National Insights Manager, Convenience: Complete Job Description & Career Guide 2026
What is a National Insights Manager, Convenience?
A National Insights Manager in the convenience retail sector is a strategic role that bridges data analytics, consumer behavior research, and business strategy. This professional is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and translating market intelligence into actionable recommendations that drive growth across convenience store networks, fuel retail outlets, and quick-service retail formats.
In an industry where consumer preferences shift rapidly and competition is fierce, these insights professionals serve as the voice of the customer within their organizations, ensuring that business decisions are grounded in solid data and market understanding.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Analysis & Research
- Market Intelligence: Monitor competitive landscape, industry trends, and emerging consumer behaviors specific to convenience retail
- Consumer Research: Design and execute quantitative and qualitative research projects using tools like Conjointly for advanced survey research, conjoint analysis, and consumer preference studies
- Category Performance Analysis: Evaluate sales data, margin performance, and category trends across the convenience product mix (food service, beverages, tobacco, grocery, fuel)
- Shopper Journey Mapping: Understand the end-to-end customer experience across physical and digital touchpoints
Business Partnering
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with merchandising, marketing, operations, and store development teams to align insights with business objectives
- Strategic Recommendations: Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights that inform pricing strategies, assortment decisions, and promotional planning
- Presentation & Storytelling: Communicate findings to senior leadership and cross-functional teams through compelling narratives backed by data
Data Management & Analytics
- Dashboard Development: Create and maintain reporting frameworks that track KPIs including basket size, transaction frequency, category penetration, and customer loyalty metrics
- Predictive Modeling: Utilize statistical techniques to forecast trends and identify growth opportunities
- Data Integration: Synthesize information from multiple sources including POS systems, loyalty programs, market research panels, and third-party data providers
Innovation & Testing
- Pilot Program Evaluation: Design test-and-learn frameworks for new product launches, store formats, and customer initiatives
- Opportunity Identification: Spot white spaces in the market and recommend new revenue streams
- Competitive Benchmarking: Assess performance against key competitors and industry best practices
Required Skills & Qualifications
Essential Skills
- Analytical Expertise: Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis, data visualization, and research methodologies
- Technical Proficiency: Experience with analytics platforms (Power BI, Tableau, SQL), statistical software (R, Python, SPSS), and survey research tools like Conjointly
- Business Acumen: Deep understanding of retail economics, convenience store operations, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) dynamics
- Communication Skills: Ability to translate technical findings into business language and influence decision-making at all organizational levels
- Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research projects simultaneously
Typical Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Analytics, Statistics, Economics, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 5-8 years of experience in insights, market research, or analytics roles (3-5 years for mid-level positions)
- Prior experience in retail, FMCG, or convenience store industry highly valued
- Proven track record of delivering insights that drive measurable business outcomes
Salary Expectations by Market
Compensation for National Insights Manager roles in the convenience sector varies significantly by geography and experience level. Below is a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Entry-Level | Mid-Level | Senior-Level | Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SG) | SGD 65,000 - 85,000 | SGD 85,000 - 120,000 | SGD 120,000 - 160,000 | SGD |
| United States (US) | USD 70,000 - 90,000 | USD 90,000 - 130,000 | USD 130,000 - 180,000 | USD |
| Canada (CA) | CAD 65,000 - 85,000 | CAD 85,000 - 120,000 | CAD 120,000 - 155,000 | CAD |
| Australia (AU) | AUD 80,000 - 105,000 | AUD 105,000 - 145,000 | AUD 145,000 - 190,000 | AUD |
| Philippines (PH) | PHP 800,000 - 1,200,000 | PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 | PHP 1,800,000 - 2,800,000 | PHP |
| Thailand (TH) | THB 900,000 - 1,300,000 | THB 1,300,000 - 2,000,000 | THB 2,000,000 - 3,000,000 | THB |
| United Kingdom (UK) | GBP 40,000 - 55,000 | GBP 55,000 - 75,000 | GBP 75,000 - 100,000 | GBP |
| Germany (DE) | EUR 50,000 - 65,000 | EUR 65,000 - 90,000 | EUR 90,000 - 120,000 | EUR |
| France (FR) | EUR 45,000 - 60,000 | EUR 60,000 - 85,000 | EUR 85,000 - 115,000 | EUR |
| Netherlands (NL) | EUR 50,000 - 68,000 | EUR 68,000 - 95,000 | EUR 95,000 - 125,000 | EUR |
Note: Salary ranges are approximate and may include bonuses, profit sharing, and other benefits. Actual compensation depends on company size, location within country, and individual experience.
Career Path & Progression
The National Insights Manager role typically sits mid-to-senior level within an organization’s insights or commercial function. Career progression often follows this trajectory:
- Insights Analyst / Research Executive → Entry point focusing on data collection and basic analysis
- Senior Insights Analyst → Increased responsibility for project management and stakeholder engagement
- Insights Manager / National Insights Manager → Strategic role with national scope and cross-functional influence
- Head of Insights / Insights Director → Leadership position overseeing entire insights function
- Chief Customer Officer / VP Commercial Strategy → Executive-level role shaping overall business strategy
Industry-Specific Considerations
The convenience retail sector presents unique challenges and opportunities:
APAC Market Context
In Asia-Pacific markets, convenience stores have evolved beyond traditional Western models. In countries like Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan, convenience chains operate as lifestyle hubs offering services from bill payment to meal solutions. Insights managers in these markets must understand:
- High-frequency shopping patterns: Customers may visit multiple times per day
- Food service dominance: Fresh food and ready-to-eat meals often drive traffic and differentiation
- Digital integration: Mobile payments, loyalty apps, and delivery services are increasingly critical
- Localized assortments: Product mix varies significantly by neighborhood and cultural preferences
Key Industry Trends to Monitor
- Sustainability concerns: Growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging and healthier options
- Technology adoption: Self-checkout, cashierless stores, and AI-driven personalization
- Delivery integration: Partnerships with food delivery platforms and own-channel development
- Health & wellness: Expansion of better-for-you product ranges
How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Develop category expertise: Deep knowledge of convenience-specific categories (foodservice, tobacco alternatives, beverages) is highly valued
- Build technical skills: Proficiency in advanced analytics tools and research platforms like Conjointly demonstrates your capability to execute sophisticated research
- Showcase business impact: Quantify how your insights have driven revenue growth, improved margins, or enhanced customer satisfaction
- Stay current: Follow industry publications, attend retail conferences, and understand emerging consumer trends
- Cultivate storytelling ability: Practice presenting complex data in ways that inspire action
Conclusion
The National Insights Manager role in convenience retail offers a dynamic career opportunity for analytical professionals who want to directly influence business strategy in a fast-paced industry. With the sector undergoing rapid transformation driven by changing consumer behaviors and technological innovation, insights professionals who can navigate complexity and deliver clarity will find themselves in high demand.
Whether you’re considering this career path or looking to hire for this role, understanding the multifaceted nature of the position—combining analytical rigor, business partnership, and strategic thinking—is essential for success in this exciting field.