About NativeResearch
NativeResearch drw GmbH is a premium professional services firm that combines advanced quantitative consumer research with senior-level strategic interpretation. We work primarily with strategy consultancies, investors (VC/PE), and selected corporate clients who need insight quality and decision impact – not just speed or cost.
We are a team of 15, operating without rigid hierarchy or silos, where expertise and initiative define responsibility and leadership. Our work spans segmentation, conjoint-based pricing, brand tracking, U&A studies, market sizing, and custom methodologies – often with significant customization for demanding clients.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced quantitative researcher to serve as a senior delivery backbone for our research practice. This is not a role where you will be gradually introduced to complexity – you will be expected to independently manage sophisticated, customized projects from day one, with appropriate time to acclimate to our specific ways of working.
What you will do
* Lead complex, multi-market quantitative research projects end-to-end – from design through analysis and presentation – across methodologies including segmentation, conjoint, U&A, brand tracking, market sizing, etc.
* Serve as the methodological authority for both team members and clients: making design decisions, solving fieldwork and data challenges, and ensuring analytical rigor without requiring escalation • Guide and develop junior team members, sharing practical knowledge and helping them navigate difficult situations
* Contribute to winning new business by preparing compelling, methodologically sound proposals and participating in client pitches
* Build and maintain strong client relationships with clients – including defending our premium positioning and identifying opportunities to deepen engagements
* Prevent problems before they arise through experienced project planning, realistic scoping, and proactive risk identification during the sales process
Why this role exists
Our organization has grown from a small, flat team into a structure that now needs shared leadership. Until now, much of the operational leadership has been handled by our Head of Research and Managing Partner. With our ambition to grow, this is no longer sustainable.
This role brings senior research expertise into day-to-day team leadership. Working closely with the Head of Research, the Associate Director will help lead complex projects, strengthen research quality, and support the development of people and processes.
The core of the job is senior project delivery – full ownership and responsibility across the project lifecycle, from scoping through final presentation. Everything else (team development, business development support, process improvement) follows from and builds upon that foundation as capacity allows.
What We're Looking For
Experience
* 8+ years of experience in quantitative market research (exceptional candidates with 6+ years will be considered if they can demonstrate the required level of autonomy and judgment)
* Proven track record of independently managing complex, custom research projects – not just executing standardized products
* Agency or research institute background strongly preferred; client-side insights experience considered if it involved hands-on research management
* Experience working with demanding clients who expect methodological sophistication and senior-level engagement
Technical skills
* Deep expertise in running full-service market research projects – design, execution, and interpretation
* Solid experience with conjoint analysis (you don't need to build simulators, but you must understand the methodology, its applications, and its limitations)
* Practical knowledge of Segmentations, brand tracking, U&A studies, and pricing research
* Proficiency in working with survey data using tools like SPSS, Q, Python, or R
* Strong PowerPoint skills with the ability to build clear, compelling storylines from complex data
* Solid Excel skills (advanced modeling not required, but comfortable fluency expected)
Working style
* You find genuine satisfaction in research work and get energized by solving methodological puzzles
* You default to solving problems yourself before escalating – and you stay calm under pressure
* You balance methodological rigor with pragmatism: aiming for the ideal research design while accepting that perfect is often the enemy of good
* You thrive in flat structures where influence comes from expertise and initiative, not titles
* You take ownership and accountability – without losing energy when things get difficult
* You're comfortable with the commercial side of research: building client relationships, defending pricing, and contributing to business development
Nice to have
* Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
* Familiarity with AI/LLM applications in research workflows
* Cross-methodology fluency (qualitative awareness that improves quantitative design)
What We Offer
* Compensation: Above industry-average
* Performance bonus: 20%
* A role with real impact in a growing boutique – not a cog in a large machine
* Direct collaboration with senior leadership and exposure to high-stakes client work
* Flexible working: Hamburg-based with office presence typically Tuesdays and Wednesdays (trust-based, not mandated)
* Additional benefits: Budget for education, WellPass, monthly internet allowance, 31 days of vacation
Reporting & Team Structure
You will report to Hanno Stier (Head of Research), with methodological guidance from Tomas Andor (Managing Director – Methodology). While you won't have formal direct reports initially, you will be expected to lead through expertise – guiding junior colleagues and serving as a go-to resource for methodological and project challenges.
Location
This role is based in Hamburg, Germany. We have a strong preference for candidates who can be present in our Hamburg office regularly, as weekly in-person collaboration is important for this senior role. We also have colleagues in Berlin, but Hamburg remains our primary hub and a major center for market research talent in Germany.
How to Apply
Please send your CV (to: johannes.nass@native-research.com) and a brief motivational letter explaining why this role interests you and what you would bring to NativeResearch.
Our process
1. Initial coffee chat – getting to know each other
2. Technical exercise and interview – demonstrating your approach to a research challenge
3. Culture interview – meeting more of the team and ensuring mutual fit
4. Decision
Start date
We are looking to fill this role as soon as we find the right person – and we prioritize fit over speed. We would rather wait for someone who truly matches what we need than rush to fill the seat.