Research Manager

About Us
This is your opportunity to advance your career at HarrisX, a leading technology, market research, and consulting company that blends corporate and public opinion research to uncover what drives people, brands, and policy. We specialize in understanding the connected consumer, running some of the most comprehensive studies on technology, telecom, and media behavior globally, while also serving as one of the most accurate pollsters in recent U.S. elections.

Our research combines quantitative and qualitative methods, behavioral data, and social analytics to deliver actionable insights to clients ranging from Fortune 100 corporations to media organizations, advocacy groups, and policymakers. Based in Washington DC and with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Los Angeles, Australia, and Singapore, HarrisX is a member of Stagwell Global.

Our mission is simple: To connect all the dots for our clients, in what we call "Connected Intelligence."

Overview
As a Custom Research Manager at HarrisX, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and timely delivery of our custom research projects. You will report to the Research Director in our Toronto office and work closely with the North America Custom Research team to manage survey design, fielding, production, and reporting processes. Your expertise in research and project management as well as your attention to detail will be instrumental in maintaining high research quality standards and optimizing survey delivery.

The Research Manager's primary day-to-day responsibilities will revolve around executing, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of the research process and managing end-to-end research projects (in partnership with the Research Operations team), from working with clients to understand their business needs, to project management and finally to conducting data analysis and creating reports that answer the client's business questions. While this role will have ample team and company support, the ability and inclination to be proactive and autonomous are also critical.

Responsibilities

• Manage custom research initiatives, including project planning, resource allocation, and team coordination.
• Lead projects from end-to-end: design, manage, and execute research projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Engage with clients to understand their research needs and translate them into actionable project plans.
• Establish and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring alignment on project goals and deliverables.
• Determine and implement appropriate research methodologies and techniques tailored to client needs.
• Analyze complex data sets using advanced analytical techniques (e.g., segmentation, predictive modeling) to derive insights and inform strategic recommendations.
• Design comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research plans, including survey questionnaires and moderator guides.
• Write detailed reports and presentations summarizing findings and providing actionable insights to clients.
• Utilize data analysis platforms (e.g., Excel, Q, SPSS) to analyze complex data sets to check data quality, identify key findings, and transform them into clear, actionable insights.
• Demonstrate commitment to exceptional client service, adapting to client needs and deadlines as required.
• Mentor and lead junior researchers, helping develop professional growth and research skills.
• Display willingness to work nights, weekends and holidays if necessary, to deliver a suite of survey products and insights.

Qualifications

• A data enthusiast who enjoys crafting narratives from data-driven insights, with a strong foundation in quantitative research methods, and potentially some solid qualitative skills.
• Experienced with at least 3 years in data analysis and project management, either on the agency or client side of research.
• Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with statistical software (e.g., Q, SPSS, R, Python) is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset, able to manage multiple projects under ambiguity.
• Prior experience in top-tier consulting firms or prominent market research agencies is preferred.
• Proven strong ability to take initiative, proactively manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a talent for presenting complex data clearly.
• Background in research methodologies related to product development, brand management/positioning, concept testing, and customer satisfaction.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in political science, psychology, economics, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong leadership skills, preferably with experience managing and training junior analysts.
• Prior experience with political polling is a bonus.