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

• 812+ 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

Location