Senior Research Manager, Customer Success

NielsenIQ•Chicago, IL

1d•Remote

About The Position

Consumer Behavior & Insights is NIQ's custom research and consulting practice, helping some of the world's most recognizable brands better understand the people they serve. Combining research, analytics, and strategic consulting, we uncover the motivations, perceptions, and behaviors that drive consumer decision-making. We help our clients move beyond understanding what happened to understanding why it happened, what it means, and what they should do next. The insights we generate help shape the future of products, services, brands, and experiences delivered to millions of people around the globe every day. From innovation and brand strategy to customer experience and growth, our work helps organizations make smarter decisions and build stronger connections with consumers. Joining Consumer Behavior & Insights means joining a team of curious problem-solvers, trusted advisors, and passionate researchers who are united by a common goal: We show the world what people want.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Market Research, Business, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Economics, or a related field.
5-8+ years of experience in market research, consumer insights, analytics, consulting, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience independently managing complex research projects from inception through delivery.
Strong knowledge of quantitative research methodologies, survey design, data interpretation, and insight development.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, including the ability to develop executive-ready presentations and manage complex analytical outputs.
Working proficiency in SPSS with the ability to manipulate datasets, perform analyses, and support ad hoc client requests.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with strong executive presence.
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools and emerging technologies to improve productivity, accelerate insight development, streamline workflows, and enhance deliverable quality.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting technology clients, longitudinal research programs, and/or brand tracking studies is highly desirable.
Experience supporting technology, consumer technology, telecommunications, software, hardware, gaming, or related industries.
Experience managing large-scale longitudinal research programs, continuous tracking studies, or brand health measurement programs.
Experience presenting research findings and recommendations to senior client stakeholders.
Experience mentoring junior researchers and contributing to team development.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary owner and day-to-day leader of research engagements, managing all phases of project execution from kickoff through final delivery.
Independently lead multiple concurrent projects while ensuring timelines, budgets, quality standards, and client expectations are consistently met.
Proactively identify project risks, develop solutions, and navigate complex stakeholder environments.
Coordinate effectively with internal teams, international hub partners, vendors, and operational stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
Lead questionnaire development, survey design, sampling approaches, and overall study methodology.
Provide strategic guidance on research design to ensure studies deliver actionable and decision-oriented insights.
Manage and monitor fieldwork, data quality controls, and data processing activities.
Oversee project specifications and ensure research outputs meet the highest standards of quality and rigor.
Apply expertise across a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, with experience in longitudinal studies and brand tracking considered a strong advantage.
Act as a consultant providing clients with expert opinions on study design and results interpretation and leveraging appropriate business acumen to guide them through implications.
Lead the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets, identifying key trends, patterns, opportunities, and risks.
Translate research findings into compelling business narratives that address client objectives and support decision making.
Develop executive-level perspectives, strategic implications, and actionable recommendations.
Support ad hoc analytical requests through direct data interrogation and manipulation.
Demonstrate proficiency with SPSS and related analytical tools to efficiently execute data reviews, answer client questions, and conduct exploratory analyses.
Leverage AI-powered tools and emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly to accelerate workflows, increase productivity, enhance analytical depth, and improve the quality of research outputs while maintaining analytical rigor.
Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for clients, building strong working relationships through consistent communication and outstanding service.
Lead client meetings, project updates, working sessions, and results presentations with confidence and professionalism.
Demonstrate exceptional executive presence and communication skills when presenting findings to senior stakeholders.
Translate complex research findings into concise, clear, and actionable recommendations tailored to business audiences.
Partner with Directors to increase the strategic value delivered to clients and identify opportunities to strengthen engagement.
Develop polished, executive-ready presentations, reports, and strategic recommendations.
Create compelling data visualizations and clear narratives that simplify complex research findings.
Ensure all deliverables are accurate, visually engaging, strategically relevant, and aligned with client needs.
Mentor junior team members on effective storytelling, analytical thinking, and research best practices.
Provide guidance and coaching to Associate Research Managers and Analysts.
Foster a collaborative environment focused on quality, continuous improvement, and professional development.
Share best practices and contribute to the evolution of research processes, analytical approaches, and team capabilities.
Support talent development by providing feedback, coaching, and mentorship to less experienced team members.