The Research Manager will lead, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of market research initiatives aimed at optimizing existing business opportunities and exploring new avenues. This role will also involve managing competitor intelligence to support the development of sales and marketing strategies.
Responsibilities:
Market Research:
Develop and execute market research plans aligned with company objectives.
Conduct primary and secondary research to identify customer needs and preferences.
Analyze research findings to provide valuable insights and recommendations to management.
Prepare research briefs for external research companies and ensure quality control.
Monitor customer opinions and perceptions of major competitors and provide feedback to stakeholders.
Coordinate and facilitate cost-effective market research methods.
Track industry marketing and sales trends based on collected data. Market Intelligence:
Establish and develop the competitor intelligence function, including data gathering processes.
Analyze and interpret competitor information, including offers, alliances, and market relationships.
Share summarized information with relevant managers for counter offers and marketing strategies.
Provide briefings to frontline staff on key findings from competitor analysis. Budget Control:
Develop and manage the market research budget and ensure proper allocation of resources.
Monitor expenditure against budget and address any variances or risks.
Create business cases and proposals for additional budget requirements when necessary.
Ensure spending adheres to company policies and procedures. Reporting:
Deliver regular reports to senior management on market research and intelligence findings.
Include insights, recommendations, and performance metrics in reports.
Collaborate with other teams to integrate research insights into business decisions and strategies.
Evaluate and improve reporting processes as needed.
Stakeholder Management:
Work closely with Commercial and revenue management teams to handle competition and execute interventions.
Conduct regular meetings and evaluations with stakeholders to exchange ideas and assess campaign effectiveness.
Collaborate with Digital, Brand, and Marketing departments to maintain brand presence.
Establish partnerships to strengthen the company's position in the market.
Team Management:
Lead and manage a team of market research professionals.
Provide guidance, coaching, and feedback on performance and development.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team.
Ensure team members have the necessary skills, resources, and support to deliver high-quality research outcomes.
Set objectives, monitor progress, and provide performance feedback to team members. Requirements:
University graduate preferably in Marketing or a Bachelor's degree in business or social sciences.
Minimum of 7 years' experience in a dynamic market environment, with at least 5 years of market research experience.
Proven ability to comprehend and interpret competitor strategies and consumer behavior.
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, with strong written and oral communication abilities.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
Membership/certification in relevant marketing societies.
CIM Accreditation is desirable.
Experience in managing a vast market is an added advantage. Additional Details:
Excellent negotiation, communication, interpersonal, and people skills.
Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
Good knowledge of the marketing operating environment.
Familiarity with international parameters affecting marketing.
Proficiency in both offline and online marketing channels.
Strong IT skills.