Senior Research Manager, Customer Success

NielsenIQ•Chicago, IL

2d•$69,800 - $95,000•Remote

About The Position

As a Senior Research Manager, you will serve as the primary owner of complex custom research programs for some of the world's most recognized brands. You will be responsible for independently leading research engagements from study design through final delivery, ensuring projects are executed with excellence while generating actionable insights that drive meaningful business decisions. This role requires a strong combination of research expertise, analytical rigor, client management, and strategic storytelling. Senior Research Managers serve as the day-to-day leaders of their projects, partnering closely with Directors and Analysts while maintaining ownership of project execution, insight development, client communication, and overall delivery. The ideal candidate is a highly organized and intellectually curious researcher with experience managing complex quantitative research studies. Experience supporting technology clients, longitudinal research programs, and/or brand tracking studies is highly desirable.

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, 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