Research Manager

Reports To: Director of Research, Tourism Consumer Insights

Directly Supervises: Senior Research Executive, Research Executive, Junior Research Executive

 

Main Purpose of Job

Tourism Consumer Insights is a full-service, third party independent tourism market research team of STR. The Research Manager is responsible for the overall delivery of market research projects.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Identifying and pursuing new opportunities for the team, including compiling proposals, managing client relationships and devising and moving forward other business development activities.
• Improving internal processes and systems and drive quality and efficiency improvements.
• Managing a team of in-house researchers and external contacts, including fieldwork companies and other suppliers.
• Collaborating with other 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

• Design effective approaches and methodologies to undertake market research projects to address client research objectives.
• Oversee the execution of research projects to ensure smooth set up, implementation and delivery of services and high client satisfaction.
• Lead all stages of research projects, including sampling, questionnaire design, analysis and reporting, with a key focus on reporting and disseminating findings in compelling ways for maximum client impact.
• Liaise with colleagues and delegate tasks to assist in the delivery of research projects.
• Liaise and manage relationships with sub-contractors and partners to assist in the delivery of research projects.
• Communicate regularly with colleagues to manage priorities and schedules and ensure clear understanding of project progress and deliverables.
• Plan and manage resources effectively, including financial budgets.
• Manage junior research staff as necessary to achieve project objectives, seeking best value at all times.

1.2 System and process management

• Understand and analyse the effectiveness of existing research systems and processes and communicating appropriate recommendations to senior management.
• Take the lead and responsibility for the development of new and improved research systems and processes.

1.3 Business Development

• Identify and pursue new market research opportunities through tendering and developing relationships with new and existing clients.
• Lead and oversee proposals and tenders, including designing methodologies, costing as well as creating and writing submission documents and undertaking client pitches / presentations.
• Take responsibility for the devising, development and execution of sales, marketing and product development strategies and activities.
• Devise and lead on projects and initiatives working with colleagues in other offices to develop new market research opportunities.

1.4 Client Management

• Establish strong relationships with clients during and after research project delivery, including initiating discussions regarding new and future research needs.
• Maintain in depth knowledge of previous and existing projects to inform clients’ decisions on effective research projects.

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

Industry Knowledge

Knowledge and understanding of tourism and market research industries. 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. Strong 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.

Project Management

Capability to organise, assign and execute tasks within tight timescales.

Business and Selling Skills

Excellent communicator able to demonstrate success and experience managing new and existing client relationships.

Communication

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

Strategic Decision Making

Competency to generate ideas and take responsibility for the development of strategies. Strong ability and confidence to own and move forward strategic priorities.

Travel - some local and regional travel may be required.