Senior Research Director, Customer Success - Automotive

NielsenIQ

About The Position

NIQ is seeking a Canada-based Senior Research Director, Customer Success to lead its relationship with a major automotive manufacturer across the U.S. and Canadian markets. The role is responsible for delivering strategic research and insights, managing senior client relationships, and ensuring excellent execution across both markets. The successful candidate will bring automotive industry knowledge, particularly expertise in the Canadian market, and will guide and mentor the account team while improving client deliverables and promoting AI-enabled tools and new ways of working. The position combines senior client and account leadership with hands-on ownership of research deliverables, from analysis and storyline development through executive presentations. It also involves interpreting large, multi-source data sets, presenting actionable recommendations, managing account opportunities and renewals, and coordinating work across colleagues. The role requires approximately 10% travel, typically 8–10 business trips annually, within Canada and to the U.S. Candidates must currently be located in the Greater Toronto Area and be able to attend in-person client meetings in the Toronto area.

Requirements

At least 7 years of experience in market research, insights, brand tracking, advertising tracking, or a related field, including demonstrated experience leading client relationships.
Strong knowledge of the Canadian automotive market; experience across both Canadian and U.S. markets is particularly valued.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex research and data into compelling strategic insights and recommendations.
Exceptional presentation and communication skills, executive presence, and experience presenting to senior client audiences.
Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions that benefit NIQ and its clients.
Ability to lead multiple concurrent projects and manage timelines, priorities, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to coach and mentor colleagues, delegate work, and provide constructive feedback.
Strong proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel, and experience working with large quantitative data sets.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Currently located in the Greater Toronto Area and able to attend in-person client meetings in the Toronto area.
Ability to travel approximately 10%, typically 8–10 business trips annually, including within Canada and to the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Automotive industry experience, ideally supporting automotive manufacturers and/or agencies.
Working knowledge of SPSS or comparable analytical software.
Experience spanning both Canadian and U.S. markets.

Responsibilities

Lead senior day-to-day client relationships across the U.S. and Canadian markets, build trusted relationships, and serve as a strategic advisor.
Own account deliverables and timelines across both markets, remaining hands-on from storyline development and analysis through executive presentations.
Manage client expectations and challenging situations, balancing client needs with NIQ priorities and identifying mutually beneficial solutions.
Develop an understanding of client business priorities and proactively identify research and insights opportunities to inform decisions.
Lead proposals for contract renewals and incremental opportunities with internal stakeholders to support account growth and retention.
Analyze large data sets from multiple sources, test hypotheses, identify patterns, and translate findings into strategic insights and actionable recommendations.
Present research and recommendations to senior and executive-level audiences, respond to questions, and provide perspective grounded in research and industry expertise.
Apply expertise in the U.S. and Canadian automotive markets to data interpretation and client recommendations.
Guide, mentor, and coach account team members; review work and provide constructive feedback.
Delegate and coordinate work across the account team while maintaining accountability for final deliverable quality.
Collaborate with the broader team across client accounts on product development and thought leadership.
Identify opportunities to apply AI-enabled tools and new ways of working, and help colleagues adopt them to improve quality, efficiency, and client impact.