What Does an Insights & Market Research Manager Do? Complete Role Guide 2025
Introduction
In today’s data-driven business landscape, Insights & Market Research Managers play a pivotal role in helping organizations understand their customers, competitors, and market dynamics. These professionals bridge the gap between raw data and strategic business decisions, making them invaluable assets to companies across industries.
Whether you’re considering a career in market research or looking to understand what this role entails, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Insights & Market Research Manager position.
Core Responsibilities
Insights & Market Research Managers wear many hats, combining analytical expertise with strategic thinking and stakeholder management. Here are their primary responsibilities:
Research Strategy & Planning
- Designing research frameworks: Develop comprehensive research plans that align with business objectives and answer critical strategic questions
- Methodology selection: Choose appropriate research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) based on project requirements and budget constraints
- Project scoping: Define research scope, timelines, and resource allocation for multiple concurrent projects
Data Collection & Analysis
- Survey design: Create questionnaires and discussion guides that yield actionable insights
- Vendor management: Select and oversee external research agencies and platforms (such as Conjointly for advanced survey research and conjoint analysis)
- Data analysis: Apply statistical techniques, segmentation analysis, and predictive modeling to extract meaningful patterns
- Quality assurance: Ensure data integrity and research validity throughout the process
Insights Generation & Communication
- Synthesizing findings: Transform complex data into clear, compelling narratives
- Creating deliverables: Produce reports, presentations, and dashboards that communicate insights effectively
- Stakeholder presentations: Present findings to senior leadership and cross-functional teams
- Recommendations: Translate insights into actionable business recommendations
Strategic Partnership
- Consultative support: Act as an internal consultant to marketing, product, and strategy teams
- Thought leadership: Stay current with industry trends and emerging research methodologies
- Team collaboration: Work closely with data science, analytics, and business intelligence teams
Essential Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
- Statistical analysis: Proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, R, Python) and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
- Research methodologies: Deep understanding of quantitative methods (conjoint analysis, MaxDiff, regression) and qualitative techniques (focus groups, in-depth interviews)
- Survey platforms: Experience with research tools like Conjointly, Qualtrics, or SurveyMonkey
- Data management: Ability to handle large datasets and ensure data quality
Soft Skills
- Communication: Exceptional ability to present complex information to non-technical audiences
- Critical thinking: Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail
- Project management: Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
- Business acumen: Understanding of marketing principles and business strategy
- Curiosity: Natural inquisitiveness and desire to understand consumer behavior
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Statistics, Psychology, Business, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree in Market Research, Business Analytics, or MBA (preferred)
- 5-8 years of experience in market research or insights roles
- Professional certifications (e.g., RIVA, QRCA, MRS) are advantageous
Industry Applications
Insights & Market Research Managers work across diverse sectors:
- Consumer Goods: Understanding purchase behavior and brand perception
- Technology: Testing product concepts and user experience research
- Financial Services: Customer satisfaction and market segmentation studies
- Healthcare: Patient journey mapping and pharmaceutical market research
- Retail: Store experience optimization and competitive intelligence
- FMCG: Product development and advertising effectiveness testing
Career Path & Progression
The typical career trajectory for market research professionals:
- Research Analyst/Executive (Entry level)
- Senior Research Analyst
- Insights & Market Research Manager (Mid-level)
- Senior Insights Manager
- Head of Insights/Director of Market Research
- VP of Consumer Insights/Chief Insights Officer (C-suite)
Global Salary Expectations (2025)
Salary ranges vary significantly based on location, industry, company size, and experience level. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Entry Level (0-2 yrs) | Mid-Level (3-5 yrs) | Senior Level (6-10 yrs) | Lead/Director (10+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 50,000 - 70,000 | 75,000 - 105,000 | 110,000 - 150,000 | 160,000 - 220,000 |
| United States (USD) | 55,000 - 75,000 | 85,000 - 120,000 | 125,000 - 165,000 | 170,000 - 250,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | 55,000 - 70,000 | 75,000 - 100,000 | 105,000 - 140,000 | 145,000 - 190,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | 65,000 - 85,000 | 90,000 - 120,000 | 125,000 - 160,000 | 165,000 - 220,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | 480,000 - 720,000 | 800,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,300,000 - 1,800,000 | 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | 600,000 - 900,000 | 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 | 1,600,000 - 2,200,000 | 2,400,000 - 3,500,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 30,000 - 42,000 | 45,000 - 65,000 | 70,000 - 95,000 | 100,000 - 140,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | 42,000 - 55,000 | 60,000 - 80,000 | 85,000 - 110,000 | 115,000 - 150,000 |
| France (EUR) | 38,000 - 50,000 | 55,000 - 75,000 | 80,000 - 105,000 | 110,000 - 145,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 40,000 - 52,000 | 58,000 - 78,000 | 82,000 - 108,000 | 112,000 - 148,000 |
Note: Salaries are approximate annual figures and may vary based on company size, industry sector, and individual qualifications. Benefits packages and bonuses are not included.
Day-to-Day Activities
A typical week for an Insights & Market Research Manager might include:
Monday: Team meetings, project planning, reviewing research briefs from stakeholders
Tuesday-Wednesday: Survey design and testing, data analysis, vendor calls, fieldwork monitoring
Thursday: Creating presentations, synthesizing insights, preparing recommendations
Friday: Stakeholder presentations, strategic planning sessions, knowledge sharing
Throughout the week, they balance reactive requests with proactive research initiatives that drive long-term strategic value.
Challenges & Rewards
Common Challenges
- Managing competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Translating complex data for non-technical stakeholders
- Balancing research rigor with business speed requirements
- Proving ROI of research investments
- Keeping pace with evolving methodologies and technologies
Key Rewards
- Direct impact on business strategy and decision-making
- Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning
- Diverse projects across different business areas
- Competitive compensation and career growth opportunities
- Satisfaction of uncovering consumer truths that drive innovation
The Future of the Role
The Insights & Market Research Manager role continues to evolve with technological advancement:
- AI and automation: Increasing use of machine learning for data analysis and predictive modeling
- Real-time insights: Growing demand for faster, agile research approaches
- Integration: Closer collaboration with data science and customer analytics teams
- Advanced methodologies: Adoption of sophisticated techniques like behavioral economics and neuromarketing
- DIY tools: Platforms like Conjointly democratizing research while elevating the strategic role of insights professionals
How to Break Into This Career
For Recent Graduates
- Pursue internships at market research agencies or corporate insights teams
- Develop statistical and analytical skills through coursework or online certifications
- Build a portfolio of research projects (even academic ones)
- Network with professionals through industry associations
For Career Changers
- Highlight transferable skills (data analysis, project management, strategic thinking)
- Consider contract or freelance research projects to build experience
- Take specialized courses in market research methodologies
- Emphasize industry knowledge if transitioning within the same sector
Conclusion
Insights & Market Research Managers are strategic partners who transform data into actionable intelligence. This role offers a unique blend of analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and business impact. With competitive salaries across global markets and strong career progression opportunities, it’s an attractive path for those passionate about understanding consumer behavior and driving business growth.
Whether you’re in Singapore, the United States, or anywhere else in the world, the demand for skilled research professionals continues to grow. If you have a curious mind, analytical skills, and the ability to tell compelling stories with data, a career as an Insights & Market Research Manager might be your perfect fit.
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