Explorer | Qual Research Manager | Shopper Research | Ontario

Explorer is seeking an experienced Qualitative Research Manager to join our growing team. We're looking for someone who can confidently own qualitative projects from proposal through to final reporting with minimal oversight. This role requires you to reside in Ontario, Canada with opportunities for travel across North America. Currently this role is remote but may change to hybrid in the future. About Us: Explorer is part of Savanta which is a fast-growing data, market research, and advisory company. Being part of the Savanta Network provides Explorer with global coverage while maintaining our consultative approach with clients. At Explorer, we are shopper experts. We focus on all thing’s shopper research, using a behavioral approach to identifying and understanding actionable opportunities for our clients. As part of Savanta, we have a broad range of shopper research offerings, with a specialty in Pack, Planogram, Retail, Signage, and Path-to-Purchase research. About the Role: As a Qualitative Research Manager, you will lead qualitative and mixed-method research projects from kick-off to final delivery. You’ll manage project setup and recruitment, write screeners and discussion guides, moderate interviews and focus groups, analyse findings, develop reports, present to clients, and own the day-to-day client relationships. You’ll work across multiple projects at once. On larger accounts you’ll report to a project lead; on small-to-mid-sized projects, you’ll run the day-to-day work with limited oversight, with the remit to become the client’s go-to contact. This role requires an experienced moderator who is comfortable stepping directly into client work, leading interviews and focus groups and managing every stage of the research process. This role offers a high level of ownership, the chance to moderate across a variety of methodologies, direct client exposure, and the ability to shape project design and recommendations, all within a collaborative, supportive team. From here, Research Managers typically develop into trusted client leads with increasing responsibility for larger accounts, strategic consulting, and business development, progressing toward Senior Research Manager. About You: The successful candidate will be highly skilled in managing complex projects and making data actionable. You will have strong working competency of the research lifecycle and a point of view about different research and insight techniques. You understand how to partner with more senior colleagues, requiring limited supervision, and increasingly able to demonstrate ability to connect individual insights to overall strategic meaning and see the bigger picture. Essential requirements: 3+ years’ qualitative research experience, ideally gained at a market research agency. Independent moderation experience across methodologies such as IDIs, focus groups, shopalongs, ethnographic interviews, and online qualitative sessions. Experience independently writing qualitative materials, including screeners and discussion guides. Strong qualitative project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Experience managing recruitment vendors and fieldwork logistics. Ability to develop client-ready reports and presentations. Confident client communication and strong storytelling skills, with the ability to distil insights into actionable recommendations. Willingness and ability to travel domestically/internationally for client research, up to one week per month, subject to client needs. Beneficial: Experience with qualitative analysis tools such as CoLoop. A track record of contributing to new business proposals and methodology recommendations. Eager to Make an Impact? If you're located in Ontario, Canada, and ready to step into a dynamic role with flexibility and travel opportunities, apply now to join Explorer. This is your chance to shape influential client partnerships and contribute to a thriving team! Please click here to view the full job description And in return, Explorer offers*: Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 CAD (depending on experience and ability) Flexible working practices Health package Ongoing Training & Development Team & Company Socials Why Join Us: Part of the vibrant Savanta & Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial company culture that actively recognizes and values its people and offers excellent opportunity for career development. Explorer Research is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset - we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds. *Full details of local benefits and perks available on request from the People Team (HR). All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.