Head of Measurement Science and Innovation

R26_000918 MRI-Simmons is the leading provider of actionable insights on the consumer. We are an established organization, with a great brand, that is aggressively reinventing itself through investments in technology and people! We are seeking an experienced, Head of Measurement Science and Innovation leader to spearhead the evolution of our industry-leading data assets. MRI-Simmons measures consumer preferences, attitudes, and behaviors. We do this by collecting data through surveys and passively measured data in a way that is representative of the general population, applying data science and making sense of consumer data through enterprise-grade software.  Marketers and media companies then use MRI-Simmons data and technology to develop marketing strategies, consumer segmentation schemes and media activation approaches. The MRI-Simmons Insights Product is a consumer intelligence and discovery platform that provides marketers with faster access to actionable consumer insights. Remote role based in the US. Candidates must be physically located within the US. As the Head of Measurement Science and Innovation, you will be the primary architect of modernizing our foundational survey-based datasets while maintaining the historical continuity and research quality our clients depend on. This is a high-impact, executive-level role that sits at the intersection of traditional research rigor and modern data science. You will lead a team of highly skilled scientists and researchers, with the goal of bridging the gap between legacy measures and a future-focused, integrated analytic ecosystem. The ideal candidate combines deep technical and methodological expertise with exceptional communication skills, credibility with senior audiences, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and buy-in across disciplines. Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & Vision Modernize Legacy Assets: Lead the strategic evolution of legacy-based datasets; balancing historical continuity with the need for modernized methodologies and market positioning. Define Evolutionary Pathing: Establish clear roadmaps for recalibrating or re-architecting legacy methodologies while rigorously protecting client trust, trendability, and long-term credibility. Integrate Data Ecosystems: Champion a vision where legacy data serves as a foundational component within a broader, integrated analytic ecosystem that includes census-level and behavioral data. Strategic Decision Leadership: Serve as senior arbiter in resolving tensions between protecting historical benchmarks and pursuing methodological innovations. Scientific Rigor & Innovation Data Fusions & Integrations: Direct complex data integration projects that combine traditional survey data with first-party datasets, census-level data, and large-scale behavioral inputs. Methodological Authority: Act as the organization’s primary authority on research rigor, overseeing standards for sampling, weighting, data linkage, and reproducibility. Reconcile Complex Datasets: Develop robust frameworks to reconcile discrepancies in coverage, granularity, and timing between consumer surveys and large-scale administrative data. Enforce Quality Standards: Establish and oversee best-in-class research protocols to ensure all analytic approaches are transparent, defensible, and appropriate for high-stakes decision making. Product, Market and Business Alignment Strategic Repositioning: Partner with product and commercial leaders to clarify the unique value of legacy datasets and identify where complementary data sources are required to meet client needs. Commercial Methodology Alignment: Collaborate with senior stakeholders to ensure analytic strategies and methodological updates directly support core business objectives and market demands. Change Management Frameworks: Establish communication protocols for methodological shifts, ensuring stakeholders understand the impact of updates on trends and benchmarks. Client Advisory, Communication, and Thought Leadership Trusted Technical Advisor : Act as senior consultant to internal teams and clients, translating complex statistical concepts into compelling narratives that inform strategy and forecasting. Modernize Measurement Strategy: Advise clients on transitioning from reliance on legacy measures to adopting modern, integrated approaches to media measurement and research design. Industry Influence: Serve as a thought leader on emerging challenges in data science and measurement. Talent Development Cultivate Expertise: Mentor and develop senior researchers and data scientists, fostering a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and continuous learning. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SG5 12+ years of experience in Data Science, Measurement Science, or Research Methods, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position. Proven track record of evolving legacy, survey-based products into modern integrated data assets without losing historic trendability or sacrificing data quality. Direct expertise in: Survey sampling design, weighting, and inference Data fusion, record linkage, and multi-source data integration Working with census-level and large-scale population datasets Deep mastery of statistical methodologies, including sampling, weighting, and reconciliation of disparate data sources. Ability to explain complex methodological concepts clearly to non-technical audiences, including clients, stakeholders, and executives. Experience navigating the organizational and commercial tensions of modernizing “gold standard” legacy measures. Advanced degree in quantitative field such as Statistics, Data Science, Economics, Social Sciences, or a related discipline. Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and gaining buy-in on methodological decisions in ambiguous or high-pressure environments. This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation of the following range: $174,600 - $250,000. Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This role might also be eligible for a sales-based incentive or performance-based bonus. Other benefits include a flexible working environment, comprehensive health insurance, industry-leading parental leave, life insurance, education support and more. US Benefits Comprehensive healthcare plan (medical, Rx, dental and vision). Flexible spending accounts and Health Savings Account (including company contributions). Life and AD&D insurance. 401(k) retirement plan including company matching contributions. Disability insurance. Tuition Reimbursement. Discretionary paid time off program and 11 paid holidays. Our Benefits Flexible working environment Volunteer time off LinkedIn Learning Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies. About NIQ NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com Want to keep up with our latest updates? Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion