Insights & Market Research Manager Job Description: Complete Guide for 2025
What Does an Insights & Market Research Manager Do?
An Insights & Market Research Manager plays a critical role in helping organizations understand their customers, markets, and competitive landscape. This strategic position bridges the gap between raw data and actionable business decisions, transforming complex research findings into clear recommendations that drive growth and innovation.
These professionals design and execute research studies, analyze consumer behavior, track market trends, and present insights that inform product development, marketing strategies, and business planning. They’re the voice of the customer within an organization, ensuring that business decisions are grounded in solid evidence rather than assumptions.
Core Responsibilities
Research Design and Execution
- Develop research strategies aligned with business objectives and key questions
- Design quantitative and qualitative studies including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and observational research
- Select appropriate methodologies such as conjoint analysis, segmentation studies, brand tracking, and customer satisfaction research
- Manage research vendors and tools, including platforms like Conjointly for advanced survey research and choice modeling
- Oversee fieldwork to ensure data quality and project timelines are met
Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Analyze complex datasets using statistical software (SPSS, R, Python, or similar)
- Identify patterns, trends, and insights that address business challenges
- Conduct competitive intelligence and market sizing exercises
- Perform customer segmentation to identify target audiences and personas
- Validate hypotheses through rigorous analytical approaches
Strategic Communication
- Translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives for stakeholders
- Present insights to senior leadership, marketing teams, and product managers
- Create visualizations and dashboards that make data accessible and actionable
- Write detailed research reports with recommendations and implementation roadmaps
- Facilitate workshops to help teams apply insights to their work
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Manage and mentor junior researchers and analysts
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, sales, and strategy teams
- Build research capabilities within the organization
- Establish best practices for research methodologies and data governance
- Manage research budgets and resource allocation
Required Skills and Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Statistics, Psychology, Business, Economics, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree in Marketing Research, Business Analytics, or MBA (preferred)
- Professional certifications such as RIVA Moderator Training or MRS qualifications (advantageous)
Technical Skills
- Statistical analysis: Proficiency in regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and multivariate techniques
- Research tools: Experience with survey platforms (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Conjointly), analysis software (SPSS, R, Tableau)
- Data visualization: Ability to create compelling charts, dashboards, and infographics
- Advanced Excel: Pivot tables, macros, and complex formulas
- Programming knowledge: Familiarity with Python or R is increasingly valuable
Soft Skills
- Strategic thinking: Ability to connect research insights to business outcomes
- Communication excellence: Clear presentation skills for technical and non-technical audiences
- Curiosity and critical thinking: Question assumptions and dig deeper into data
- Project management: Handle multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
- Stakeholder management: Build relationships and influence without authority
Typical Career Path
Most Insights & Market Research Managers have 5-8 years of progressive experience in market research, starting as Research Analysts or Associates. The typical progression includes:
- Research Analyst (0-2 years): Conducting surveys, analyzing data, supporting senior researchers
- Senior Research Analyst (2-4 years): Leading small projects, developing methodologies
- Research Manager (4-8 years): Managing projects and teams, strategic input
- Senior Research Manager/Director (8+ years): Setting research strategy, leading departments
- VP of Insights/Chief Insights Officer (12+ years): Enterprise-wide research vision and leadership
Salary Expectations by Market and Seniority
Salaries for Insights & Market Research Managers vary significantly based on location, industry, company size, and experience level. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Mid-Level Manager | Senior Manager | Director Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | $85,000 - $120,000 | $120,000 - $160,000 | $160,000 - $220,000 |
| United States (USD) | $95,000 - $130,000 | $130,000 - $175,000 | $175,000 - $250,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | $85,000 - $115,000 | $115,000 - $150,000 | $150,000 - $200,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | $100,000 - $135,000 | $135,000 - $175,000 | $175,000 - $230,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | ₱1,200,000 - ₱1,800,000 | ₱1,800,000 - ₱2,500,000 | ₱2,500,000 - ₱3,500,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | ฿1,400,000 - ฿2,000,000 | ฿2,000,000 - ฿2,800,000 | ฿2,800,000 - ฿3,800,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | £50,000 - £70,000 | £70,000 - £95,000 | £95,000 - £130,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | €60,000 - €85,000 | €85,000 - €115,000 | €115,000 - €150,000 |
| France (EUR) | €55,000 - €75,000 | €75,000 - €100,000 | €100,000 - €135,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | €60,000 - €80,000 | €80,000 - €110,000 | €110,000 - €145,000 |
Note: Salaries are approximate and can vary based on industry (tech and finance typically pay more), company size, and specific expertise. Benefits packages may include bonuses (10-20% of base), stock options, and professional development budgets.
Industry Variations
Insights & Market Research Managers work across diverse industries, each with unique focus areas:
- Technology/SaaS: User experience research, product-market fit, adoption studies
- FMCG/Retail: Brand health tracking, shopper insights, packaging testing
- Financial Services: Customer satisfaction, product innovation, regulatory compliance research
- Healthcare/Pharma: Patient journey mapping, physician attitudes, market access research
- Media/Entertainment: Audience measurement, content testing, advertising effectiveness
Day-to-Day Work Environment
A typical week might include:
- Monday: Team meeting to review ongoing projects, stakeholder check-ins
- Tuesday-Wednesday: Data analysis, reviewing survey results, conducting interviews
- Thursday: Preparing presentations, creating visualizations, report writing
- Friday: Presenting findings to leadership, planning next quarter’s research agenda
Most roles offer hybrid work arrangements, with 2-3 days in-office for collaboration and 2-3 days remote for focused analytical work.
How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Build a portfolio: Showcase research projects (anonymized) that demonstrate your impact
- Stay current: Follow industry publications like ESOMAR, Quirk’s, and Research World
- Learn emerging methodologies: Familiarize yourself with AI-powered research, mobile ethnography, and advanced analytics
- Develop business acumen: Understand how research drives ROI and business outcomes
- Network actively: Join professional associations like the Market Research Society or Insights Association
- Master storytelling: Practice turning data into compelling narratives that inspire action
Future Outlook
The role of Insights & Market Research Manager continues to evolve with technology. Automation is handling routine tasks, freeing professionals to focus on strategic interpretation and storytelling. Skills in AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics are becoming increasingly valuable.
The demand for insights professionals remains strong, particularly in APAC markets where companies are investing heavily in understanding rapidly changing consumer behaviors. Organizations recognize that customer-centric decision-making is not optional but essential for competitive advantage.
Conclusion
An Insights & Market Research Manager role offers an intellectually stimulating career for those passionate about understanding human behavior and driving business impact through data. It combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving, requiring both technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills.
For job seekers, this position offers excellent growth potential, competitive compensation, and the satisfaction of seeing your insights shape products, campaigns, and strategies that reach millions of customers. Whether you’re considering this career path or hiring for this role, understanding these responsibilities and requirements is essential for success in today’s data-driven business environment.