Director, Market Research and Intelligence Job Description: Complete Guide for 2026
What Does a Director of Market Research and Intelligence Do?
A Director of Market Research and Intelligence is a strategic leadership role responsible for guiding an organization’s data-driven decision-making processes. This senior position oversees the collection, analysis, and interpretation of market data to inform business strategy, product development, competitive positioning, and customer engagement initiatives.
In today’s data-rich environment, these directors serve as the bridge between raw information and actionable business insights, helping companies navigate complex markets and stay ahead of competitors.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Develop research strategy: Create comprehensive market research frameworks aligned with organizational goals
- Lead research teams: Manage analysts, researchers, and intelligence specialists
- Stakeholder engagement: Present insights and recommendations to C-suite executives and board members
- Budget management: Oversee research budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation
- Innovation leadership: Introduce new methodologies and technologies to enhance research capabilities
Research and Analysis
- Market intelligence: Monitor industry trends, competitive landscapes, and emerging opportunities
- Consumer insights: Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand customer behavior and preferences
- Data analysis: Utilize advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and predictive techniques
- Competitive analysis: Track competitor strategies, market positioning, and performance metrics
- Survey design: Develop and implement research studies using platforms like Conjointly and other specialized tools
Business Impact
- Strategic recommendations: Translate data into actionable business strategies
- Product development support: Provide insights to guide new product launches and improvements
- Market segmentation: Identify and analyze target customer segments
- Performance tracking: Establish KPIs and metrics to measure business success
- Risk assessment: Identify potential market risks and opportunities
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, Economics, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree (MBA, MS in Marketing Research, or similar) strongly preferred
- Professional certifications such as PRC (Professional Researcher Certification) are advantageous
Experience
- 8-12 years of experience in market research, business intelligence, or analytics
- 4-6 years in leadership or management roles
- Proven track record of delivering strategic insights that drove business results
- Experience across multiple research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
Technical Skills
- Analytics platforms: Proficiency in SPSS, SAS, R, Python, or similar statistical software
- Data visualization: Expertise in Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools
- Research tools: Experience with survey platforms like Conjointly, Qualtrics, or SurveyMonkey
- CRM and databases: Familiarity with Salesforce, SQL, and data management systems
- AI and machine learning: Understanding of predictive analytics and emerging technologies
Soft Skills
- Exceptional communication and presentation abilities
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- Leadership and team development skills
- Stakeholder management and influence
- Project management expertise
- Cross-cultural awareness (particularly important in APAC markets)
Salary Expectations by Market and Seniority
Compensation for Directors of Market Research and Intelligence varies significantly by geography and experience level. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Junior Director (0-2 years) | Mid-Level Director (3-5 years) | Senior Director (6+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 140,000 - 180,000 | 180,000 - 240,000 | 240,000 - 350,000 |
| United States (USD) | 130,000 - 165,000 | 165,000 - 220,000 | 220,000 - 320,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | 125,000 - 160,000 | 160,000 - 210,000 | 210,000 - 290,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | 160,000 - 200,000 | 200,000 - 260,000 | 260,000 - 370,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | 2,400,000 - 3,200,000 | 3,200,000 - 4,500,000 | 4,500,000 - 6,500,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | 2,000,000 - 2,600,000 | 2,600,000 - 3,500,000 | 3,500,000 - 5,000,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 85,000 - 110,000 | 110,000 - 145,000 | 145,000 - 200,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | 95,000 - 120,000 | 120,000 - 160,000 | 160,000 - 220,000 |
| France (EUR) | 90,000 - 115,000 | 115,000 - 150,000 | 150,000 - 210,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 95,000 - 125,000 | 125,000 - 165,000 | 165,000 - 230,000 |
Note: Salaries are base compensation and may not include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits, which can add 20-40% to total compensation.
Industry Variations
The role can vary significantly across industries:
Technology & SaaS: Focus on product-market fit, user experience research, and rapid iteration cycles
Financial Services: Emphasis on regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and customer lifetime value analysis
Consumer Goods: Strong focus on brand tracking, consumer behavior, and retail analytics
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Patient insights, clinical trial support, and healthcare provider research
APAC Considerations: In Asia-Pacific markets, directors often need multilingual capabilities and deep understanding of diverse cultural contexts across rapidly evolving economies
Career Path and Progression
This role typically represents a senior position with several advancement opportunities:
- VP of Market Research/Intelligence: Broader scope across multiple departments or regions
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Transition to overall marketing leadership
- Chief Strategy Officer (CSO): Focus on corporate strategy and planning
- Consulting: Move to advisory roles with consulting firms
- Entrepreneurship: Launch market research or consulting businesses
How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Build a portfolio: Document case studies showing how your insights drove business results
- Stay current: Keep up with emerging technologies like AI-powered analytics and advanced survey methodologies
- Develop industry expertise: Become a thought leader in specific sectors or methodologies
- Network actively: Join professional organizations like ESOMAR, Insights Association, or regional equivalents
- Demonstrate ROI: Quantify the business impact of your research initiatives
- Cross-functional experience: Gain exposure to product, sales, and strategy teams
The Future of the Role
The Director of Market Research and Intelligence role continues to evolve with technology:
- AI integration: Leveraging machine learning for predictive analytics and automated insights
- Real-time data: Moving from periodic studies to continuous intelligence gathering
- Privacy considerations: Navigating GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection regulations
- Agile research: Adopting faster, more iterative research methodologies
- Advanced platforms: Utilizing sophisticated tools like Conjointly for choice modeling and conjoint analysis
Conclusion
The Director of Market Research and Intelligence is a critical leadership position that combines analytical rigor with strategic thinking. As organizations become increasingly data-driven, professionals in this role will continue to play a vital part in shaping business success. Whether you’re aspiring to this position or hiring for it, understanding the comprehensive scope of responsibilities, required skills, and market compensation will help ensure the right fit for long-term success.
For those pursuing this career path, focus on building both technical expertise and business acumen while developing the leadership skills necessary to influence at the executive level. The investment in this multifaceted skill set will position you well for this rewarding and impactful role.