Title: Director, Quantitative Research
Location: Chicago (Hybrid)
Compensation: $140–170K base
Contact: Lindsey Bartlett - lbartlett@smithhanley.com
Calling all quant people who secretly (or not so secretly) love the business side just as much as the research.
We are looking for a true seller/doer/mentor. Someone who can lead complex quant work and build business by enjoying the networking that comes with it. This is not a “manage the data” role. It’s a drive impact and revenue role.
The role
You’re not here to just run studies. You’re here to solve real business problems.
- Lead high-stakes quantitative research from design through delivery
- Build and grow client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor
- Own a revenue target, identify, win, and expand business
- Push beyond the brief and get to the actual problem behind it
- Turn data into clear, actionable stories clients can use
- Mentor junior team members and elevate the quant practice
- Operate as a strategic partner to clients, not just a research executor
- Get to the “what should we do” not just the “what happened”
- Actively use AI and modern tools to work smarter, faster, and better
- Continuously evolve your approach as new tech reshapes how research gets done
What they want
- 7+ years in quantitative research, with agency experience required
- Proven ability to win and grow business, not just deliver it
- Strong foundation across methodologies like segmentation, conjoint, MaxDiff
- Comfortable translating data into commercial impact
- Sharp thinker who can challenge clients in the right way
- Strong storyteller focused on the “so what,” not just the stats
The vibe
- Boutique, entrepreneurial, smart people who like working together
- Mix of strategy and research, less reporting factory and more thinking partner
- High expectations, low ego