Associate Director, Research and Insights

About Us We are Assembly – and we’re not like the rest. We’re the modern alternative agency, bringing together industry-leading data, talent, and tech to Find the Change That Fuels Growth for the best brands on the planet, including Lenovo, Lane Crawford, Marina Bay Sands, and more. Our diverse, global community of over 1,600 passionate experts combines global thinking with unmatched local expertise in more than 20 markets worldwide – enabling brands to engage and move consumers anywhere. We use STAGE, Assembly’s proprietary, privacy-centric data solutions platform, to surface powerful insights that transform into actionable brand opportunities. We’re at the cutting edge of new media, technology, and platforms embedded in the lives of today’s consumers, and we’re tapped into how culture and communities’ needs change. We do this while staying steadfast in our commitment to Leave the World Better Than We Found It through measurable social and environmental impact work. Assembly was named The Drum’s APAC Media Agency of the Year in 2021 Overview WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR We’re seeking someone passionate about data, obsessed with media trends, and eager to make a strategic impact for our clients and our organization. You’re a highly analytical and data-driven leader who can shape and elevate Assembly's research capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region. This pivotal role will be the driving force behind our understanding of media landscapes, macro media trends, and consumer behavior, directly informing strategic decisions and client recommendations. Responsibilities WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING ON ANY GIVEN DAY Mastering Media Landscapes: Conducting deep dives into media consumption habits, platform performance, and emerging trends across diverse APAC markets. Macro Trend Maven: Synthesizing vast amounts of data to identify and articulate overarching trends that impact media strategies, consumer engagement, and brand positioning. Social Listening Guru: Managing and interpreting real-time social data to understand consumer sentiment, conversations, and emerging trends. Research Powerhouse: Overseeing a comprehensive research program, encompassing proprietary surveys, focus groups, social listening, and competitive analysis. Data Wizard: Leveraging advanced analytics tools (Excel macros, SQL, Google Analytics) to extract meaningful insights and uncover hidden patterns. Knowledge Curator: Managing a robust library of third-party research reports, ensuring access to cutting-edge insights for the agency and clients. Investment Strategist: Conducting cost-benefit analyses for potential research tools and platforms, maximizing value and impact. Thought Leadership: Make trend/reporting recommendations to internal teams and play a pivotal role in shaping strategic thought-leadership programs that elevate the agency status. Your Impact: Strategic Support: Your insights will directly guide the agency's strategy team and media recommendations, ensuring they're rooted in data-backed understanding of the ever-evolving media landscape. Competitive Advantage: You'll equip Assembly with a unique understanding of macro trends and consumer behavior, positioning us as thought leaders in the industry. Client Value: Your research will empower clients with actionable insights and a clear roadmap for navigating the complex media landscape in APAC. Data-Driven Culture: You'll foster a culture of data-driven decision-making, elevating the agency's capabilities and outcomes. Innovation Catalyst: You'll identify and champion new research methodologies, tools, and platforms to stay ahead of the curve. DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU? Must Haves: Analytical Acumen: Preference to quantitative degree holders (statistics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) or equivalent. Research Methodologist: Demonstrated ability to design and execute full-scale surveys and focus groups, including analysis and reporting. Social Listening Ace: Extensive experience managing and analyzing data from social listening platforms (e.g., Quid, Netbase, Brandwatch, Meltwater). Trend-spotter: Proven track record of identifying and interpreting macro trends in media, consumer behavior, and technology. Communication Champion: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and compelling manner. Technical Expertise: Mastery of Excel macros, SQL, Google Analytics, and other data analysis tools. Leadership Presence: Experience leading and mentoring research teams, fostering collaboration and driving results from outsourced and remote teams. Good to Haves: Media Agency Experience: Understanding of media planning, buying, and measurement processes. APAC Market Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique media landscape and consumer behaviors across APAC markets. Multilingual: Proficiency in multiple languages relevant to the APAC region. Creative Problem-Solving: Ability to approach research challenges with innovative thinking and a solutions-oriented mindset. WHY ASSEMBLY? We‘re part of Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing. We’re nimble, smart, and digital-first, and we’re quickly growing to take on the biggest legacy holdcos. We care about your growth — we offer competitive salaries, annual compensation reviews, and keep detailed personal development plans to ensure you’re hitting your personal and company goals. We recognize and celebrate your success...all the time! Whether it’s through company meetups, employee recognition programs, or just a regular day, we make sure our people’s achievements are known and appreciated! We’re truly a people-first organization. That’s why we operate in hybrid model with flexibility, Work from Anywhere Scheme, allows you to be in control of your work-life balance. We believe in making impactful change in society, we encourage you to take Impact Leave time off from work to engage in volunteer activities with a charity that you support.