Program Director, Market Research
Location: West Coast (San Francisco, Seattle)
Level: Senior / Director
Salary: 150 - 160k base + benefits, bonus, etc.
Role Overview
The Program Director, Market Research is the operating and strategic backbone of a high-impact, multi-workstream research and growth initiative. This role exists to ensure that market research strategy translates into disciplined execution, clear priorities, and measurable business impact. This is a senior, highly visible role for someone who thrives at the intersection of market research, strategy, and operations. You will work closely with executive leaders, research teams, and cross-functional partners to align research programs with client growth priorities, innovation efforts, and long-term market opportunity development. If you excel at bringing structure to complexity, driving momentum across teams, and turning insight into action, this role is built for you.
What You'll Do
- Research Program Leadership & Operating Cadence
- Integrated Roadmap & Execution Management
- Insight, Reporting & Executive Storytelling
- Cross-Functional Coordination ("Air Traffic Control")
- Activation, Forums & Thought Leadership Enablement
- Strategic Partner to Senior Leadership
Requirements
What You Bring
- 812+ years of experience in market research, strategy, consulting, operations, or program leadership
- Experience leading complex initiatives in matrixed, fast-moving organizations
- Strong understanding of how market research drives: Client decision-making, Growth strategy, Innovation and product development
- You are exceptional at: Orchestration, prioritization, and follow-through, Executive communication and storytelling, Navigating ambiguity with confidence and calm, Influencing without formal authority
- You bring: High ownership and accountability, A bias for action, Comfort working with senior leaders and client-facing teams, The ability to make complex programs feel clear, focused, and achievable
How Success Is Measured
Research programs run with clear cadence, discipline, and momentum
Leaders experience the work as focused, organized, and easy to engage with
Progress, risks, and results are consistently visible
Insights translate into measurable client and business impact
Research initiatives elevate strategic influence across the organization
Benefits
150-160k + benefits, bonus, etc.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and a birthday day off
Paid parental leave
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Well-being reimbursement for wellness-related expenses
Flexible and hybrid work arrangements (role dependent)
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Ongoing learning, training, and career development programs
Inclusive workplace with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
Why This Role Matters
This role shapes how market research moves from insight to impact. You won't just manage programsyou'll enable better decisions, stronger execution, and sustained growth at the highest levels.