Research Director

RESPONSIBILITIES:Client Relationship Responsible for day-to-day relationship with key contact (ie. The ‘owner’ of the Worldpanel subscription within the client organisation)Understand what the client’s overall goals and objectives are and the role that different departments and individuals are playing in achieving theseContinue to develop a broader network of contacts with the client while maintaining existing relationshipsUtilise high levels of on-site presence to build a reputation as a Trusted Adviser through being a recognised and well known face around the client officeManage the client’s expectations with respect to the quality, speed and volume of data, and the servicing they are entitled toResolve dissatisfaction if it arises, acting rapidly to resolve disagreements and not avoiding difficult issuesResolve workload capacity issues if they arise, negotiating with client stakeholders to establish prioritiesAccount Handling Manage the account administratively, dealing with internal departments such as accounts and operations to make sure communication and dispatches to the client are professionally and accurately handledEnsure contractual obligations are known and adhered to, escalating issues if required in good timeActively contribute to monthly forecasts in line with the revenue phasing doneIdentify revenue gaps and plans for closing these over the course of the year, communicating status and priorities both upwards and downwardsPrepare proposals both in response to client briefs and proactively follow up and close these proposals in order to achieve revenue targetsSeek to deliver benefits led solutions in your proposals, encompassing the full range of KWP servicesLook for revenue opportunities outside of your main contactManage and plan the account resource to avoid drops in service qualityEnsure appropriate inductions and training programmes are provided to client users Service Development Highlight and escalate client concerns with any Worldpanel services to aid senior management with prioritising investment and development effortsProactively seek and share intelligence from clients about other services they purchase and their current or future needs which could be met with Worldpanel developmentsBasic Data & Tracking Ensure regular deliverables are dispatched on time and accurately by line reports or support departments. Take ownership of finding solutions if errors occur or processes break downProactively identify opportunities to evolve our deliverables as new technology or tools become available and/or as client businesses change focus or structureAnalysis & Insight Discuss briefs with client contacts striving to make them more business question driven and less prescriptiveManage larger projects making sure that key milestones are hit, appropriate resource is available and that the client is kept up-to-date at all timesPrepare and deliver presentations, demonstrating personal credibility and showing value for money from the Worldpanel services purchasedDraw from all Worldpanel services purchased in order to provide clients with a wider context and where possible, reference other studies clients have conductedBuild category, cross category and industry knowledge from project to project making sure previous learning is built upon and shared fullyTeam, People & Self Development Conduct and take part in performance management using the online appraisal systemSet, monitor and evaluate SMART objectives for line reportsGive constructive feedback, both praising and identifying things which could be improved. Address performance issues in a professional and timely fashionCoach and train line reports, and other team members – sharing knowledge, encouraging a culture of learning and positive developmentDiscuss your direct report’s personal development and ensure that they have a completed PDP which should include stretch and development objectivesDiscuss your personal development with your line manager and be responsible for ensuring that you complete and implement PDP – which should include your stretch and development objectivesAttend relevant training, seeking out opportunities to develop further and grow your knowledge about our industry, clients and capabilitiesTake part in the graduate recruitment process to enable us to attract and secure high calibre Category Analysts into the businessPERSON SPECIFICATION:A person in this role is likely to have the ability to: Solve problems creatively and seek opportunities for improvement and developmentMotivate people to give their best, providing constructive feedback – praising where things go well and discussing improvements which could be made in futureSmooth relationships when difficult circumstances prevail and develop a culture of trust both within and outside the teamCope well with time pressure and make decisions under complex and demanding circumstancesBe alert to changing situations, show flexibility in approach, adaptability in difficult circumstances and continuously strive to achieve a resultInfluence and persuade a variety of people in changing situationsAct in the interest of the organisation – be bold and assertive in situations where others are pushing against what is best for the organisation or othersKey sucess factors:Proven ability to create a network of budget holders and decision makersDemonstrable ability to exceed client expectationsTrack record of exceeding revenue budgets as well as demonstrating the ability to be flexible in the variety of products and services you can sell to achieve business objectivesA track record of actively engaging in projects or initiatives that contributes to the wider Worldpanel businessProven ability to represent Worldpanel in front of larger forums and more senior audiencesDemonstrable track record of effective team management in terms of appraisal completion, PDPs, line management engagement and retentionOwnership of your self-development in completing and managing your own PDP, highlighting areas where further development is requiredAbility to ‘look beyond the horizon’ and alert Directors to strategic issues, both internal and externalAbility to create and engender a positive tone amongst team members and peersConsistent evidence of personal insight delivery and further evidence of cascading this to team members.