Explorer | Research Manager | Shopper Research | Ontario

At Explorer, we are shopper research experts. We use a behavioral approach to identify and understand actionable opportunities for our clients. As part of the Savanta Group, we offer a broad range of shopper research services, specializing in Pack, Planogram, Retail, Signage, and Path-to-Purchase research. Being part of this group provides Explorer with global coverage while maintaining our consultative approach.

This position requires residency in Ontario, Canada, with opportunities for travel across North America. The role is currently remote, with potential to transition to a hybrid model based out of our Ontario office.

About the Role:

This is a hands-on focused on delivering high‑quality research projects and insights while owning small to medium‑sized client relationships.

Research Managers are responsible for running projects, delegating tasks, and handling daily activities while keeping clients updated and resolving any queries promptly.

You will work independently while collaborating closely with Project Leads and specialist teams across Explorer and Savanta, applying strong analytical thinking to help clients make better decisions.  This position is responsible for projects from the initial brief to final delivery.

This role presents an excellent opportunity to advance your career, gain valuable experience with high-profile clients, and work with a diverse client base delivering high-quality quantitative and mixed methodology projects.

About You:

At Explorer/Savanta, Research Managers have strong working competency of the research lifecycle and a point of view about different research and insight techniques.

As a Research Manager at Explorer/Savanta, you will:

• Demonstrate strong competency across the research lifecycle and insight techniques.
• Act as primary client contact, managing projects from brief to final delivery.
• Design research elements such as sample plans, questionnaires, and analysis frameworks.
• Execute high-quality research programs that meet client objectives.
• Support business growth through excellent project execution and client relationship development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute quantitative and mixed methodology projects from start to finish.
• Delegate and review tasks such as questionnaire editing, field monitoring, data cleaning, and tab checking.
• Oversee project tasks including scripting, fieldwork, and supplier management, ensuring project timelines and budgets are met.
• Perform data analysis to generate insights and recommendations.
• Bring data stories to life through compelling reports and presentations.  Present engaging presentations that drive actionable outcomes.
• Moderate qualitative research (e.g., IDIs, shop-alongs).

Your role is essential in ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, to high quality, providing valuable insights to clients and fostering strong client relationships to support business growth.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Well-versed in all phases of a quantitative or mixed methodology project, demonstrating expertise from initiation to completion.  And able to use this experience to design research to meet clients’ needs.
• A deep understanding of data analysis for insights generation and client relationship building experience
• Able to operate independently, showcasing the ability to manage projects without extensive support.
• Capable of developing and nurturing client relationships, with the ability to articulate insights to clients.
• A passion for finding stories within data and bringing these to life through reports and presentations.
• Thrives on variety and challenge and be able to balance competing demands on your time.

It is beneficial if you have:

• Experience in managing or mentoring other team members.
• Experience in moderating qualitative IDIs, shop-alongs, etc.

And in return, Explorer offers*:

• Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 CAD (depending on experience and ability)
• Flexible working practices
• Health package
• Retirement plan
• 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.