Senior Research Consultant - Primary Research

mintel; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Mintel is seeking a Senior Consultant on the Primary Research team in Chicago. You will advance client relationships, shape strategy, and design and analyze proprietary studies to deliver actionable, data-driven insights.

This hybrid role requires 5+ years of experience, excellent presentation skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. You will lead custom research projects from briefing to final reporting, collaborating with Mintel divisions to deliver best-in-class client solutions.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience in primary research and consulting.
• Ability to design, execute and analyze proprietary studies.
• Strong presentation and multi-project management能力.

Responsibilities

• Data synthesis and insights generation from complex datasets.
• Present findings to clients and craft strategic narratives.
• Lead execution of custom research projects end-to-end.
• Collaborate across Mintel divisions to deliver client solutions.
• Engage with clients as the main point of contact and manage timelines.

Skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Data analysis

Client relationships

Presentation skills

Project management

Critical thinking

Tools

SPSS

SAS

Q

Job description

The Senior Consultant on the Primary Research team will be ready to take a step up in developing client relationships, is well-versed in strategy, primary research methodologies and design, and is eager to develop great consumer and market research.

Candidates should come into this role with at least five years of experience and will be asked to demonstrate skills in critical thinking, be skilled at presenting to groups, display poise under pressure, and have the ability to manage multiple projects. Candidates must have the ability to design, execute and analyze proprietary quantitative and qualitative studies on our client's behalf, creating actionable, data-driven insights.

This is a Hybrid position based in Chicago.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Data Synthesis and Insights Generation:
  • Utilizing advanced analytical techniques to analyze complex datasets and extract meaningful insights.
  • Rapidly organizing information, drawing conclusions, identifying patterns, and succinctly communicating key points.
• Presentation:
  • Presenting findings to clients in a clear and compelling manner, facilitating discussions and addressing client queries.
  • Crafting a tight strategic narrative and providing solid recommendations.
  • Welcoming public speaking opportunities beyond client work, such as industry events, special Mintel initiatives, and writing articles/blogs.
• Collaborating:
  • Working with account managers and the greater consulting team to win business and build client relationships.
  • Working collaboratively across several different Mintel divisions such as sales, marketing, research analytics, and operations to deliver best-in-class custom work to our clients.
• Engaging with Clients:
  • Serving as the main point of contact for clients, communicating effectively with a wide range of industries (e.g., manufacturers, retailers, and advertisers) and positions (Directors, VPs, and C-suite).
  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.
• Research Project Management:
  • Scoping client briefs using second and third level questioning to deeply understand client need.
  • Designing and pitching the most appropriate Mintel Consulting solution for each client challenge.
  • Leading the execution of custom research projects, including coaching the project team and managing timelines and budgets to ensure high-quality deliverables tailored to meet client needs.
  • Managing research projects across multiple industries from kick-off to completion, including: questionnaire design, data analysis, and final reporting.
  • Analyzing complex data to provide insightful implications and actionable recommendations within the context of the client's business objective and competitive environment.
  • Staying updated on industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor landscapes.
  • Displaying the ability to innovate (e.g., developing new products/services with clients, new ways of working in Mintel, developing new research tools).
• You will be expected to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a team in a consultative setting, multi-tasking on several projects at once to effectively meet all deadlines. You will be expected to peer mentor Consultants when collaborating. We are looking for someone who exhibits strong analytical capabilities, pays close attention to detail and demonstrates excellent professional writing and communication skills. You should have a high level of proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint with at least 5 years of experience managing primary custom marketing research projects.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Commercially-Minded: You have a demonstrated talent for abstract thinking, spotting trends and patterns, an instinct for commercial opportunities, and a nuanced understanding of consumer insights are critical.
• A Storyteller: You are a lateral thinker, an intuitive dot-connector, and have experience weaving compelling narratives through data across a wide range of categories.
• Data-Driven: You have solid familiarity with most forms of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and working knowledge of when and how to apply them to a given client challenge. You should have expertise working with complex data sets. Strong data analysis and Excel skills a must. Experience with tools such as Q, SPSS, SAS or other cross-tabulation and statistics tools are strongly preferred.
• Naturally Curious: You are always drawn to knowing the "why" behind things and great at navigating client conversations, asking second and third level questions to get at the heart of clients' challenges and goals.
• An Influencer: You have experience with and expertise in primary research methodologies and the energy, intellect, humility and passion that draws people to wanting to learn more from you.
• A Great Communicator: You are able to visualize strategic thought in evocative and engaging presentations, delivered with confidence and authority and can adapt your communication style to suit each