Research Director – New Solutions (ARC)

About the role

The Research Director for New Solutions within the Advisors Research Center (ARC) leads the identification, testing and adoption of innovative research methodologies, technologies and AI capabilities. This individual contributor role influences global research innovation and supports research solutions across the Arabia region, working closely with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

Key responsibilities

• Scout emerging research, AI and automation opportunities, run proof‑of‑concept pilots and evaluate vendors to inform ARC’s product, platform and insourcing strategies.
• Design and execute pilots, develop evidence‑based recommendations and drive responsible AI adoption aligned with governance, privacy and quality standards.
• Support Arabia research engagements by handling intake, scoping, methodology design, pricing, proposal development and project hand‑over to delivery teams.
• Manage vendor feasibility assessments, RFQs/RFPs, fieldwork procurement and coordinate supplier onboarding with Legal, Sourcing and Privacy teams.
• Maintain reporting and dashboards for revenue, pipeline, backlog and business performance, and communicate ARC offerings internally.
• Develop playbooks, training materials and best‑practice guidance to enable adoption of validated innovations across ARC.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in market research, research technology or agency environments with deep knowledge of quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
• Proven experience applying AI, automation or emerging technologies to research processes and conducting experimentation and vendor management.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills and ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, communication and documentation abilities.
• Preferred background in financial services, payments, technology or other data‑rich industries.