Research Executive

Staff Unlimited Recruitment; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Research Executive to manage retail census and in-store audit projects. This hybrid role involves overseeing fieldwork, collecting and validating data, and providing actionable insights through comprehensive reporting. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Social Sciences or similar, 3+ years in market research, and strong project management skills. Proficiency in MS Office and experience with tools like QGIS are advantageous. Join a dynamic team in a stimulating work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in market research, preferably with agency experience.
• Experience in retail tracking/audits is a plus.
• Strong administrative, computer, and digital literacy.
• Ability to understand client requirements and contribute to research design and analysis.
• Strong project management and independent working skills.
• Experience in fast-paced environments with multiple responsibilities.
• MS Office, Zoom/Teams; Excel expertise.
• Knowledge of Spatial XL, QGIS or geospatial tools advantageous.
• Prior experience with retail census projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end retail census projects with adherence to sampling plans.
• Develop project plans and census-specific questionnaires.
• Train and manage field teams on methodology and data quality.
• Monitor fieldwork progress and ensure accurate store enumeration.
• Perform data analysis and prepare client reports and presentations.
• Mentor field staff and support team development.
• Assist in designing proposals and analysis plans.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Strong numerical and analytical skills

Excellent verbal and written communication

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Social Sciences, Marketing, or Research Psychology

Tools

MS Office

Spatial XL or QGIS

Zoom/Teams

Spatial XL

QGIS

Job description

Position: Research Executive (Retail Census)
Division: Research Operations
Location: Port Elizabeth (Hybrid – Mon-Wed in office; Thu-Fri remote)
Work Hours: Mon-Thu 8:00 – 16:30 | Fri 8:00 – 15:30
Reports to: Research Manager

Role Overview

The Research Executive manages retail census and in-store audit projects from start to finish. This includes overseeing fieldwork, collecting and validating data, and analysing retail coverage to provide actionable insights. The role also involves reporting to clients, supporting internal teams, and contributing to sales and distribution strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end retail census projects, ensuring complete coverage and adherence to sampling plans.
• Develop project plans, fieldwork protocols, and census-specific questionnaires.
• Train and manage field teams on methodology, channel classification, and data quality standards.
• Monitor fieldwork progress and ensure accurate store enumeration.
• Implement quality control measures, including spot checks, validations, and audits.
• Analyse data and prepare clear, actionable reports and presentations for clients and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor and support field staff to maintain high performance.
• Assist in designing proposals, questionnaires, and analysis plans.
• Support team development and guide growing research teams.

Requirements

• Degree in Social Sciences, Marketing, or Research Psychology (Honours or Masters preferred).
• Minimum 3 years in market research (agency experience preferred); experience in retail tracking/audits is a plus.
• Knowledge of research methodologies across industries.
• Ability to understand client requirements and contribute to research design and analysis.
• Strong project management skills: able to work independently, manage timelines, and update teams proactively.
• Experience in fast-paced environments with multiple responsibilities.
• Strong administrative, computer, and digital literacy (MS Office, Zoom/MS Teams; Excel expertise).
• Knowledge of Spatial XL, QGIS, or other geospatial tools is advantageous.
• Prior experience with retail census projects is a plus.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinking to deliver actionable research insights.
• Business-minded, proactive, and passionate about learning and development.
• Professional, courteous, and solution-oriented.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with commercial application.
• Team player with good interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams and clients.
• Willingness to travel domestically and across African countries.