President, Insights

Bastion U.S. is an integrated, full-service marketing and communications agency committed to understanding the human behind the data. As part of our mission,
Bastion Insights operates as a strategic research and insights division, delivering powerful consumer intelligence through advanced qualitative and quantitative methods. Our expertise ranges across quantitative methodologies (brand tracking, segmentation, conjoint analysis, A&U studies, advanced analytics) and qualitative approaches (focus groups, IDIs, online communities, diaries). We work with some of the world’s most innovative and respected brands to inform smarter decisions and drive real-world impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Bastion Insights is seeking a highly strategic, commercially minded, and entrepreneurial President to lead and grow our boutique market research practice. This is a high-visibility executive role for a business builder with a passion for insights, an instinct to drive growth, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate must be a subject matter expert in market research & insights who is as comfortable pitching a Fortune 500 CMO as they are mentoring a junior researcher—someone who can evolve our offering, expand our footprint, and deliver insight-led growth across sectors.

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Set the strategic vision for the practice, identifying growth opportunities, emerging methodologies, and new service areas.
• Guide the development of innovative research solutions tailored to evolving client needs, especially in areas such as AI-enabled analysis, agile research, and predictive insights.
• Oversee operational execution to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all research engagements.
• Business Development & Growth Leadership
• Own and drive the commercial growth strategy of Bastion Insights, with a focus on new client acquisition, expansion of existing relationships, and increased revenue generation.
• Build and lead proactive outreach strategies, develop compelling proposals, and pitch to senior decision-makers across industries.
• Represent Bastion Insights in high-stakes client conversations, industry events, and thought leadership forums.
• Collaborate with marketing and corporate leadership to position Bastion as a go-to insights partner.
• Client Relationship Management
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior-level clients, helping them translate business challenges into researchable questions and research findings into strategy.
• Drive long-term client value by embedding insights into their decision-making processes.
• Lead key accounts and ensure exceptional service delivery, quality control, and client satisfaction.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary research team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and excellence in both client service and internal collaboration.
• Promote knowledge sharing and professional development within the team.
• Financial & Performance Management
• Own P&L responsibilities including revenue forecasting, profitability tracking, and operational budgeting.
• Establish and manage performance metrics tied to revenue growth, client retention, and operational efficiency.
• Establish comprehensive project pricing strategies with vendor partners that ensure competitive positioning while maintaining profitability.
• Partner closely with the CFO to ensure financial discipline and sustainable scaling.

• Must possess 15+ years of experience in primary market research (quantitative and qualitative), with a proven track record in commercial growth, preferably in a consultancy or agency setting.
• 10+ years in a leadership role with business development responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth, develop strategic partnerships, and close complex deals.
• Deep expertise in a range of research methods including brand tracking, segmentation, conjoint analysis, A&U studies, and qualitative techniques such as focus groups and IDIs required.
• Strong consultative selling skills and the ability to tailor insights-driven offerings to diverse business challenges.
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities; comfortable presenting to senior executive stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, client impact, and organizational growth.
• Demonstrated strong vendor management expertise.
• Experience integrating emerging technologies (e.g., AI, automation) into research offerings is a strong plus.
• BA in Marketing/Market Research/Behavioral Science or related field preferred
• Ability to work hybrid from Costa Mesa office preferred.

• The salary range for this role is $220,000-$250,000 plus commission and benefits.

• Join a high-caliber team with the flexibility, autonomy, and agility of a boutique firm backed by the resources of a global collective.
• Lead a division poised for its next chapter of growth—with the freedom to shape its strategy and culture.
• Work with bold brands and…