Associate Director - Qualitative

At YouGov, we don’t just collect data—we connect it.
We challenge traditional thinking, redefine how research is done, and build cutting-edge solutions powered by the richest opinion data in the world.

With a panel of over 9 million people globally and billions of data points collected through continuous engagement, we turn insight into action for some of the most influential brands across tech, media, finance, politics, and more. YouGov operates across 34 offices in 22 countries, with panelists in 38 markets worldwide.

We move fast, think fearlessly, and work collaboratively to get it right—for our clients, our people, and the future of our industry.

About the Role

📍 Remote (US-based) | 🕒 Full-Time | 🧠 Senior Level

We’re looking for a seasoned Qualitative Researcher  to lead and deliver impactful custom research that guides some of the world’s most exciting brands. This is a pivotal role within our growing US Qualitative team, combining deep methodological expertise, project leadership, client relationship-building, and team mentorship.

As a key member of the team, you’ll manage and mentor researchers, design and moderate compelling qualitative studies, drive client success, and help shape the future of qualitative research at YouGov. You’ll also work closely with the Head of Qualitative to innovate new approaches and raise the bar for our global practice.

What You'll Do

• Lead qualitative research projects end to end—from proposal and design to moderation and delivery—across sectors like tech, social media, finance, and more.
• Act as a senior advisor on qualitative methodology and research design, both internally and with clients.
• Manage and grow client relationships through consistent quality, strategic thinking, and consultative expertise.
• Develop strong partnerships with commercial teams and collaborate across the organization to integrate qualitative insights into broader research strategies.
• Inspire and mentor junior researchers, guiding their development and helping them build confidence and skills.
• Play a central role in evolving our qualitative offering by testing new tools, techniques, and approaches.
• Bring insight to life—using storytelling, visualizations, and connections to quant data to create clear, actionable deliverables.
• Present results through written reports and engaging online presentations.
• Help ensure operational excellence and consistency across all qual projects.
• Contribute to business development by writing compelling proposals and identifying growth opportunities with current and new clients.

What You’ll Bring

Experience and Expertise

• 4+ years of experience conducting and moderating qualitative research (RIVA-certified is a plus).
• Proven success designing and delivering custom qual research across a range of sectors.
• Strong track record of managing client relationships and growing business through trust and strategic input.
• Experience mentoring or managing other researchers and fostering a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

Technical Skills

• Mastery of qual methodologies, tools, and moderation techniques (in-depth interviews, focus groups, online communities, etc.).
• Ability to translate complex research findings into clear, compelling insights.
• Strong project management skills—able to juggle timelines, stakeholders, and details.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Familiarity with integrating qual and quant insights a plus.

Personal Qualities

• Curious, inclusive, and always learning.
• Thoughtful and strategic under pressure.
• Naturally collaborative and people-focused, with a passion for bringing out the best in others.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and energized by solving complex problems.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: self-motivated and ready to take initiative.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a bold, fast-moving team that values innovation, trust, and real impact. We offer the opportunity to work on meaningful, high-profile projects with global clients—while shaping the future of qualitative research alongside a collaborative and dynamic team.