Qualitative Research Director - Automotive

Location: London – 3 days per week in office
Salary: Up to 90k + discretionary bonus
Travel: Regular international travel (Europe & occasional long-haul)

Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Analyst

The Opportunity

A growing boutique market research consultancy is hiring a Qualitative Research Director as part of its expansion. This hands‑on senior role is in a small, agile team where you’ll contribute across the full project lifecycle, have significant client exposure, own projects, and shape how qualitative research is delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end qualitative research projects within the automotive sector
• Design and deliver studies, including:
  • Ethnography (including long in‑field sessions)
  • Focus groups
  • Online communities and boards
  • Communications and concept testing
• Work closely with clients on NPD programmes, including multi‑year vehicle development
• Write proposals, scope work, calculate costs, and manage fieldwork delivery
• Conduct analysis and storytelling, translating insights into clear recommendations
• Manage projects and mentor junior team members where required
• Collaborate with global teams across Europe and North America

About You

• 7‑10+ years experience in market research with a strong qualitative focus
• Proven experience on automotive research
• Comfortable in a small, fast‑paced consultancy environment
• Experienced across the full research lifecycle (proposal → fieldwork → analysis → client delivery)
• Strong client‑facing skills and confident presenting to senior stakeholders
• Ethnographic research experience highly desirable
• Mixed‑methods exposure is a plus, but qualitative is core

Why Join?

• Work with globally recognised automotive brands
• High level of ownership and visibility in a growing team
• Exposure to international research and travel opportunities
• Backed by a larger marketing group while retaining a boutique feel
• Clear opportunity to influence and shape the function as it scales

Interview Process

1. First stage: Virtual interview (45‑60 min)
2. Second stage: Short task + presentation to the team
3. Final stage: Brief conversations with senior stakeholders