Director, Corporate Research

DescriptionUnum is a company of people serving people. As one of the world's leading employee benefits providers and a Fortune 250 company, Unum helps protect more than 25 million working people and their families in the event of illness or injury. Headquartered in Chattanooga Tennessee, Unum has significant U.S. operations in Portland, Maine, Worcester, Massachusetts and Glendale, California with 35 field offices nationwide. General SummarySupport the Corporate Research mission of systematically, objectively, and effectively applying marketing research principles and techniques to strengthen Unum's strategic and marketing management decision-making process. This position is responsible for utilizing sound research practices to ensure the competitive superiority of our products and service capabilities and to assist in achieving long-term profitable growth. The person in this position regularly meets with and presents to officer level managers to identify research needs, present study results, and advise on research-based recommendations. Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis position is responsible for identifying, designing, managing, and implementing research initiatives in support of strategic and marketing decisions. This includes, but is not limited to, new market or product development research, distribution channel management research, customer satisfaction/performance monitoring, website usability testing, and image/communications research. Provide consultative research services to internal customers in order to identify information needs, define business issues, and evaluate growth opportunities. Provide perspective, creativity, and insight on the long-range research needs of the business.Design, implement, and manage primary research projects to meet business objectives and information needs. Balance decision risks and research costs to ensure achievement of high value research projects.Direct and lead cross-functional (Marketing and Product Development, Distribution, Client Service Center, etc.) research initiatives, obtaining consensus on project objectives and design in order to meet informational needs.Select and manage outside research vendors, consultants, and information sources, as well as the associated project budgets.Bring creativity and insight to research findings, clearly articulating their implications for decision-making. Provide recommendations for management guidance and decisions. Drive action as required to ensure that the Corporation acts appropriately on the research.Maintain technical expertise and knowledge of state-of-the-art marketing research, marketing, and strategic planning principles and techniques.Develop and maintain broad knowledge of the activities and the responsibilities of the Corporation's various functional areas. Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of the Company's products and services.Act as an educator, consultant, and spokesperson for the practice of sound, ethical research throughout the Enterprise and within the insurance research industry. Through the use of effective marketing research techniques/tactics, instill an aggressive and disciplined marketing focus into future marketing programs and new product development efforts.May perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsBroad business acumen, knowledge of marketing, and applied marketing research experience. Must include 7+ years experience in a corporate or supplier Research organization. Insurance industry experiences a plus.Bachelor's degree required (Masters a plus), preferably in Business, Marketing, Marketing Research, Economics, Statistics, or Psychology/Sociology.Strong customer bias - the ability to think from the outside in. Willing to go the extra mile to get the job done for the customer (internal or external).Proven positive influence in strategic business or marketing decisions through the practice of sound quality research.Strong analytical and problem solving ability. Innovative with ideas,