Manager, Research & Insights - On-Site

We’re part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100.

Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

We run around 800 events each year, create digital platforms based on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programs for individuals and businesses.

Technomic provides foodservice clients around the globe with the research, insights, and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions, and results. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry.

Our Mission: Technomic’s mission is to empower foodservice clients by providing the knowledge and tools they need to make informed, strategic decisions that drive success. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the foodservice industry.

Position Objective

A Manager on Technomic’s Research & Insights team must have strong research and technical expertise, project management skills, and demonstrate aptitude for strategic thinking and problem solving. The Manager acts as the day-to-day project manager for research projects and is capable of planning and conducting all aspects of project work and collaboration with internal teams and clients with minimal direction or supervision. This individual has at least 5 years of experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research, interpreting and writing around data, developing insights and implications and presenting study findings relevant to clients’ businesses both verbally and through written reports. The Manager will also have the opportunity to manage a small team of Research Analysts and/or Sr. Research Analysts.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead project-related objectives and tasks, working directly with clients and internal teams
• Collaborate with senior team members to ensure project management aligns with established budgets and timelines.
• Design research plans and develop survey questionnaires aligned with study objectives
• Manage and execute a variety of primary quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, ensuring proper execution and analysis of surveys, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and other relevant research methods
• Manage analysts through the planning and execution of both custom and syndicated research studies, providing guidance on research methods, data analysis, interpretation, and report writing
• Support custom and syndicated research projects, contributing to the management of the syndicated consumer program by guiding analysts and creating timelines
• Lead the creation of comprehensive custom and syndicated reports that present trends with clear, concise and insightful editorial, a logical narrative, and a streamlined executive summary of themes and implications
• Analyze primary and secondary data to identify trends and opportunities in key research topics
• Present industry data and project-specific information to internal stakeholders and external clients
• Collaborate on select client proposals, including research design, project scope definition, analytical approach, timeline and budget development, and staffing plans

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of and experience with quantitative research methodologies is required
• Experience with qualitative research, particularly stakeholder interviews and focus groups, is strongly preferred
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to craft concise, cohesive narratives based on collected data
• Proficiency in Qualtrics CX platform or similar market research tools
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective verbal communication skills, with experience presenting study findings in both small and large group settings
• Experience working in market research and/or the foodservice industry (for either a food/beverage supplier, chain restaurant (corporate position) or research firm) is a strong plus

Characteristics

• Effective time manager:  Capable of multitasking across multiple projects, prioritizing work, and managing time to meet deadlines and stay within project budgets.
• Detail oriented:  Consistently delivers high-quality, error-free work with close attention to detail
• Action oriented, takes initiative:  Proactively identifies next steps, barriers, and action plans to overcome challenges and drive projects forward
• Strategic thinker: Understands market research and utilizes research methods and analysis to deliver actionable findings for clients
• Intellectual curiosity:  Approaches business questions with curiosity to build insights and solve the problem.
• Strong interpersonal skills:  Works well with others and collaborates productively with team members and clients, especially when facing challenges
• Positive, confident:  Maintains a positive attitude in the workplace and inspires confidence in direct reports and project team
• Influential and Persuasive Leader:  Inspires confidence in colleagues and clients, demonstrating expertise in the strategic use of research, good judgment, and effective leadership
• Effective communicator:  Clearly and effectively expresses ideas and opinions in written and oral formats, including in-person presentations

Pre-Requisites

• Minimum 5 years of experience in market research industry, specifically within consulting, consumer research, or other similar services firms
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, social science, market research, or related field
• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Extensive experience in SPSS or similar analytical platforms

The salary range for this role is 68k-70k depending on experience. Must be able to adhere to a hybrid schedule out of the Chicago office. 

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s some of what you can expect when you join us. But don’t just take our word for it – see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it’s time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We’re not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most – although not all – of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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