Research Director

At WPP Media, we are the global media collective of WPP, fully built for the AI era. We unite the best platform, the most talented people, and the strongest partners to create innovative solutions. Our goal? To offer brands unparalleled growth every day. This foundation is rooted in our shared core values:

We’re Extraordinary: We push boundaries, challenge conventional thinking, and break the status quo in our pursuit of innovation and growth.

We’re Open: We build trust and understanding by collaborating seamlessly—with our teams, clients, and partners.

We’re Optimistic: A 'growth mindset' is in our DNA. We embrace change as the ultimate way to bring out the best in ourselves.

At WPP Media, we are looking for an experienced Research Director with over eight years of experience in market research and consulting, commercially leading complex accounts, research projects and teams. This role involves strategically overseeing research execution, proactively developing and implementing AI-driven methodologies to maintain market leadership, and fostering innovation within the research portfolio. You will also act as a thought leader, an ambassador for the organization, and a mentor for junior staff.

Operating within the Client Strategy organization's Culture & Insights team, you contribute to Vision 2030 for the Dutch market by integrating best-in-class platforms, people, and partners for innovative solutions and brand growth. The Research team, is a capability team which blends scientific excellence with detail oriented, open-minded analytical pragmatists into trusted advisors fusing the best of WPP Media for our clients.

Your key responsibilities: 

• Strategic Commercial Development of Research Programs: You will lead the commercial development of research projects, with a primary focus on securing and managing more complex and/or larger accounts. This involves identifying new business opportunities, crafting bespoke research proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the successful onboarding and ongoing satisfaction of key clients, thereby driving our Research revenue growth.
• Project and Portfolio Leadership & Quality Assurance: You will oversee the end-to-end design and execution of a diverse portfolio of research projects. This includes establishing and upholding stringent scientific rigor and methodological quality standards, ensuring all research outputs are robust, reliable, and actionable. The role guarantees strict alignment with both specific client objectives and the broader strategic goals of WPP Media, delivering impactful insights that drive client success.
• Stakeholder Management & Commercial Growth: You will proactively build, nurture, and manage strong, collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders across various departments, including Client Leadership, Strategy, and Growth teams. The objective is to identify emerging commercial opportunities, translate client needs into viable research projects, and actively contribute to the development and execution of strategic growth plans for the organization.
• AI-Driven Research Innovation: You will take a leading role in the exploration, development, and practical implementation of cutting-edge AI-driven research methodologies. This involves close collaboration with internal expert teams (e.g., OMA, Choreograph) and external vendors to leverage advanced analytics and machine learning. The ultimate goal is to significantly maximize the quality, depth, and predictive power of insights, ensuring WPP Me