Director Marketing Research Analytics (Los Angeles)

Director, Data Analytics

This role is to be based near one of our offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin, Oakland or Philadelphia.

About Us

We turn customer challenges into growth opportunities. Material is a global strategy partner to the world's most recognizable brands and innovative companies. Our people around the globe thrive by helping organizations design and deliver rewarding customer experiences.

We use deep human insights, design innovation and data to create experiences powered by modern technology. Our approaches speed engagement and growth for the companies we work with and transform relationships between businesses and the people they serve.

About the Director, Data Analytics Role

The Director of Data Analytics (Director) is a senior-level expert responsible for driving the design, execution, and consultation of complex discrete choice modeling engagements. This role combines advanced statistical knowledge with client-facing fluency, enabling impactful study design and insight delivery for high-stakes strategic initiatives. The Director leads project teams, advises stakeholders on methodological decisions, and serves as a key contributor to innovation and growth within the Data Analytics function.

Essential Functions

Technical Research Expertise

Deep expertise in Discrete Choice Modeling (DCM) and other advanced analytics techniques, including CBC, MaxDiff, ACA, Menu-Based, and custom experimental designs.

Ability to recommend, tailor, and consult on DCM or other advanced analytic designs based on unique client and business needs.

Experience with Sawtooth Software is essential; familiarity with advanced modeling packages (e.g., R packages like apollo, gmnl, as well as Python) is a plus.

Strong understanding of advanced statistical techniques (e.g., segmentation, drivers, factor analysis, TURF, Bayesian network modeling, and HB modeling).

Lead the design, execution, and QA of custom models, including experimental design choices, attribute development, and model diagnostics.

Client Consultation & Project Leadership

Serve as the methodological consultant in proposal stages, research design, and client kickoffs.

Provide clear, compelling guidance to clients on tradeoff methods, choice-based designs, and appropriate analytical trade-offs.

Lead multi-phase or global DCM engagements with minimal oversightensuring smooth delivery, insightful narratives, and stakeholder buy-in.

Translate complex analytics into client-ready stories that align with business objectives.

Thought Leadership & Innovation

Elevate the team's advanced analytics capabilities (with DCM as a strength)bringing POVs on methodology evolution, efficiency, mobile optimization, and business applicability.

Pilot and promote innovations in conjoint and choice (e.g., mega MaxDiffs, mobile DCMs, advanced simulators, menu-based approaches).

Mentor analysts and managers in choice modeling techniques and conceptual thinking behind good experimental design.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate DCM into broader solutions.

Team Development & Cross-Functional Partnership

Mentor and guide junior team members on technical and soft skills.

Flex your management and coaching style to match the needs of your direct reports (if applicable).

Build strong relationships with Research, Strategy, and Account teams as the go-to DCM expert.

Lead or contribute to innovation councils, capability share-outs, or tool development initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

Participate in business development through proposal input, pricing, and scope definition for choice-based studies.

Represent the team in client pitches, RFP reviews, and innovation showcases.

Adjust methodologies in-flight based on business realities or unexpected data scenarios.

Ensure intellectual rigor while balancing speed and impact.

Job Requirements

Education and / or Experience

B.A. / B.S. in Statistics, Economics, Data Analytics, Psychology, or related quantitative field. Master's preferred.

5+ years of experience in applied marketing research with at least 3 years focused on discrete choice (e.g., conjoint or MaxDiff).

Hands-on experience designing, running, and interpreting complex DCM studies required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Expert-level proficiency in Sawtooth, SPSS, and Excel; strong command of syntax-based work and conjoint simulators. Preference to those who also know R, Python or SQL.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when translating technical choices into business language.

Strategic thinker who connects modeling outputs to real business decisions.

Comfortable operating independently on complex studies and collaborating across technical and non-technical teams.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, consultative mindset.

Why Work for Material?

In addition to fulfilling, high-impact work, company culture and benefits are integral to determining if a job is a right fit for you. Here's a bit about who we are and highlights around what we offer.

Who We Are & What We Care About

• Material is a global company and we work with best-of-class brands worldwide. We also create and launch new brands and products, putting innovation and value creation at the center of our practice. Our clients are in the top of their class, across industry sectors from technology to retail, transportation, finance and healthcare.
• Material employees join a peer group of exceptionally talented colleagues across the company, the country, and even the world. We develop capabilities, craft and leading-edge market offerings across seven global practices including strategy and insights, design, data & analytics, technology and tracking. Our engagement management team makes it all hum for clients.
• We prize inclusion and interconnectedness. We amplify our impact through the people, perspectives, and expertise we engage in our work. Our commitment to deep human understanding combined with a science & systems approach uniquely equips us to bring a rich frame of reference to our work.
• A community focused on learning and making an impact. Material is an outcomes focused company. We create experiences that matter, create new value and make a difference in peoples lives.

Pay Range : $115,000.00 $145,000.00

The range shown represents a grouping of relevant ranges currently in use at Material. Actual range for this position may differ, depending on location and specific skillset required for the work itself.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

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