Consult to business regarding various research projects from start to finish. Design qualitative and quantitative projects, that are aligned to business objectives using appropriate research principles and methodologies. Ensure research objectives and research protocols are aligned to best practice. Collate data and write effective reports for business. Ensure effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Keep abreast of current and relevant industry research.
Responsibilities
Research
Develop and/or deliver a plan for significant aspects of a research program with guidance from senior colleagues. Responsible for research design (quantitative and qualitative), questionnaire
design, sampling and activation of research projects. Adherence to research best practice (ethical and design principles considered). Responsible for the integration of research initiatives and secondary research findings across the business to create consistency and alignment of research in the Group.
Information and Business Advice
Consult to each division in the Group regarding research requirements, advising them on appropriate research initiatives which includes but is not limited to research design, research methodology, costs, duration, sampling and questionnaire design. Accountable to drive the research findings back into the business and assist with the formulation of action plans to address the original research objective and business challenges based on the feedback. Integrate different information sources (primary and secondary) to provide business with a single view of the customer (marketing, service, product development and other BU's considered).
Stakeholder Engagement
Ensure effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that business research requirements are identified and met.
Data Collection & Analysis
Use data from a wide range of sources to analyze key themes and identify possible impacts on the business. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data sets to gain insights from data collected. Design of questionnaires and in-depth interviews/discussion guides, applicable to the various projects.
Insights and Reporting
Prepare and coordinate the completion of various research reports. Create, write and compile research findings to provide the relevant business unit with recommendations and actionable insights.
Project, Program and Portfolio Management
Responsible for various ad-hoc research projects across marketing, communications, service, product development, reputation and other areas, for all the TIH brands. Keep business informed on the progress of the project and manage any issues that arise. Ensure the use of appropriate project management methodology to give assurance that intended outcomes are achieved.
Personal Capability Building
Act as subject matter expert in research and research methodologies. Keep abreast of research best practice and SAMRA regulation, adapting all initiatives accordingly. Read industry research and keep business informed on findings that affect TIH brands, providing integrated research reports.
Supplier Management
Responsible for supplier management to ensure research suppliers are fully briefed on business objectives and they deliver according to expectations. Brief external research houses on requirements for outsourced research projects. Act as the liaison between the research house and business to provide information and answer questions from either party throughout the projects life cycle.
Skills
Research Methods
Uses comprehensive knowledge and skills to act independently while guiding and training others on conducting research using appropriate methods, tools, processes and software. Data collection methodologies/research design and appropriate application; Questionnaire design; Discussion guide development; Proposal writing; Constructing a research brief.
Customer and Market Analysis
Conducts research and analyzes data without supervision while providing technical guidance as needed in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of customer and market conditions that enables maximum return on investments.
Analytical Processes
Provide technical guidance when required to support research schedules using appropriate analytical processes and procedures.
Presentation Skills
Communicate with other people and provide technical guidance when required to speak in a clear, concise and compelling manner.
Presentation creation
Apply concepts of knowledge / skill and provide technical guidance when required.
Project Management
Provide technical guidance when required to manage projects and/or programs within desired cost, time and quality parameters.
Data Collection and analysis
Provide technical guidance when required to analyze data trends for use in reports to help guide decision making. Analysis and interpretation of research results.
Data Management
Provide technical guidance when required to acquire, organize, protect and process data to fulfill business objectives. Research data management.
Review and Reporting
Provide technical guidance when required to review and create relevant, lucid and effective reports.
Verbal and Written Communication
Use clear and effective verbal communications skill and provide technical guidance when required to express ideas, request actions and formulate plans or policies.
Policy and Regulation
Interpret and apply knowledge of laws, regulations and policies in area of expertise.
Computer Skills
Supports business processes by understanding and effectively using standard office equipment and standard software packages. Proficient in MS Office Skills.
Business Requirements Analysis
Analyze the business requirements that research solutions must meet.
Planning and Organizing
Plan, organize, prioritize and oversee activities to efficiently meet business objectives.
Action Planning
Develop appropriate plans or perform necessary actions based on recommendations and requirements.
Commercial Acumen
Applies understanding of the business environment and objectives to develop solutions.
EDUCATION
General Education
- Relevant 3 year degree in Psychology, Research or Marketing (Essential);
- Relevant postgraduate degree (Advantageous)
General Experience
- 3 or more years in a Research Consultant position (Essential);
- Market research exposure (Essential);
- Exposure to Project Management (Essential);
- Understanding/experience of the financial services/insurance industry (Advantageous);
- Experience at a Research Consulting firm (Advantageous)
