Research Manager - FMCG Insights & Analytics

Company Description
NIQ/GFK is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. We provide consumer packaged goods manufacturers/fast-moving consumer goods, Tech & Durable manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and insights and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that companies need to innovate and grow. Our approach marries proprietary data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. We like to be in the middle of the action. That's why you can find us at work in over 90 countries, covering more than 90% of the world's population. For more information, visit [protected info]
Job Description
About NielsenIQ Sales Force Activation
NielsenIQ's Sales Force Activation solutions are part of the Analytics portfolio, helping clients expand and optimize channel distribution and execute their Perfect Store strategy. Through customized research and analytics solutions, we support clients in making informed business decisions that drive sales effectiveness, retail execution, and market growth.
This role offers the opportunity to work across diverse FMCG categories while partnering with commercial, operations, and client teams to deliver high-impact research initiatives.
Position Summary The Research Manager is responsible for managing end-to-end custom research projects, ensuring timely delivery, high-quality outputs, and actionable business insights for clients. This role requires a strong combination of research expertise, project management capability, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
The successful candidate will lead multiple concurrent projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project risks and timelines, and translate business challenges into effective research solutions. The role also serves as a key liaison between clients, commercial teams, operations teams, and external partners to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
Lead end-to-end project management of Sales Force Activation research studies from project initiation through delivery.
Develop detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, resource requirements, and communication plans.
Manage multiple concurrent projects while ensuring adherence to scope, timelines, quality standards, and budget expectations.
Proactively identify project risks, dependencies, and potential issues, implementing mitigation plans where necessary.
Ensure all project deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
Facilitate project status meetings and provide regular updates to stakeholders regarding project progress, risks, and next steps.
Drive project governance and ensure compliance with internal processes, quality standards, and best practices.
Research Design & Execution
Collaborate with Sales and client stakeholders to understand business questions and convert them into effective research solutions.
Design and manage research methodologies, questionnaires, sampling frameworks, and data collection requirements.
Oversee fieldwork execution in collaboration with Operations teams and external partners.
Ensure data integrity, methodological rigor, and adherence to research standards throughout the project lifecycle.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of research methodologies, tools, and industry best practices.
Analysis & Insight Generation
Analyze research findings and synthesize insights into compelling business recommendations.
Integrate multiple data sources to provide deeper and more actionable client insights.
Develop reports, dashboards, data visualizations, and presentations tailored to client needs.
Translate complex data into clear business implications and strategic recommendations.
Identify opportunities to enhance the value of research outputs and support client decision-making.
Stakeholder & Client Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for project-related communications.
Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, clients, and third-party vendors.
Manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
Present research findings and recommendations confidently to client decision-makers and senior stakeholders.
Partner closely with commercial teams to support client retention and business growth opportunities.
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
Perform rigorous quality checks on questionnaires, datasets, analyses, reports, dashboards, and deliverables.
Ensure all outputs align with client objectives, methodological standards, and business requirements.
Continuously improve research processes, project delivery frameworks, and reporting capabilities.
Contribute to the development of best practices, templates, and knowledge-sharing initiatives within the organization.
Qualifications
At least 4 years of experience in Customized/ Consumer Research from a research agency
Proficient in MS Applications, most especially Excel
Basic knowledge of statistics / multi variance analysis or using SPSS is a plus.
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Confidence to talk to a wide range of decision influencers
Can-do attitude with ability to work under pressure on a regular basis
Problem solver, solution-focused
Team player and Go-getter
Attention to detail
Excellent project management skills
Analytical research skills - good understanding of custom research sampling and design
Additional Information
Our Benefits
Flexible working environment
Volunteer time off
LinkedIn Learning
Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)
NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ's principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ's AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: [protected info]
About NIQ
NIQ is the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights-delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms-NIQ delivers the Full ViewTM.
NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world's population.
For more information, visit [protected info]
Want to keep up with our latest updates?
Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the [protected info]