Research Executive (Maternity Cover)

This role is offered as a 12-month maternity fixed term contract. 

Main Purpose of Job

Tourism Consumer Insights is a full-service, third party independent tourism market research team of STR.

The Research Executive will assist and take responsibility in the set up and delivery of market research projects.

Additional responsibilities include:

 Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for the team, including compiling proposals, managing client relationships and moving forward other business development activities.

 Assisting in improving internal processes and systems to drive quality and efficiency improvements.

 Liaising and working closely with a team of in-house researchers and external contacts, including fieldwork companies and other suppliers.

 Collaborating with STR colleagues in offices around the world and inputting in to Tourism Consumer Insights or other departmental or company-wide initiatives and projects.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1.1 Market Research Projects

 Contribute to the design of effective approaches and methodologies to undertake market research projects to address client research objectives.

 Contribute to the execution of research projects to ensure smooth set up, implementation and delivery of services and high client satisfaction.

 Contribute to all stages of research projects, including sampling, questionnaire design, analysis and reporting, with a key focus on preparing, validating and visualising data and analysis and scripting and administering questionnaires.

 Liaise with colleagues and undertake tasks to assist in the delivery of research projects.

 Communicate with sub-contractors and partners to assist in the delivery of research projects.

 Communicate regularly with colleagues to understand priorities, schedules, project progress and deliverables.

1.2 System and Process Management

 Understand and analyse the effectiveness of existing research systems and processes and make recommendations to management for suggestions of improvement.

 Input into the development of new and improved research systems and processes.

1.3 Business Development

 Assist team in identifying and attaining new market research opportunities through tendering and developing relationships with new and existing clients.

 Contribute to proposals and tenders, including inputting in to the design of methodologies, costing as well as inputting in to submission documents and client pitches / presentations.

 Participate in the development and execution of sales, marketing and product development strategies and activities.

 Contribute to projects and initiatives working with colleagues in other offices to develop new opportunities.

1.4 Client Management

 Establish strong relationships with clients during and after research project delivery, including initiating discussions via email, telephone or face to face meetings regarding new and future research needs.

 Maintain in depth knowledge of previous and existing projects to inform clients’ decisions on effective research projects.

 Constantly seek to improve and build client relationships.

1.5 Commit to being an active member of the team and to drive professional development

 Keep up to date with market developments in the industry.

 Attend training and actively seek to continually enhance understanding of STR’s products and value proposition.

 Attend marketing events, team meetings, kick off meetings and functions, as required.

 Adhere to all STR processes and policies and maintain customer confidentiality.

 Ensure STR brand and corporate values are evident to the customer at all times.

 Understand and adhere to the STR Mission, Vision and Values.

Core Competencies Competency Knowledge

Industry Knowledge

A knowledge and understanding of the tourism industry. Interested in staying appraised of changing trends and industry movements.

Technical Expertise

Excellent use of Microsoft Office applications, proven numeracy and literacy skills, experienced understanding of databases and data analysis tools such as Snap.

Customer Focus

Consistently focused on delivering an excellent customer service experience.

People Skills

Collaborative and good communication skills. Ability to listen carefully and relay instructions accurately.

Adaptability

Ability to work under pressure, manage several tasks simultaneously and respond quickly to changing priorities.

Delivers Results

Work effectively and efficiently, paying careful attention to detail, data confidentiality and accuracy. Able to prioritise tasks. Be consistent in application and effort.

Specific Job Competencies 

Research Methods

Knowledge of research methods and techniques, including questionnaire design, focus group moderation, depth interviewing, statistical analysis and qualitative analysis and research report writing and presentations.

Data Skills

Creative, innovative and analytical. Confidence in using and manipulating qualitative and quantitative data.

Problem Solving

Capable of identifying creative solutions to assist in project delivery, generate new business or improve efficiencies.

Attention to Detail

An eye for detail in terms of data checking is essential. The candidate must be confident working with data and taking responsibility for the accuracy of the data they are dealing with.

Administration

Ability to handle a high volume of incoming, phone calls, emails and administrative tasks. Good organisational skills and ability to organise others.

Communication

Strong report and proposal writing skills. Confident speaker with excellent communication skills to deliver pitches, presentations, communicate with clients or internally.

Job Context Context Description

Office based

This role will be based at our Edinburgh office.

Minor travel

Some local or regional travel may be required.