Senior Projects and Research Manager

Lightstone Pty Ltd; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative data solutions company in Gqeberha is seeking a Senior Projects and Research Manager to oversee the delivery of high-impact research projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong experience in data analysis and project management, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and effectively. A degree in statistics or management and a passion for customer experience are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 5 years' experience in a similar role.
• Agile Project Management Certification advantageous.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple research projects from start to finish.
• Lead a team of Project and Research Managers.
• Deliver insights that shape decisions at a strategic level.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Customer experience measurement

Communication skills

Education

BCom/BSc Statistics/Marketing/Management degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

Company Overview:

Lightstone is an intelligent solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics and software development.

We specialize in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of geo-spatial and analytic projects to a range of property, business to consumer, government and financial services clients.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with the environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

We pride ourselves in our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product or service we undertake to deliver.

Team Overview:

The Projects and Research team at Lightstone delivers high quality market research, customer experience measurement and bespoke project solutions. We manage complex, high value projects across multiple industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Our department includes skilled Project and Research Managers, a dedicated Quality Auditing team and a professional outbound research team.

We work in a fast paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, insight and delivery are key. Our focus is on translating data into meaningful stories that support decision making for our clients. The team thrives on curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong connection to Lightstone’s values of participation, responsiveness and winning together.

Role Overview:

As Senior Projects and Research Manager, you will be at the forefront of fast moving, high impact research and project delivery. This is a role for someone who thrives on complexity, challenge and pace. You will oversee multiple research projects from start to finish, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and innovation at every stage.

You will lead a team of Project and Research Managers, providing guidance, direction and mentorship while driving collaboration across teams. Your work will require you to manage competing priorities, engage directly with both internal and external stakeholders, and deliver insights that shape decisions at a strategic level.

Your expertise in interpreting and analysing data will be central to the role. A passion for customer experience measurement and management will guide your work, ensuring that projects deliver meaningful value. You should be curious by nature, a researcher at heart in everything you do, and able to channel that curiosity into fresh thinking and impactful solutions.

This is not a passive position. It demands focus, resilience, dedication and the ability to keep projects moving at speed without compromising on quality.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• BCom/BSc Statistics/Marketing/Management degree or equivalent.
• Agile Project Management Certification advantagious.
• Valid drivers’ license and own reliable transport advantageous.
  

Experience:

5 years’ experience in a similar role.

Technical Skills:

• Strong ability to work with, analyse, interpret and report on data
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel including formulas, pivot tables and data modelling
• Confident using Microsoft Office Suite products
• Familiarity with BI reporting tools such as Power BI is an advantage
• Professional approach to report writing, documentation and all written communication
• Confident in presenting findings to stakeholders at all levels with clarity and credibility
• Strong capability in managing and monitoring all phases of a research project from scoping to delivery
• Practical application of Agile principles and ceremonies to drive effective delivery
• Ability to manage resources across multiple projects and prioritise effectively
• Experience in analysing customer interactions, identifying themes and extracting meaningful insights
• Deep interest in customer experience measurement and management, with an ability to link data to actionable outcomes
• Commitment to continuous improvement with a focus on making processes more efficient and accurate
• Understanding of data structures and an interest in Artificial Intelligence and natural language processing
• Proven experience leading and coaching project teams
  
  

Non-technical skills:

• Thrives under pressure and maintains composure in a fast paced, agile environment
• Passion for customer experience and an instinct to see the story behind the numbers
• Strong leadership skills with experience in guiding, developing and inspiring teams
• Works collaboratively but is confident taking ownership when needed
• Highly organised with the ability to accurately estimate work, prioritise tasks and deliver on time
• Naturally curious and driven to explore new ideas, methods and approaches
• Positive, resilient and solutions focused with the ability to overcome obstacles
• Detail orientated with a strong commitment to accuracy and research integrity
• Open minded and eager to learn, with a constant drive to refine and improve outputs
• Proactive in identifying opportunities that deliver real value to clients and stakeholders
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a confident and credible presence
• Committed to staying informed of industry trends, new technologies and best practices in research methodologies