Senior Research Director, Customer Success - Automotive

About the role

NielsenIQ is looking for a Canada-based Senior Research Director, Customer Success - Automotive to lead its relationship with a major automotive manufacturer across the U.S. and Canadian markets. The role is highly visible and focuses on delivering strategic research and insights, managing senior client relationships and ensuring excellent execution. Candidates must live in the Greater Toronto Area, attend in-person client meetings in Toronto and travel within Canada and the U.S. as required.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day senior relationship with clients in the U.S. and Canada, acting as a strategic advisor and building trusted stakeholder relationships.
• Own account deliverables and timelines, staying hands-on from storyline development and analysis through executive presentations.
• Manage client expectations, balance client needs with NIQ priorities, and lead proposals for contract renewals and incremental opportunities.
• Analyze large data sets across multiple sources, turn complex findings into actionable recommendations, and present confidently to senior executives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the U.S. and Canadian automotive markets, bringing industry trends to data interpretation.
• Mentor, coach and delegate to the account team, and collaborate with the wider team on product development and thought leadership.

Required profile

• 7+ years of experience in market research, insights, brand tracking, advertising tracking or a related field, with experience leading client relationships.
• Automotive industry experience strongly preferred, ideally with manufacturers and/or agencies; strong knowledge of the Canadian automotive market is a key priority.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to travel about 10%, typically 8-10 business trips per year.

Required skills

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with executive presence.
• High degree of autonomy, sound judgment and proven ability to lead multiple concurrent projects.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel, experience with large quantitative data sets; working knowledge of SPSS or comparable analytical software preferred.

What we offer

• Pay range of $98,000 - 140,000 CAD.
• Flexible working environment.
• Volunteer time off and LinkedIn Learning.
• Employee-assistance program.