Our client is a leading Market Research Agency dedicated to supporting all stakeholders within its ecosystem. They are seeking a Manager – Qualitative to lead and manage qualitative research projects from proposal development through to final delivery. This role demands expertise in qualitative methodologies, strategic thinking, project management, client servicing, moderation, analysis, and team leadership. The successful candidate will handle complex research assignments, generate actionable consumer and market insights, nurture client relationships, mentor team members, and contribute to business growth by delivering high-quality research solutions and exceptional client experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution: Lead qualitative research projects from proposal to delivery, designing research methodologies aligned with client objectives. Review and approve discussion guides, screeners, and research frameworks. Manage project planning, resource allocation, timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, identify risks, and implement solutions to ensure smooth execution while adhering to organizational protocols.
Fieldwork Management & Moderation: Lead and moderate complex qualitative methods such as Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), ethnographic studies, online communities, observational research, and immersion studies. Guide moderators and field teams, oversee recruitment and vendor coordination, monitor fieldwork progress, and ensure adherence to research objectives and quality standards. Conduct quality checks and resolve operational issues as needed.
Analysis, Insight Generation & Strategic Thinking: Analyze qualitative data including transcripts, recordings, and observations to identify key consumer motivations, attitudes, behaviors, and cultural trends. Translate findings into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations that support client business goals. Review team analyses to ensure accuracy and relevance, ensuring outputs provide meaningful business implications beyond basic reporting.
Reporting & Client Deliverables: Develop high-quality research reports, presentations, and executive summaries with compelling narratives and visualizations. Ensure accuracy, quality, and strategic relevance of all deliverables. Present findings and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders, managing discussions and clarifying research implications. Maintain organizational quality standards and exceed client expectations.
Client Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. Serve as a senior point of contact for assigned clients, understanding their business, industry, and research needs. Participate in client meetings, proposal discussions, and debriefs. Manage client expectations and identify opportunities to strengthen relationships and support repeat business.
Proposal Development & Business Growth: Support the creation of research proposals, methodologies, timelines, and budgets. Contribute to pitch presentations and client meetings. Recommend qualitative approaches based on business objectives and identify new research opportunities within existing accounts. Assist in business development efforts by preparing case studies and credentials.
Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop research team members by allocating responsibilities, reviewing performance, and providing coaching. Ensure project outputs meet quality standards and promote best practices. Foster collaboration within the team and across departments to encourage continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, Social Sciences, Psychology, or related fields.
- 4–6 years of relevant experience in qualitative research, market research, or consumer insights.
- Strong hands-on expertise in qualitative methodologies including FGDs, IDIs, ethnography, observational research, online communities, and immersion studies.
- Proven project management and team leadership skills.
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
- Deep understanding of consumer behavior, human psychology, cultural insights, and market dynamics.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including report writing, storytelling, and presentations.
- Ability to confidently present insights and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders.
- Strong client management and relationship-building capabilities.
- Effective multitasking and deadline management skills.
- Commercial acumen to link research insights with business objectives.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
Additional Details
- Experience Required: Minimum 5 years
- Location: Lahore (In-person)
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Working Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research projects within a dynamic team environment, driving business growth and delivering valuable consumer insights to clients.