[Hiring] Head of Strategic Research @Savanta

Role Description

The Savanta Group is looking for a senior research leader to take ownership of how research is designed, governed, and defended across Savanta, Explorer, and Plinc. The successful candidate must be based either in the US or Canada, preferably on East Coast hours. The role is remote, but has occasional travel to offices in the US, UK, and other locations, and regular travel to conferences and industry events.

The Head of Strategic Research will be the methodological authority across the group, ensuring that everything produced is accurate, rigorous, and built on sound foundations. This role involves:

• Combining deep research expertise with presence and communication skills to represent the group externally.
• Collaborating closely with the President, Explorer & Plinc to shape the group’s research agenda.
• Working across various divisions, including research, commercial, marketing, and product.
• Helping the group use AI, technology, and automation to improve quality and efficiency.
• Identifying new tools to strengthen research design and improve consistency.
• Ensuring innovation is applied responsibly without compromising methodological rigor, data integrity, or client trust.

This is an opportunity to be the methodological heart of a growing, ambitious research business and to shape how Savanta Group is seen in the industry.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in conducting primary research, with depth in a variety of methodologies.
• A mix of agency, consultancy, client-side, or academic/think-tank backgrounds.
• A strong track record as a methodological authority - internally and/or externally.
• Experience operating at a senior level and shaping research practice beyond your own team.
• Evidence of public-facing work, such as writing, speaking, or media engagement on research topics.
• Familiarity with sectors such as FMCG, Pharma and Healthcare, Technology, Financial services, or Retail.
• Experience with utilizing secondary research data.

Requirements

• Judgment trusted by other researchers.
• Comfortable being the last word on research quality and being challenged on it.
• Visible in public-facing roles, including writing for publication and speaking at industry events.
• Ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collegial and generous approach to raising standards.
• Intellectually curious and current on developments in methods and technology.
• High personal standards for accuracy and intellectual honesty.

Benefits

• Part of the vibrant Next 15 Communications Group.
• Entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture.
• Unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring and coaching.
• Extensive training programs.
• Culture of tech innovation integral to success.