EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and artificial intelligence ("AI") company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world's leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect.
We are headquartered in New York and have more than 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.
Role Title: Head of Strategic Insights & Commercial Intelligence
BU/Segment: International Growth Market Office.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Employment Type: Permanent
Summary of the role:
We are seeking an experienced management consultant to lead research and insight projects that drive strategic decisions and improve customer experience. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with the ability to design and execute comprehensive research plans. This role requires proven experience working with cross-functional teams and managing relationships with external vendors and research partners.
You will play a pivotal role spanning the breadth of our organisation with both global and region-specific coverage, blending technical analytics skills with deep domain knowledge to help our marketing and commercial organisations take the right strategic decisions.
As part of your duties, you will be responsible for:
- Use domain knowledge along with research and analytical skills for market sizing, market landscaping, workflow analysis and pricing analysis.
- Analyse data, develop reports and dashboards, and communicate insights to the business across global and region-specific coverage areas.
- Conduct Excel-based analysis linking multiple data points to identify impactful insights and trends.
- Perform data preparation and quality control as needed to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
- Liaise with key senior business stakeholders to understand their business problems and propose analytical solutions.
- Conduct multi-source synthesis and integration of data using databases and secondary research, ensuring timely stakeholder engagement and communication.
- Blend technical analytics skills with strong domain and business understanding to support marketing and commercial organisations in making the right strategic decisions.
- Build and maintain expertise on the market landscape in the context of the business through individual learning and regular team interactions.
- Support broader team programmes, processes, and simplification initiatives as needed.
Qualifications and experience we consider to be essential for the role:
- 10–12 years of experience in market research, analytics, customer experience, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a team lead or senior individual contributor role.
- Good tenure within a recognised global consulting practice.
- Post Graduate MBA or MSc Business or Management discipline will be required from a recognised International Business School.
- Strong proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including the design and execution of comprehensive research plans.
- Demonstrated experience in market sizing, landscaping, workflow analysis, and pricing analysis.
- Proficiency in Excel-based analysis and the ability to link multiple data sources to surface impactful insights.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing relationships with external vendors and research partners.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage and influence at a senior level.
Skills and Personal attributes we would like to have:
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with a commercial mindset.
- Ability to synthesise and integrate multi-source data into clear, actionable business recommendations.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with confidence in delivering insights to senior stakeholders.
- Structured problem solver focused on delivering measurable business outcomes.
- Collaborative team player with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Passionate about data-driven decision making, digital transformation, and continuous improvement.
As part of a leading global Data and AI company, you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary with a generous bonus, private healthcare, critical illness life assurance, income protection insurance, and a rewarding pension.
- EXL provides everyday financial well-being solutions, such as cash back cards, discounts, promotions, and offers from top retailers, as well as a Cycle Scheme.
- At EXL, we are committed to providing our employees with the tools and resources they need to succeed and excel in their careers, offering a wide range of professional and personal development opportunities.
- As an Equal Opportunity Employer, EXL is committed to diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.
- EXL employees are eligible to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
- At EXL, we offer a flexible hybrid working model that allows employees to live a balanced, healthy lifestyle while strengthening our culture of collaboration.
To be considered for this role, you must already be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Skills Required
- 10-12 years experience in market research, analytics, customer experience or related field
- At least 5 years in a team lead or senior individual contributor role
- Good tenure within a recognised global consulting practice
- Post Graduate MBA or MSc in Business or Management from a recognised international business school
- Strong proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and research plan design
- Demonstrated experience in market sizing, market landscaping, workflow analysis, and pricing analysis
- Proficiency in Excel-based analysis linking multiple data sources
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing external vendors/research partners
- Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to engage and influence at senior level
- Eligible to work in the United Kingdom
- Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills with commercial mindset
- Strong communication and presentation skills for senior stakeholder audiences
- Ability to synthesise multi-source data into actionable recommendations
- Collaborative team player able to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments
What We Do
Choosing a digital partner is about more than capabilities — it’s about collaboration and character. Unrealistic overhauls and off-the-shelf products ignore what matters most — your unique needs, culture, goals, and your legacy data and technology environments. At EXL, our collaboration is built on ongoing listening and learning to adapt our methodologies. We’re your business evolution partner—tailoring solutions that make the most of data to make better business decisions and drive more intelligence into your increasingly digital operations. Whether your goals are scaling the use of AI and digital, redesign operating models, or driving better and faster decisions, we’re here to partner with you to help you gain—and maintain—competitive advantage with efficient, sustainable models at scale. Our expertise in transformation, data science, and change management helps make your business more efficient and effective, improve customer relationships and enhance revenue growth. Instead of focusing on multi-year, resource- and time-intensive platform designs or migrations, we look deeper at your entire value chain to integrate strategies with impact. We use our specialization in analytics, digital interventions, and operations management—alongside deep industry expertise — to deliver solutions that help you outperform the competition. At EXL, it’s all about outcomes—your outcomes—and delivering success on your terms. Share your goals with us and together, we’ll optimize how you leverage data to drive your business forward. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.
