Associate Director / Director – Qualitative Research
- Location: Fully Remote (UK, US East Coast or Canada considered)
The Opportunity
A strategic insights consultancy is seeking a qualitative-led Associate Director or emerging Director to join its senior team.
The consultancy is a specialist in entertainment, with the majority of work focused on gaming. Direct gaming research experience is strongly preferred; however, candidates from broader entertainment, media, or cultural insight backgrounds with a genuine passion for gaming will be considered.
This is a senior, hands-on role for a confident “hard-core quallie” with strong planning sensibilities, excellent storytelling skills, and the ability to lead complex, strategic projects for US and European clients.
The Role
- Lead end-to-end qualitative research projects, from design through to debrief.
- New game and IP concept development
- Game and brand positioning
- Player and audience deep dives
- Lifestyle and cultural insight studies
- Concept and proposition development aligned to player understanding
- Apply a strong brand and planning lens to insight, turning behaviour and culture into clear strategic direction.
- Own senior client relationships, particularly with US-based clients.
- Write and present high-quality, compelling narratives for senior stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with strategy and quantitative colleagues on integrated projects.
- Operate with a high degree of autonomy in a fully remote environment.
Note: The consultancy has strong quantitative capability; however, this hire is qualitative-first, with mixed-method exposure welcomed but not essential.
Candidate Profile
- Experience in qualitative research, ideally agency-side
- Gaming experience strongly preferred; entertainment/media experience plus authentic gaming passion also considered.
- Operating at Associate Director level or ready to step into an emerging Director role.
- Strong strategic thinker with clear planning and brand sensibility.
- Excellent writer and storyteller.
- Confident managing senior stakeholders and complex client environments.
- Comfortable working flexibly with US clients when required.
Why This Role
- High proportion of gaming-led, culturally rich projects.
- Senior visibility and genuine influence on client thinking.
- Fully remote, trust-based working model.
- Annual company trip – team bonding celebrations
- Clear scope to shape role and progression quickly.
- Competitive salary and strong bonus/profit-share culture.
If this sounds like the ideal role to match your skills, experience, and passion, please reach out to Rosie Cantwell to discuss in more detail.
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