Contract Director, Research Strategy

Requisition ID: 201834
Join a purpose driven winning team, committed to results, in an inclusive and high-performing culture.

As a member of the leadership team for Global Brand & Customer Insight, the Director works with team members based across Scotiabank Group of Companies, on Canadian and international mandates ensuring business strategies, plans and initiatives are executed / delivered in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures.

Broadly, the Director, Research Strategy & Insights:

• Leads in terms of determining the research agenda and overall program, as well as the quality of talent across the team;
• Is fully accountable for the quality of the work their teams do; and
• Held accountable to drive business action on insights for assigned areas of responsibility.

Is this role right for you? In this role you will:

• Leads and drives a customer focused culture throughout their team to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.
• Direct and support the development and execution of the Global Brand & Customer Insights (GBCI) Research Strategy Agenda.
• Managing/establishing research budgets to meet the needs of the Bank in the most cost-effective way.
• Leading a team with the right talent to deliver end-to-end research projects as part of the broader program.
• Oversee custom and syndicated research studies including planning, designing, reporting and analysis and vendor selection/management.
• Ensuring industry-leading practices and knowledge sharing are examined and embedded in GBCI work.
• Creating and maintaining a network of professionals to share learning.
• Direct and oversee the execution of research strategy and insights by:
• Ensuring the integration of insights from across multiple sources into business line and stakeholder business plans and strategy formulation across the Scotiabank Group of Companies.
• Communicating insights in a consultative way to drive strategic value across the Scotiabank Group of Companies.
• Identifying, recommending, and negotiating contracts with strategic vendors/partners/suppliers for the delivery of insights and support services to improve business line productivity or profitability.
• Being accountable for data quality, research methodology and customer experience throughout the research process.
• Presenting key insights, developing reports, and providing recommendations and direction to business line stakeholders and executives. Fluency in Spanish is an asset.
• Ensuring insights are used to inform business strategies and tactics.
• Monitor the health of the Scotiabank brand and corporate reputation as well as advertising and marketing communications in the Canadian and International markets through timely research programs and initiatives.
• Provide strategic recommendations based on brand and consumer insights which will enable internal partners to adjust or optimize marketing strategies.
• Assess the impact of Global Marketing Sponsorship programs on the Scotiabank brand in terms of overall impressions and propensity to consider.
• Showcasing and advocating for research strategy and insights through GBCI Hub, town halls, Global Marketing shares, etc.
• Leverage research consulting expertise to provide advice to Scotiabank's Canadian and International markets on business opportunities in multiple segments and business lines, i.e. Retail, Wealth, Multinational, and Small Businesses.
• Champions a high-performance environment and demonstrates a commitment to Scotiabank's values: accountability, passion, integrity, and respect. Delivers results in accordance with Scotiabank behavioural competencies. Creates an inclusive team culture and an environment where team members hear, share, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
• Directs day-to-day activities in a manner consistent with the Bank's risk culture and the relevant risk appetite statement and limits. Communicates and models the Bank's risk culture and risk appetite statement throughout their teams.
• Creates an environment in which his/her team pursues effective and efficient operations of his/her respective areas in accordance with Scotiabank's Values, its Code of Conduct, and the Global Sales Principles, while ensuring the adequacy, adherence to and effectiveness of day-to-day business controls to meet obligations with respect to operational, compliance, AML/ATF/sanctions and conduct risk.
• Builds a high-performance environment and implements a people strategy that attracts, retains, develops, and motivates their team by fostering an inclusive work environment. Uses a coaching mindset and behaviours; communicating vision/values/business strategy; and managing succession and development planning for the team.

Do you have the skills that will enable you to succeed? We'd love to work with you if you have:

• Ten years or more of applied experience in the management of research is required, although not required it would be preferable that this experience is at a financial institution with international exposure.
• Excellent understanding of research practices and techniques.
• Detailed understanding of the stakeholder's business line and value proposition; with proficient knowledge of outside markets and competitors on a global basis.
• Extensive practical experience in market research, qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques on both supply-side and client-side.
• Proven ability to translate and communicate business requirements into technical research project specifications.
• Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills to be able to condense complex data into concise, action-oriented reporting to all levels of the organization.
• Extensive working knowledge of multi-variant statistical techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work within cross-functional teams.
• Superior organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills - ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Expert knowledge of SPSS; Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; and Qualtrics.
• Aware and knowledgeable of emerging market research techniques.
• Completed an undergraduate university degree or college, such as commerce, mathematics or computer science. Advanced university degree (Masters) would be an asset.
• Completed Market Research certificate program, an asset.
• Specialized qualitative training, Qualitative Research Associate designation, an asset.
• Work in a standard office-based environment; non-standard hours are a common occurrence.
• Some international travel may be required.

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking and collaborative team, surrounded by innovative thinkers
• A rewarding career path with diverse opportunities for professional development
• Internal training to support your growth and enhance your skills

Location(s): Canada : Ontario : Toronto
Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future", we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.
At Scotiabank, we value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the Bank, and are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternate format documents, ASL Interpreter, or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our Recruitment team know. If you require technical assistance, please click here. Candidates must apply directly online to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for their interest in a career at Scotiabank; however, only those candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.