Manager, Global Research Group

Kantar • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is responsible for the delivery of high-quality/high-impact Brand insights and analytics solutions. The scope includes delivering strategic brand insights & analytics projects, such as brand performance measurement, market structures, consumer & demand segmentations, consumer journey mapping, brand stretch/extension, portfolio strategy, brand architecture, foundational brand assessment, and brand positioning/refresh. The role involves ownership of specific project phases or discrete work processes, execution of work products like questionnaires and reporting for medium-low complexity accounts, and supporting higher complexity projects. The Manager actively participates in client design and questionnaire discussions, provides input into questionnaire development, sample design, and analytic plans, and offers support and guidance to junior team members. They are expected to take ownership of their skill development through training and by supporting colleagues. The role includes conducting data analysis, generating insights, critical and analytical thinking, and taking an active role in story building, potentially leading initial rounds of reporting. The Manager will manage timelines and quality of work products, collaborating with internal departments and clients to achieve successful outcomes while adhering to best practices. They will identify and solve project issues, perform in-depth quality checks, and actively seek opportunities to support proposal development. The role also focuses on optimizing delivery efficiency without sacrificing quality, challenging the status quo, and seeking opportunities for process improvement, automation, and streamlining. Building expertise in Kantar's Brand capabilities, solutions, and analytic methods is crucial. Embracing the company culture and participating in activities outside of project work, such as ERG/Social Community meetings, is also encouraged. The role requires good critical thinking skills, the ability to follow an analytic plan, and comfort in sharing ideas.

Requirements

• 2+ years of professional experience in similar capacity or MMR program graduate; market research experience preferred, with exposure to quantitative methodologies
• Strong process and time management skills; capable of prioritizing and delivering against multiple/competing deadlines; prior project management experience preferred
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft office tools and ability to master other needed business tools (e.g., SPSS, Survey Reporter, data management / cross tab tools and other proprietary tools)
• Strong detail-orientation with ability to manage multiple work streams and among multiple teams
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) with ability to use logical reasoning and problem solving
• Natural curiosity, a can-do attitude, driven and ability to take initiative
• Bachelor’s degree in market research/marketing or related social science, mathematics and/or other analytic disciplines
• Working knowledge of marketing research methods, tools, and science
• Demonstrates understanding of various industry solutions
• Demonstrates technical leadership for maximum client impact

Nice To Haves

• MMR program graduate
• prior project management experience preferred
• exposure to quantitative methodologies

Responsibilities

• Delivery of strategic brand insights & analytics projects, which include brand performance measurement and other strategic projects such as, market structures, consumer & demand segmentations, consumer journey mapping, brand stretch/extension, portfolio strategy, brand architecture, foundational brand assessment, brand positioning/refresh, etc.
• Responsible for ownership of specific phases or discrete work processes on projects
• Responsible for execution of work products including questionnaires and reporting on medium-low complexity accounts, while supporting higher complexity projects
• Actively participates in client design and questionnaire discussions
• Provides input into development of questionnaire, sample design and analytic plan
• Provides support and guidance for 1-2 junior project team members on most projects
• Serve as a go-to for new team members who have questions
• Take ownership on building your own skills through training, asking questions, and supporting team members
• Conducts data analysis, insights generation, critical and analytical thinking; takes an active role in story building – can lead team through initial rounds of reporting and preliminary report
• Manages timelines and quality of work products, working with internal departments and clients to achieve successful outcomes following solution and industry best practices
• Identify and solve project issues as they arise
• Perform in-depth quality checks at various stages of the research to ensure accuracy
• Actively seeks opportunities to support proposal development. Can customize proposals with guidance from senior team members
• Optimize efficiency of delivery without sacrifice of quality.
• Challenges the status quo, looks for opportunities to improve, automate, streamline processes
• Building an understanding of our Brand capabilities, solutions, and analytic methods; working to build brand expertise.
• Embraces our culture, is active in other activities or workstreams outside of project work (e.g., attending/participating in ERG/Social Community meetings/activities/trainings)
• Exhibits good critical thinking skills, can follow an analytic plan, and is comfortable sharing ideas

Benefits

• Medical plans with comprehensive, affordable coverage for a range of health services
• Health Savings Account/FSA
• Dental, Vision and benefits to cover unique healthcare needs
• Wellness Program
• 401k with match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level