Hybrid Director, Research

at AutoTrader.ca

• Job title: Director, Research
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Greater Toronto Area, Canada

About the role

• Director of Research leading innovative research that drives strategic decision-making at TRADER, a digital automotive solutions leader in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end research design and execution, leveraging third-party partners, primary surveys, focus groups, and behavioral analytics to assess market sentiment, purchase intent, and other emerging trends.
• Represent the company at major industry events, delivering data-driven keynotes and panel contributions.
• Manage and optimize the annual research budget, ensuring ROI through rigorous evaluation of vendor performance and methodology effectiveness.
• Champion mixed-method approaches - blending quantitative data (e.g., AutoTrader analytics, StatsCan and other 3rd party data points) with qualitative insights (e.g., dealer interviews, consumer surveys and panels, third party reports and analyses).
• Deliver timely, audience-specific research briefs to executive leadership, product teams, and sales stakeholders.
• Develop a centralized, searchable research repository to enable self-serve access and reduce duplication.
• Serve as a media spokesperson on automotive trends, ensuring consistent, evidence-based messaging across TV, print, and digital outlets.
• Build trusted relationships with OEM strategy teams and national dealership groups through tailored research briefings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Quantitative Studies, Research, or a related discipline. An MBA or other graduate degree is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated passion for data exploration and curiosity about uncovering insights. An interest in the automotive industry is welcome, but a deep desire to ask proactive questions and dig into data is much more important.
• At least five years of experience in market research, competitive intelligence, or related analytical fields.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects at once, set clear priorities, and adjust focus as business needs evolve.
• Strong technical and analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful business narratives.
• Initiative and autonomy: Works effectively with cross functional teams such as Product, Sales, Marketing, and Finance to ensure insights reach the right audiences and improve decision making.
• Vendor and stakeholder management: Skilled at managing external research partners and influencing internal teams to support intelligence initiatives.
• Communication excellence: Comfortable in both technical and business settings, able to communicate findings clearly across departments including Marketing, Sales, Product, Finance, as well as Executives.
• Analytical integration: Capable of gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information from a variety of data sources such as product, customer, financial, and competitive data.
• Professional presence: Demonstrates confidence and professionalism in interactions across all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Gym discounts
• Employee and Family Assistance program
• Virtual wellness events
• Conferences & training budget
• Regular internal training programs
• 3% CPP matching