Client Insights Director

Director, Client Sales & Insights - Level 17 Let’s be unstoppable together! Circana is a leading provider of technology, AI, and data solutions for consumer packaged goods companies, manufacturers, and retailers. Our predictive analytics and Liquid Data® platform help clients measure market share, uncover consumer behavior, and drive growth—powered by six decades of expertise and an expansive, high-quality data set. At Circana, we are fueled by our passion for continuous learning and growth, we seek and share feedback freely, and we celebrate victories both big and small in an environment that is flexible and accommodating to our work and personal lives.  We’re a global company dedicated to fostering inclusivity and belonging. We value and celebrate the unique experiences, cultures, and viewpoints that each individual brings. By embracing a wide range of backgrounds, skills, expertise, and beyond, we create a stronger, more innovative environment for our employees, clients, and communities. With us, you can always bring your full self to work.  Join our inclusive, committed team to be a challenger, own outcomes, and stay curious together. Circana is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. This prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Circana. Learn more at www.circana.com. Our Critical Sales Skills At the heart of our commercial success is a team of professionals who combine strategic insight, customer-centricity, and executional excellence. These skills represent the core capabilities required to drive value for our clients and sustainable growth for our business. Effectively Presents Solutions : Delivers tailored, compelling solutions that align with customer needs and drive action. Knows the Buying Influences : Identifies key decision-makers and understands their motivations and influence. Manages Buyer Indifference : Recognizes and explores customer hesitation to uncover new needs or opportunities. Understands Customer Needs : Operates as a recognized expert to articulate customer needs in the customer's business language and business context. Being Resilient : Bounces back from setbacks with composure and positivity; helps others stay productive during tough times. Manages Ambiguity : Stays focused and calm in uncertain situations; guides others through change. What will you be doing? The Director of Client Sales & Insights serves as a strategic partner to senior client stakeholders, translating complex business questions into insight-led solutions that drive measurable growth and strengthen Circana’s value across the account. This role combines deep data expertise, commercial acumen, and consultative problem solving to deliver actionable recommendations and expand solution penetration. The Director works directly with client-side Sales, Marketing, and Insights teams, serving as a bridge between technical outputs and business application, ensuring alignment on methodologies, assumptions, and implications. The ideal candidate is highly proficient working with complex datasets, employs creative problem solving, can independently structure analyses, diagnose performance drivers, and translate outputs into clear, compelling business narratives. This leader proactively identifies unmet client needs, scopes high-impact analyses, and connects insights to revenue-driving opportunities. Location: This is a hybrid position with on-site requirements 2-4 days a week. The client is located in Evanston, IL close to Northwestern University. Job Responsibilities: Drive Client Growth: Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships by aligning Circana’s data and software solutions with their strategic goals. Deliver Insight-Led Solutions: Translate complex data into actionable insights that help clients make informed decisions and achieve measurable outcomes. Manage the Sales Cycle: Lead end-to-end sales processes including prospecting, needs assessment, solution development, negotiation, and closing. Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal teams (e.g., Client Insights, Product, and Analytics) to deliver integrated solutions and ensure client success. Maintain Industry Expertise: Stay current on trends in [retail, CPG, or general merchandise] to position Circana as a thought leader and trusted advisor. Build Strategic Relationships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across client organizations, including decision-makers and influencers. Utilize Sales Tools and Platforms: Leverage Circana’s proprietary platforms (e.g., Unify+, Liquid Data, Intelligence Suite) to support client engagements and solution delivery. Achieve Revenue Targets: Meet or exceed individual and team sales goals through disciplined pipeline management and strategic account planning. Champion Client Success: Ensure client satisfaction by proactively addressing challenges, identifying growth opportunities, and delivering consistent value. Support Innovation and Feedback: Provide market feedback to internal teams to help refine offerings and contribute to product development. Advanced Analytic Skills: Demonstrated ability to conceive, manage, and deliver fact-based analyses, with a focus on consumer solutions, providing clients with clear, actionable insights to inform strategy. Requirements Bachelor’s degree required in Business, Marketing, Analytics, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred. 5-10+ years of relevant experience in client leadership, category management, consumer/shopper insights, analytics, sales strategy, or consultative account management within CPG, retail, syndicated data, or adjacent industries. Experience working in a large, cross-functional matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional partners. Experience working with a global organization preferred. Proven ability to influence stakeholders, manage ambiguity, and lead complex workstreams in a fast-paced client environment Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel required Experience with syndicated data and analytics platforms such as Circana/IRI, NielsenIQ, retailer POS, panel, shopper, or category tools required. Prior experience with Circana tools, processes, or a similar analytics environment preferred. Circana Behaviors As well as the technical skills, experience and attributes that are required for the role, our shared behaviors sit at the core of our organization. Therefore, we always look for people who can continuously champion these behaviors throughout the business within their day-to-day role: Stay Curious: Being hungry to learn and grow, always asking the big questions. Seek Clarity: Embracing complexity to create clarity and inspire action. Own the Outcome: Being accountable for decisions and taking ownership of our choices. Center on the Client: Relentlessly adding value for our customers. Be a Challenger: Never complacent, always striving for continuous improvement. Champion Inclusivity: Fostering trust in relationships engaging with empathy, respect, and integrity. Commit to each other: Contributing to making Circana a great place to work for everyone. Location This position can be located in the following area(s): Greater Chicago Area, Chicago, IL Prospective candidates may be asked to consent to background checks (in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice ) Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission. The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs. The salary range for this role is $102K to $130K. This job is also eligible for bonus pay. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. An offer of employment may be conditional upon successful completion of a background check in accordance with local legislation and our candidate privacy notice. Your current employer will not be contacted without your permission. You can apply for this role through the Circana careers website or Intranet site for internal candidates. This role is subject to AI-assisted screening. Circana uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assess resumes for alignment with job requirements by helping locate details in resumes that relate to the job description. This position is expected to remain open for approximately 30 days and may close earlier if sufficient qualified candidates are identified. #LI-GC1