Sjors Kremers, Client Consultant

During my bachelor’s degree in communication science, one of my final subjects included persuasive communication. As my interest grew in that field, I realised I wanted to work in advertising. After 5 years at an advertising agency, I switched to market research and worked as a Research Manager with a team of researchers under my wing. I regularly came across DVJ Insights at pitches and experienced their expertise and way of working from the sidelines.

Whereas most agencies work in separate silos where ‘research’ and ‘commerce’ are two separate departments, this is not the case at DVJ. This is one of the things that attracted me to the way of working at DVJ. Here, I can give my all in the role of Client Consultant, both in terms of content and commercially. This was an important reason for me to want to work at DVJ. My job interview felt more like a conversation about my vision of the market, marketing, and the future of research than a “standard” job interview. This made me feel like a valued colleague even before I was hired.

We value each other’s expertise and contributions and help each other when necessary, which creates a sense of belonging.

Everyone contributes and is appreciated

During the DVJ training and on the job junior researchers learn and grow quickly in their roles and become experts in no time. They don’t shy away from answering questions during a presentation to the client. I love to spar with the data crunchers about the numbers and to come up with insights for optimising advertising before the start of a campaign. This ensures that we can discuss concrete advice with the client to help them in their strategic decision-making and practical implementation of the results.

Everyone in the organisation is responsible for brand growth, sharing our knowledge and strong content, not to mention your own personal growth! As a consultant, you will regularly interview CMOs or CMIs about what is going on in their market and the challenges they face with their brand. After all, a link to practice is very important!

We have a very flat organisation and an informal atmosphere. We value each other’s expertise and contributions and help each other when necessary, which creates a sense of belonging. The appreciation also manifests itself in the successes that we celebrate with the entire organisation. When we win the FD Gazelle award for the umpteenth year in a row because we belong to the top growing companies, we all receive a cake. Last year, our CEO drove all over the country to personally deliver a bottle of wine to everyone and give them a boost. And what employer gives two extra days off when Christmas falls on a weekend?

The best agency

DVJ Insights works for both global and local clients. We are not the biggest, but we are the best and fastest-growing agency and I am quite proud of that! I work for Rabobank, Miele, VodafoneZiggo and Beyond Meat. Within the fast-growing meat substitutes market, we conduct large-scale research in Europe for Beyond Meat into brand perception and competitive positioning in 9 different countries. And with Zeeman, we are growing the brand in Europe by mapping the brand consistently in its growth markets. The combination of working with fixed client teams and with rotating teams on ad hoc research projects creates a nice dynamic.

The board and senior management are also easy to approach; I can always call with questions or for advice.

Data quality, Value Added, Joy & Passion

Two of our brand values are “Data Quality” and “Added Value”. I think that we strategically offer all solutions based on a wide range of scientifically supported research methodologies. In cooperation with, for example, the University of Groningen and our research board, we ensure continuous improvement and innovation. Internally, we are also supported by colleagues in our “Centre of Expertise”, for whom no research question or solution is too crazy. The board and senior management are also easy to approach; I can always call with questions or for advice. All in all, you feel empowered and can be truly successful if you take control and work together.

What advice would I give to new colleagues?

If you want to be successful, want to grow personally and help great brands to grow, then come and work at DVJ. I am happy to think along with you.