Director, Sales, Qualitative & Creative Strategy

NielsenIQ•Chicago, IL

3d•Remote

About The Position

NIQ is building a world-class qualitative research and creative strategy business and is seeking a commercially driven leader to accelerate growth across North America. This role focuses on converting client interest into strategic partnerships, uncovering opportunities within existing relationships, and leading consultative sales conversations that deliver measurable business impact. The position offers a unique opportunity to join a startup within a global organization, operating with an entrepreneurial mindset while backed by NIQ's scale, reputation, and resources. The ideal candidate will be energized by building something new, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and excited to contribute beyond a traditional leadership role.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in qualitative research, business development, consultative sales, account management, strategic consulting, or a related field.
Demonstrated success achieving and exceeding revenue targets.
Strong experience managing inbound opportunities and converting leads into profitable engagements.
Proven ability to build executive-level client relationships and influence key decision-makers.
Experience selling consulting, research, insights, analytics, innovation, marketing, or related professional services.
Deep understanding of qualitative research methodologies, including both traditional and AI-enabled approaches.
Experience designing, leading, or overseeing strategic insight, innovation, brand, or consumer research programs.
Strong interest in developing integrated qualitative and quantitative solutions and bringing innovative offerings to market.
Exceptional presentation, negotiation, storytelling, and proposal development skills.
Strong commercial mindset with the ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
Knowledge of CPG, UX, consumer insights, market research, innovation, consulting, or adjacent industries preferred.

Nice To Haves

A commercially minded qualitative research leader who enjoys consultative conversations, can capitalize on a steady flow of inbound opportunities, builds trusted client relationships, and has the strategic credibility to sell high-value research and consulting solutions to senior executives.
Combines sales leadership with deep methodological expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Energized by building a business, developing innovative offerings, and helping clients solve complex challenges through a blend of traditional qualitative research, AI-enabled methodologies, and integrated qual-quant solutions.
Equally comfortable driving revenue growth, facilitating strategic workshops, contributing to client delivery, and helping scale a high-growth practice within NIQ.

Responsibilities

Drive Revenue Growth: Lead the commercial growth strategy for NIQ's Qualitative Research and Creative Strategy practice across North America. Convert inbound leads and client interest into consulting engagements, strategic research programs, and long-term partnerships. Identify expansion opportunities within existing accounts and collaborate with account teams to increase client spend. Lead discovery conversations, qualify opportunities, scope solutions, and develop compelling client proposals. Build and maintain a robust pipeline while consistently achieving revenue and growth targets.
Develop Executive Client Relationships: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders across marketing, innovation, insights, and brand strategy functions. Conduct consultative sales conversations focused on solving complex business challenges. Present strategic recommendations and tailored solutions that demonstrate clear business value. Build strong relationships that generate repeat business, referrals, and long-term partnerships.
Lead and Scale the Business: Establish a growth-oriented culture focused on client success, business development, and operational excellence. Partner with internal sales teams to maximize cross-selling opportunities across NIQ's broader portfolio. Help shape the commercial strategy, positioning, and go-to-market approach for the Qualitative Research and Creative Strategy practice. Operate with an entrepreneurial mindset, helping build the processes, capabilities, culture, and commercial foundations needed to scale a rapidly growing business. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning.
Deliver Strategic Solutions: Collaborate with research and consulting teams to design impactful client solutions. Ensure proposals and project designs align with client objectives and business outcomes. Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, innovation, brand strategy, and communications. Act as a commercial champion for new methodologies, tools, and strategic offerings. Roll up your sleeves when needed to support strategic project delivery, facilitate client workshops, contribute to consulting engagements, and help ensure exceptional client outcomes. Partner closely with qualitative, quantitative, and analytics teams to deliver integrated solutions that address complex client challenges.
Build and Innovate New Offerings: Help shape and expand a portfolio of qualitative, quantitative, and AI-enabled solutions that address evolving client needs. Contribute to the development of innovative products that combine qualitative insight, quantitative validation, behavioral intelligence, and strategic consulting. Stay at the forefront of emerging research methodologies, AI applications, and innovation trends, identifying opportunities to bring new capabilities to market. Help position NIQ as a modern insights and consulting partner through thought leadership and innovative client solutions.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare plan (medical, Rx, dental, and vision).
Flexible spending accounts and a Health Savings Account (including company contributions).
Life and AD&D insurance.
401(k) retirement plan including company matching contributions.
Disability insurance.
Tuition Reimbursement.
Discretionary paid time off program and 11 paid holidays.
Flexible working environment
Volunteer time off
LinkedIn Learning
Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)
Industry-leading parental leave
Education support