming raw data into compelling narratives that resonate with clients, you've found your tribe.

Requirements

At least 7+ years prior hands-on quantitative primary (survey-based) research experience; 3yrs agency (vendor side) experience.
Existing long-term partnerships with clients where you are viewed as a trusted advisor, not a vendor.
Ability to "farm" existing accounts by identifying "add-on" opportunities through proactive insight sharing.
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 design and application 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 a plus
Strong writing skills are an absolute must,, 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.

Responsibilities

Gaining the attention and trust of senior-level clients through building and winning business
Building relationships with clients, understanding their unique business needs and creating solutions that will help them win in the marketplace
Fully owning a revenue target by identifying new commercial opportunities and demonstrating the ROI of our quantitative products to current and potential clients.
Evaluating every proposal through a cost-benefit lens, ensuring our quant solutions are as profitable for the firm as they are precise for the client.
Using standard brand and communications management thinking, models, and strategic tools: brand structures and models, positioning vs. purpose, creative strategy vs. execution, etc.
Shifting the focus from "what the data says" to "what the business must do," delivering actionable roadmaps that justify investment and drive client ROI.
Using your presentation/storytelling skills to craft analytic plans based on client objectives, carry out those analyses and confidently present elevated, story-driven narratives to senior stakeholders
Applying various quantitative research methodologies (e.g., conjoint analysis, MaxDiff, segmentation/cluster analysis) in terms of survey design and interpretation

Benefits

A Total Rewards Package which includes a competitive base salary (above) PLUS…
A healthy work/life integration – office closures during the following:
Holidays; Winter Break; Summer Fridays; Company retreat
Leave benefits tailored to your needs:
4 weeks’ vacation leave; 2 weeks’ sick leave; sabbatical leave every 5 years
Health Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life, 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, Internal development opportunities
Constant acknowledgment of your performance with shout-outs, bonus incentives, and recognition along the way!
Hybrid-work position - With a flexible work schedule, you can hit the gym, catch your kid's big game, take your fur baby for a walk, or meet with friends for an extended lunch – we treat you like a grown-up!