Director, Client Service

We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. To start a career that is out of the ordinary, please apply... Job Details Director, Media Client Service Location (Hybrid): Chicago, IL About the Role We’re looking for a research-first, media-savvy Director to lead end-to-end research design and delivery for media and advertising effectiveness engagements. This role blends deep market research expertise (questionnaire design, methodology, analysis, and insight storytelling) with strong media measurement fluency (cross-platform brand lift, addressable/CTV, digital ecosystems, and modern measurement frameworks). You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating business questions into rigorous research approaches, and turning complex datasets into clear, story-driven recommendations that shape media strategy. You’ll also mentor and elevate teams—setting the bar for research quality, analytical rigor, and consultative client leadership. Primary Responsibilities Lead end-to-end research design and delivery for complex media effectiveness studies, including methodology selection, survey design, and analytical approach Translate client business objectives into rigorous, insight-driven research frameworks that inform media strategy and decision-making Synthesize complex data into clear, compelling narratives that explain performance drivers and deliver actionable recommendations Serve as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, guiding measurement strategy and campaign learning agendas Apply deep expertise in cross-platform media measurement (e.g., brand lift, attribution, audience insights across digital, CTV, and linear) Oversee quality, rigor, and consistency across all research outputs, establishing best practices and elevating team standards Mentor and develop team members, strengthening research, analytical, and storytelling capabilities across levels Partner cross-functionally (e.g., product, data science, operations) to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions Support account growth by identifying new research opportunities and contributing to proposals and client development Essential Knowledge & Experience 8–12+ years of hands on experience in market research/insights, with demonstrated ownership of research design, analysis, and client-facing delivery (agency/supplier-side preferred) Strong expertise in quantitative research methods, including survey design, questionnaire development, and analytical interpretation Direct experience in media and advertising effectiveness measurement, including brand lift, cross-platform, and/or audience insights Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, insight-driven recommendations for senior stakeholders Strong client leadership skills, with experience managing relationships, influencing decisions, and navigating complex engagements Track record of mentoring and developing teams, elevating research rigor and consultative capabilities Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and compelling way, often to senior stakeholders Highly organized with strong prioritization skills; able to manage multiple workstreams while maintaining quality Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., marketing, business, social sciences, analytics) Kantar Benefits We provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package, including Medical plans with comprehensive, affordable coverage for a range of health services Health Savings Account/FSA Dental, Vision and benefits to cover unique healthcare needs Wellness Program 401k with match Tuition Reimbursement, Commuter benefits Unlimited PTO Why join Kantar? We shape the brands of tomorrow by better understanding people everywhere. By understanding people, we can understand what drives their decisions, actions, and aspirations on a global scale. And by amplifying our in-depth expertise of human understanding alongside ground-breaking technology, we can help brands find concrete insights that will help them succeed in our fast-paced, ever shifting world. And because we know people, we like to make sure our own people are being looked after as well. Equality of opportunity for everyone is our highest priority and we support our colleagues to work in a way that supports their health and wellbeing. While we encourage teams to spend part of their working week in the office, we understand no one size fits all; our approach is flexible to ensure everybody feels included, accepted, and that we can win together. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive culture and value the diversity of our people, clients, suppliers and communities, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds and sections of society. Even if you feel like you’re not an exact match, we’d love to receive your application and talk to you about this job or others at Kantar. Privacy and Legal Statement PRIVACY DISCLOSURE: Please note that by applying to this opportunity you consent to the personal data you provide to us to be processed and retained by The Kantar Group Limited (“Kantar”). Your details will be kept on our Internal ATS (Applicant Tracking System) for as long as is necessary for the purposes of recruitment, which may include your details being shared with the hiring manager The salary range for this role in Illinois is $97,400-$119,000 USD Annual. Your final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to location, work experience, skills, knowledge, education and/or certifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability Kantar Rewards Statement At Kantar we have an integrated way of rewarding our people based around a simple, clear and consistent set of principles. Our approach helps to ensure we are market competitive and also to support a pay for performance culture, where your reward and career progression opportunities are linked to what you deliver. We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. Apply for a career that’s out of the ordinary and join us. We want to create an equality of opportunity in a fair and supportive working environment where people feel included, accepted and are allowed to flourish in a space where their mental health and well being is taken into consideration. We want to create a more diverse community to expand our talent pool, be locally representative, drive diversity of thinking and better commercial outcomes. Kantar is the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company. We understand more about how people think, feel, shop, share, vote and view than anyone else. Combining our expertise in human understanding with advanced technologies, Kantar’s 30,000 people help the world’s leading organisations succeed and grow. #LI-HB1 Location Chicago, N. Green StreetUnited States of America Kantar Rewards Statement At Kantar we have an integrated way of rewarding our people based around a simple, clear and consistent set of principles. Our approach helps to ensure we are market competitive and also to support a pay for performance culture, where your reward and career progression opportunities are linked to what you deliver. We go beyond the obvious, using intelligence, passion and creativity to inspire new thinking and shape the world we live in. Apply for a career that’s out of the ordinary and join us. We want to create an equality of opportunity in a fair and supportive working environment where people feel included, accepted and are allowed to flourish in a space where their mental health and well being is taken into consideration. We want to create a more diverse community to expand our talent pool, be locally representative, drive diversity of thinking and better commercial outcomes. Kantar is the world’s leading data, insights and consulting company. We understand more about how people think, feel, shop, share, vote and view than anyone else. Combining our expertise in human understanding with advanced technologies, Kantar’s 30,000 people help the world’s leading organisations succeed and grow. KANTAR Kantar is the world’s leading AI-native marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world’s top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioural data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future. For information about how Kantar processes your personal data in the job application process, please click here to read our candidate privacy notice.