---
title: 'Sr. Qualitative Insight Director at MERGE'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/sr-qualitative-insight-director-merge-st-louis-pnfnchc37n6s'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-28'
---

# Sr. Qualitative Insight Director at MERGE

- **Company:** MERGE
- **Location:** St Louis, MO / Chicago, IL / Raleigh, NC / Boston, MA / Kansas City, MO / Denver, CO
- **Work type:** hybrid
- **Posted:** 2026-10-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-28
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mergeworld/jobs/8198037

## Job description

At MERGE, we are Built Different. We are a marketing and technology agency purpose-built for the intersection of health and wellness—where human impact matters most. By weaving storytelling through technology, we move beyond traditional engagement to Whole Human Marketing. This approach recognizes that humans are multidimensional and complex, and uses AI to ensure every brand interaction feels natural, contextual, and relevant.

This commitment to human-first innovation is what brings us together and propels us forward. We are united by our North Star: to unite people and brands to empower healthier, happier lives.

Emerge to the Top of Your Career

At MERGE, we strive to create a superior work experience where talented and ambitious people grow. An experience that encourages people to think higher and feel deeper. An experience where people engage their minds and hearts to do the best work of their careers.

Our Strategists are the achievers of insight and facilitators of alignment. Creatively-trained problem solvers, strategic writers, creative thinkers — Strategists are responsible for research design, execution, analysis and deliverables for all projects. They develop and optimize research processes, identify and curate research tools and always seek ways to enhance our offerings. With both clients and participants, our Strategists approach every element of their work with empathy and energy.

As our Senior Qualitative Insight Director, you will…

Consistently and effectively executes projects, often as the Coach (training teammates) or as a solo Strategist. They are able to make 99% of decisions related to design, execution, analysis and deliverables on their projects. They are outstanding strategic thinkers, writers and presenters. The Senior Qualitative Insight Director ensures Merge delivers success on the current project as well as builds a deep, sustaining relationship with the client. They mentor strategists, helping them move from research to strategy. They innovate the research processes and trains others on frameworks, constructs, tools, and approaches to deepen Merge's strategic expertise.

## What You’ll Do

Projects:

- Accountable for ensuring all aspects of the project are delivered on time and against client objectives.
- Consistently thinks proactively throughout the project to anticipate and quickly address changes to approach, design, objectives, etc.
- Effectively designs studies and writes proposals.
- Thoughtfully crafts questionnaires / discussion guides with appropriate techniques and activities, and structures of questions that better address objectives and fit with participant type.
- Effectively moderates 1:1 and group interviews and online engagements (Communities, Remesh, etc.), spending typically 25% of their time doing live moderation.
- Able to facilitate discussion on any topic, with any target, and have the know-how to go off-guide, where appropriate.
- Creatively and quickly connect the dots, identifying emerging themes and how they connect to the bigger story.
- Consistently incorporates strategic elements into the report including the story flow, emerging implications (so-what), and recommendations (now-what).
- Appropriately adds visual elements to communicate the story.
- Begins to leverage client / industry knowledge and external frameworks (e.g., Michael Porter's Five Forces, The Habit Loop), anecdotes (i.e., metaphor and story), constructs, macro and micro-trends, psychological understanding, etc., to elevate the strategy.
- Writes succinctly, to the audience, with clarity, conviction, and tension as well as polish and professionalism.

Client Relationships:

- Commands a confident, captivating, respectful, agile, consultative presence when engaging with the client.
- Develops rapport and builds empathy for and with the client, leading to long-term relationships.
- Develops and continually deepens understanding of the client's business and the individual client to ask the right questions, anticipate needs.
- Identifies opportunities for client specific value-adds and thought leadership pieces that can further strengthen relationships and help differentiate Merge from other vendor partners.
- Proactively addresses issues or opportunities in their business, including further research or strategy work.
- Stays calm and collected even with difficult clients, and helps the team do the same.

Insight Department Leadership

- Serves as a subject matter expert and role model for the team.
- Supports and occasionally leads department specific initiatives.
- Is an outstanding strategic thinker, writer, and presenter.
- Their work should always produce results — be it positive client feedback, referrals, repeat business or case studies.
- Develops positive relationships with clients and other Merge teams.
- Embraces the idea of continuous teaching and learning, taking the time to teach as they operate in daily work.
- Successfully represents Merge in external facing settings (e.g., conferences, new business presentations or networking events).

## What You’ll Bring

- 7+ years experience moderating and delivering excellent client deliverables in a market research or agency setting.
- Aligns with, Models, and Coaches our values: People, Commitment, Aspiration, Trustworthiness & Impact
- Willingness to travel and be flexible in scheduling to accommodate project needs
- Compliance in time-tracking
- Adhere with all Merge and client required training and guidelines for market research and healthcare industry regulations and laws. Specifically (but not limited to) Pharmacovigilance (PV) and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) processes and reporting, Ethics, Confidentiality, Data Privacy / Security and Harassment.

## #LI- JK1

## #LI-HYBRID

Hybrid Philosophy

For this role, we prioritize hybrid candidates in St. Louis, MO, but may consider candidates near other MERGE hubs based on the role and team’s needs. If fully remote is listed as an option, we are also open to U.S.-based candidates who would work remotely.

Hybrid work is our default approach. We value time together for collaboration, relationship building, and key moments. Managers and team leaders determine in-person expectations based on what best supports their team, clients, and business needs. Some teams and roles require more regular in-person presence than others.

MERGE has hubs in Chicago, New York City, Boston, Kansas City, Raleigh, Denver, Atlanta, and St. Louis. Regardless of work arrangement, team members may be required to travel to a MERGE hub for meetings, team gatherings, events, or other business needs.

Total Rewards

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices.

The salary range for this role is $130,100 - $190, 800, based on the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The salary pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States. And here’s how we live our values at MERGE

- Ability. Mastering our craft
- Agility. Delivering with a growth mindset
- Humility. Collaborating for shared success

MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

MERGE welcomes and celebrates diversity regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status or people with abilities. We believe that the more diverse we are, the more creative our work will be!

## About MERGE

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: MERGE is a marketing and technology agency built for the intersection of health and wellness, using storytelling through technology to help brands connect more meaningfully with the people they serve.
- **Entity Type**: Private (no disclosed funding rounds; operates as an independent agency)
- **Headquarters**: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- **Founded**: 2018
- **Founders**: Not publicly available

## Core Business
- **Primary Industry**: Marketing and technology agency (full-service), with a deep specialization in healthcare (pharma, medtech, health insurance, health providers) and consumer brands.
- **Target Customers**: B2B – enterprise brands in life sciences, payer/provider organizations, and large consumer goods companies.
- **Mission or Purpose Statement**: "Uniting people and brands for healthier, happier lives" by turning complexity into clarity through data-driven storytelling, AI-powered personalization, and bold creativity.

## Products & Services
- **Humanity Suite**: An AI-powered operating model designed to bridge technology and human empathy, providing tools for dynamic engagement, personalization, and data integration across the customer journey. (Launched in 2026)
- **Core Agency Services**:
  - **Strategy**: Brand strategy, consumer insights, journey mapping.
  - **Creative**: Copywriting, design, storytelling.
  - **Public Relations**: Communications and reputation management.
  - **Experience**: UX/UI, digital experience design.
  - **Performance Marketing**: Paid search, paid social, precision activation, media planning.
  - **Media**: Integrated media planning and buying.
  - **Platforms**: Workfront implementation, DAM systems, data engineering (API integration, Workfront Fusion).
- **AIgency™**: A framework blending AI innovation with human creativity, specifically for health and life sciences.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (private company)
- **Key Metric**: Annual Revenue of **$124M** (as of latest LinkedIn data) / Total Funding: Not disclosed (bootstrapped or organic growth)
- **Notable Clients & Partners**:
  - **Clients**: Abbott, Blue Cross Blue Shield, GE Healthcare, Supernus, American Express, T-Mobile, Coach, Meta, Kroger, Kraft Heinz.
  - **Platform Partners**: Workfront (Adobe), DAM systems.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Headcount of 604 employees (+1.6% year-over year, +14 people) [LinkedIn]
  - Recognized as **Agency of the Year** by Modern Healthcare and Ad Age’s 2025 Healthcare Marketing Impact Awards.
  - Launched **Humanity Suite** in 2026 as a strategic AI-powered operating model.
  - Named a **Best Place to Work** by Built In (Atlanta and Colorado markets) in 2026, highlighting a culture that blends AI innovation with employee wellness.
  - Offices in 8 US cities (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York City, Raleigh) and presence in 11 countries.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Deep Healthcare Specialization**: Decades of experience in pharma, medtech, and health insurance – a complex, highly regulated sector where trust and compliance are critical.
- **AI-Human Integration**: The "AIgency™" model combines AI-powered efficiency with human empathy, explicitly tailored for health brands.
- **Full-Service Capabilities**: From strategy and creative to performance marketing and platform implementation (Workfront, DAM), creating a one-stop shop for large clients.
- **Long-Standing Client Relationships**: Work with marquee brands like Meta, American Express, and GE Healthcare, indicating high retention and trust.
- **Diverse, Inclusive Culture**: 41% of staff are caregivers; employees speak 25+ languages at home; strong LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, making it attractive for top talent.

## Strategic Focus
- **AI Transformation**: Investing heavily in its proprietary Humanity Suite and AIgency model to redefine agency services for the AI era.
- **Health-Centric Growth**: Doubling down on health and life sciences, as evidenced by its Agency of the Year recognition and dedicated health/life sciences account teams.
- **Operational Efficiency**: Delivering measurable ROI for clients (e.g., 35% time savings in marketing ops for a national grocery retailer, $4M annual savings with a DAM system for a CPG company).
- **Talent & Culture**: Growing remote and hybrid roles while maintaining offices in key US markets; emphasizing "whole person" wellness and innovation.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Built on "ability, agility, and humility" – a strong emphasis on collaboration and personal growth. Recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In (2026).
- **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Multiple roles listed as remote (e.g., API Integration Specialist, VP roles in brand strategy); many positions are hybrid or office-based in major cities. The company operates across 8 US offices.
- **Notable Perks & Engineering Culture**: 41% of employees are caregivers, suggesting family-friendly policies. Strong focus on diversity (25+ languages spoken, LGBTQIA+ support). Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI and data integration projects for top-tier brands.
- **Growth Potential**: 57 open job postings (as of search date) across marketing, account management, creative, data engineering, and performance – indicating active hiring and investment in new capabilities.

## Sources
1. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/)
2. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/about)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mergeworld)
4. [greenhouse.io](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mergeworld)
5. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/about/agency-updates/2026/merge-launches-humanity-suite-a-new-operating-model-for-the-ai-empowered-agency)
6. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/about/agency-updates/2025/merge-wins-modern-healthcare-x-ad-age-healthcare-marketing-impact-award-agency-of-the-year)
7. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/about/agency-updates/2026/the-aigency-is-a-best-place-to-work)
8. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/work/kroger)
9. [mergeworld.com](https://www.mergeworld.com/work/kraft-heinz)

## Other roles at MERGE

- [Manager,  Programmatic Media](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-programmatic-media-merge-boston-n35704jzgj79) — Boston, MA / Chicago, IL
- [Sr. Marketing Operations Technologist](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-marketing-operations-technologist-merge-atlanta-gbbwhm55tcxb) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [Marketo Engage Senior Technologist](https://feeny.ai/job/marketo-engage-senior-technologist-merge-atlanta-9fp5g71k2nx6) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [Adobe Workfront Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/adobe-workfront-administrator-merge-atlanta-rt718by7fmpj) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [Director, Talent - Talent Management](https://feeny.ai/job/director-talent-talent-management-merge-atlanta-5p6xeg3wdfn4) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [VP, Analytics](https://feeny.ai/job/vp-analytics-merge-atlanta-a06k4rk13qab) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [Manager, Paid Search](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-paid-search-merge-atlanta-7drzws7xntca) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St Louis, MO
- [EVP, Account Management](https://feeny.ai/job/evp-account-management-merge-atlanta-pr8d3rkhwqc8) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Kansas City, MO / New York, NY / Raleigh, NC / St Louis, MO
- [Sr. Account Director - (Life Science/Pharma Experience)](https://feeny.ai/job/sr-account-director-life-science-pharma-experience-merge-atlanta-mwe6ms6mx4ty) — Atlanta, GA / Boston, MA / Chicago, IL / Kansas City, MO / Denver, CO / Raleigh, NC / St. Louis, MO
- [Qualitative Insight Director](https://feeny.ai/job/qualitative-insight-director-merge-st-louis-qfm7vk0jgxej) — St Louis, MO / Chicago, IL / Raleigh, NC / Boston, MA / Kansas City, MO / Denver, CO