Senior Manager Qualitative Research & Consumer Insights

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Manager, Qualitative Research & Consumer Insights to lead high-impact qualitative research engagements and deliver strategic consumer understanding that drives business growth. This role partners closely with Directors and Associate Directors to ensure excellence in research design, analysis, client advisory, and team development.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in qualitative methodologies, strong client management capabilities, and a passion for uncovering actionable human insights. Exposure to specialized approaches such as Ethnography, Semiotics, Cultural Analysis, Design Thinking, or Behavioral Science will be highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Insight Generation

Lead end-to-end qualitative research projects across categories and business challengesDrive issue-based analyses and convert complex consumer understanding into clear business implicationsDeliver proactive, strategic, and actionable recommendations through compelling storytelling and presentationsEnsure excellence across three key deliverables:Quality of data collectionQuality of analysis and interpretationQuality of reporting, presentation, and client deliveryApply a wide range of qualitative methodologies to answer business questions and uncover deeper human truthsClient Partnership & Consulting

Build strong, trusted relationships with clients through deep understanding of their business objectives and challengesAct as a consultative advisor, helping clients translate consumer insights into effective business decisionsLead client engagements, presentations, and workshops with confidence and credibilityPartner with stakeholders to identify emerging needs and proactively recommend research solutionsBusiness Development

Support new business generation through proposal development, pitch participation, and thought leadershipIdentify opportunities to expand existing client relationships by introducing relevant research solutions and methodologiesContribute to revenue growth by helping clients solve strategic business problems through consumer-centric insightsInnovation & Capability Building

Champion innovation in qualitative research by exploring and integrating emerging tools, techniques, and technologiesLeverage advancements in ethnography, digital research, AI-enabled analysis, semiotics, and design thinking where relevantContribute to the development of best practices, intellectual property, and thought leadership within the practiceTeam Leadership & Collaboration

Mentor and coach researchers to strengthen analytical thinking, storytelling, moderation, and consulting skillsFoster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, and high-quality deliverySupport resource planning and project management while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

Experience

7 to 11 years of experience in Qualitative Market Research, Consumer Insights, Ethnographic Research, or related fieldsDemonstrated expertise across a range of qualitative methodologies, including:Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)In-depth Interviews (IDIs)Ethnographic ResearchOnline CommunitiesExpert InterviewsProjective TechniquesCo-creation WorkshopsGrounded Theory ApproachesExperience managing multiple projects and client relationships simultaneouslyPrior experience mentoring or managing team membersSkills & Competencies

Strong consumer-centric thinking and analytical capabilityExcellent storytelling and presentation skills with the ability to translate insights into business impactStrong client management and stakeholder engagement skillsCommercial acumen with an understanding of business growth and financial outcomesHighly organized, self-motivated, and capable of thriving in fast-paced environmentsAbility to integrate qualitative and quantitative insights into cohesive narrativesStrong written and verbal communication skillsPreferred Background

Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferredEducational background in Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Business, Marketing, or related disciplines is advantageousExperience or academic exposure to Ethnography, Semiotics, Design Thinking, Behavioral Science, or Cultural Research is highly desirableTechnical Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and ExcelWorking knowledge of Google Slides and Google SheetsFamiliarity with digital qualitative research platforms and insight tools is a plus

Additional Information

Our Benefits

Flexible working environmentVolunteer time offLinkedIn LearningEmployee-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