About Us

We are a specialist market research agency focused exclusively on the automotive sector with offices in Guildford and London, part of a larger market research agency based in the USA.

Our clients include leading global automotive brands including JLR, Nissan, Toyota and Ford, and we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, insightful research that helps shape their strategies and decision-making. As a small and agile team, we value collaboration, curiosity, and a genuine passion for the industry we serve.

The Role

We are seeking a?Qualitative Market Research Manager?to join our team on a 12-month maternity cover contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing qualitative research projects from brief to delivery, including moderation of IDIs and Focus Groups where needed, ensuring that insights are robust, actionable, and tailored to client needs. While prior automotive experience is not essential, an interest in and enthusiasm for the sector is a must.

Experience with?online research communities?and the Recollective platform would be advantageous, but not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end qualitative research projects, including design, managing recruitment, moderation, analysis, and reporting.

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and delivering clear, compelling insights.

• Contribute to proposals and project design to ensure methodological rigour and creativity.

• Lead and moderate focus groups, depth interviews (in-person and online) online bulletin boards and other methodologies.

• Manage and analyse online communities, drawing out themes and narratives.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to share knowledge and maintain high-quality standards.

• Stay informed about trends in the automotive industry and integrate this knowledge into client work.

Skills & Experience

• Solid experience (5 years plus) in qualitative research methods (essential).

• Self starter – takes the initiative. Able & happy to work largely autonomously.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines, while maintaining precision and attention to detail.

• Excellent client-facing skills, with confidence in presenting and communicating insights.

• Strong analytical and storytelling ability – able to turn data into engaging, actionable recommendations. Strong English language written skills.

• (Desirable – though not essential) Experience managing online communities or other digital qual methodologies.

• (Desirable – though not essential) Knowledge or experience of the automotive sector.

• (Desirable – though not essential) Experience of luxury products / services and/or researching higher income groups / HNWIs.

• A proactive, collaborative, and adaptable mindset, suited to working in a small, dynamic team.

• (Desirable – though not essential) Fluent in German

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work with leading automotive brands on exciting projects.

• Supportive, close-knit team environment.

• Genuine flexibility in working arrangements (to be agreed).

• Competitive salary (depending on experience).

Compensation, Benefits, and Culture

Explore our Careers and Culture page to learn more about the people behind the brand: https://escalent.co/careers-and-culture/

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.