Senior Research Strategist

Who We Are :

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration.

With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences.

Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology.

We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Function

Utilizing your research skills, turn questions into answers, data into insights, and understanding into business gains.

About Us

SONAR® is VML's research consultancy. We work in a fast paced, creatively driven, and fun environment and are seeking someone who is passionate and excited about the work we do, the ideas we generate, and the things we create.

Responsibilities

The VML Senior Research Strategist will work within our SONAR® research consultancy independently supporting VML and our clients globally with research, insights, and data needs, including identifying ideal vendor partners, designing and conducting primary research, accessing third-party databases (e.

g., MRI, BAV, Audience Origin, etc.) for relevant insights, and presenting insight findings. The position will be supported by the other members of our research team at VML.

Position Skills

Strong client interface, project management, data collection, data analysis, writing, and presentation skills are essential.

Previous experience with a research supplier is highly relevant.

Position Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of custom qualitative and quantitative market research experience
• Method design, survey design, moderating, data analysis, report writing, and presenting are the super powers you're most proud of
• You sheepishly admit that you know more about Excel and PowerPoint than most of your friends
• Prior experience with Decipher (a.k.a. Forsta Surveys), Qualtrics, or UserTesting platform and / or data tabulation packages are huge plusses
• Diversity and inclusion really matters to you
• Coordinating with third-party data collection vendors, sample vendors, and qualitative facilities is as second nature to you as walking and chewing gum
• You're equally comfortable working closely with clients and internal staff
• Your colleagues are jealous of your analytic, writing, and communication skills
• Delighting clients is what you do
• You have a good sense of humor
• You don't take yourself too seriously
• Whatever comes next is what you're most excited about
• You have fun or interesting interests away from work

What does a VML Senior Research Strategist do all day?

• Consult with internal client teams and external clients on issues related to marketing research
• Design appropriate and creative methodologies
• Author online surveys using partner tools (Decipher)
• Tabulate survey data using partner tools (Q Reader)
• Conduct qualitative research
• Manage research vendors
• Analyze and present research findings
• Utilize syndicated research tools as needed

What we offer :

• Passionate, driven people We champion a culture of people that do extraordinary work.
• Consciously cultivated culture We aim to embody the behaviors to build an inclusive community that is in it together, bringing both positivity and active listening into the workplace as we simultaneously strive to empower creative bravery.
• Competitive benefits What we offer full time hires ranges from the full spectrum of group health coverage options (medical, dental, vision) to a generous 401k match (100% dollar-for-dollar match, up to 5% of salary contribution), and a variety of paid time off offerings that reflect our investment in all aspects of your overall life balance and wellness.
• Growth-minded opportunities We aim to nurture a culture of real-time feedback, growth-oriented mindset, and plenty of training opportunities through VML and WPP, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.

VML is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military / veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or other protected group status.

We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion and strives to recruit a diverse slate of candidates to help us achieve that goal.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications.

We offer a competitive benefits package, click WPP Benefits for more details.

$60,000-$140,000 USD

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.

Our people are the heartbeat of our organization-creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers-who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction.

VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy.

California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice. This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.