Research Director/ Associate Director

Blackbox is Southeast Asia’s leading decision intelligence provider, delivering decision science solutions and community-wide perspectives on contemporary problems and challenges.

As a sophisticated provider of data insights, we work closely with businesses, governments, regulators, and non-profit organizations.

We monitor emerging trends both regionally and globally with the main aim of signaling potential changes of significance before they occur.

For over 20 years, we have gathered data, constructed advanced analytical approaches, and developed a deep understanding of Asia and its diverse populations.

In recent years Blackbox has been reimagining research by leveraging AI technologies to streamline processes, develop innovative products and enhance our data analysis capabilities, providing more trustworthy, accurate and actionable insights for our partners at speed.

Our commitment to leveraging the latest advancements in AI and advanced analytics in practical ways sets us apart, creating a dynamic and impactful work environment.

We are now seeking a dynamic and experienced Research Director/Associate Director to join our team.

**About the Role**

The **Research Director/Associate Director **is required to maintain high visibility on all accounts within the team and take the lead in managing and being a strong research partner for key strategic clients.

The role also requires taking an active role in growing new business prospects and opportunities.

Key roles and responsibilities include:

- Prepare research proposals, proactively generate briefs, research design, lead proposal plans and provide guidance to team members.
- Review cost sheets and determine appropriate and competitive project pricing for clients
- Plan and develop analysis outputs, produce high quality reports including strategy slides and data visualization; demonstrate capacity for strategy and business recommendations in research findings/reports
- Ensure overall specifications/ briefing documents are aligned with client objectives with successful execution of assigned research activities, including identifying key requirements, meeting timelines, resource allocation and ensuring pipelines are met within the agreed timescale as well as follow-up task achievements
- Willingness to be resourceful and respond to requested changes from client by demonstrating keen acumen and understanding of what project success will entail
- Attend discussions with Operation and Data Processing teams to ensure clear lines of responsibility on complex studies
- Conduct in-depth interviews, moderate focus group, design and lead workshop that engage all clients' stakeholders to meet their business needs.
- Monitor progress on project management related issues.
- Oversee preparation of data visualization/charts, pre-engineer & prepare research team to think visually
- Present professionally and credibly in front of senior client representatives, up to Ministerial and C-Suite level. Lead client discussions in meetings and workshops
- Conduct regular resource meetings to assess resource situation, facilitate leave planning and work closely with team to mitigate potential roadblocks and keep team lead informed of resource situation.
- Serve as a mentor by coaching team members on management and development of skills and talent, including goals setting and monitoring of team's performance and growth.

Job Requirements:

- At least 8 years of experience of integrated research/analytics experience in or adjacent to the market research sector
- Fluency in survey-based research and experience in employing different methodologies
- Possess current knowledge of research/data intelligence sector developments (including new approaches, technologies, use of AI etc.) and be willing recommend fresh and innovative approaches to clients
- Possess strong client relationship building and networking skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, planning and project management skills at both a peer and management levels
- Creative, solution-oriented mindset with drive to see plans through to implementation as well as can deliver content and key messaging at scale.