Research Manager, Sales Force Activation (FMCG)

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 View™. 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 NIQ.com.

Research Manager, Sales Force Activation (FMCG)

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, Sales Force Activation 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.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Market Research, or related field.
• Postgraduate qualifications in Market Research, Analytics, or Project Management are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 4 years of experience in Custom Research, Consumer Research, Market Research, or Insights consulting within a research agency environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end research projects for FMCG clients.
• Proven track record of leading multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality expectations.
• Experience in client-facing roles with direct stakeholder engagement and presentation responsibilities.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with dashboarding and data visualization tools is preferred.
• Knowledge of SPSS, SAS, R, Python, or other statistical analysis tools is an advantage.
• Sound understanding of research methodologies, questionnaire design, sampling, and data analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of statistical and multivariate analysis techniques is desirable.

Project Management Skills

• Strong project management capabilities, including planning, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder management, and execution monitoring.
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Experience managing project timelines, dependencies, resources, and delivery milestones.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies is an advantage.

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: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

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 View™. 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 NIQ.com

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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 https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion