Senior Research Executive

NielsenIQ; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer intelligence company in Johannesburg is seeking a Client Solutions Consultant to support Brand and Media customers. The role involves project management, developing research materials, and ensuring high-quality client support. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree and 3-4 years of experience in a research agency. This position offers a flexible working environment with various employee benefits.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Volunteer time off

LinkedIn Learning

Employee-Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• 3-4 years work experience at a Research agency.
• Minimum 1 year experience on an SRE level.
• Solid understanding of research methodologies and eagerness to learn unfamiliar ones.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consistent, high-quality support to clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage projects from initial brief through fieldwork and analysis.
• Develop research materials including questionnaires and presentations.
• Conduct first-level analysis and develop actionable recommendations.

Skills

Effective Communication

Team Orientation

Multitasking Ability

Deadline & Pressure Management

Leadership Skills

Commitment to Excellence

Customer Service Orientation

Initiative & Accountability

Strategic Thinking

Education

Postgraduate Degree in relevant field

Job description

Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

The Client Solutions Consultant is a part of NIQ’s Strategic Analytics and Insights (SA&I) team responsible for the SSA region. The role is to be a trusted adviser to our Brand and Media customers, matching SA&I solutions to the clients’ key business questions.

The Client Solutions Consultant plays a pivotal support role in ensuring the smooth execution of research projects from commissioning to final presentation. In addition to project management, the SRE is expected to build strong working relationships with clients, contribute meaningfully to meetings, and occasionally present findings. As an independent team member, the SRE also mentors junior staff and actively develops their own technical expertise under the guidance of a Senior Research Manager.

Key Performance Indicators

Client Service & Relationship Management

• Deliver consistent, high-quality support to clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Build and maintain strong working relationships, ensuring client needs are understood and met
• Attend client presentations with senior team members, take notes, implement feedback, and present when appropriate
  
  

Project Management

• Manage projects from initial brief through fieldwork and analysis
• Monitor timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure smooth execution
• Track time spent on tasks and manage administrative responsibilities effectively
  
  

Research Design & Execution

• Develop research materials including questionnaires, briefing documents, tab specs, and PowerPoint-based analysis
• Ensure all outputs are aligned with research objectives and meet quality standards
• Maintain high standards of presentation aesthetics and professionalism
  
  

Insight Generation & Reporting

• Conduct first-level analysis and begin incorporating strategic insights
• Interpret data and develop actionable recommendations
• Prepare and deliver presentations that clearly link findings to research objectives
• Participate in team analysis forums to broaden perspectives and ensure quality
  
  

Quality Assurance Across Research Process

• Ensure accuracy and consistency across all stages including sample design, fieldwork monitoring, data checking, charting and analysis
  
  

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to a collaborative team culture
• Set and uphold standards of excellence across all deliverables
• Collaborate effectively across teams to drive performance and innovation
  
  

Professionalism & Organizational Performance

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and organizational effectiveness
• Contribute positively to team dynamics and overall client satisfaction
  
  

Technical Competencies for High Performance

Effective Communication

Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, showing respect and professionalism in interactions with colleagues and clients at all levels.

• Team Orientation
  
  

Values collaboration and contributes positively to team dynamics, fostering a supportive and productive work environment.

• Multitasking Ability
  
  

Manages multiple tasks and priorities efficiently, maintaining focus and quality under pressure.

• Deadline & Pressure Management
  
  

Works effectively within tight timelines and remains composed in high-pressure situations.

• Leadership Skills
  
  

Exhibits leadership qualities, including guiding junior team members, taking initiative, and setting a positive example.

• Commitment to Excellence
  
  

Maintains high standards across all aspects of work, with a strong attention to detail and quality.

• Customer Service Orientation
  
  

Prioritizes client satisfaction by being responsive, proactive, and solution-focused.

• Initiative & Accountability
  
  

Takes ownership of tasks and responsibilities, demonstrating reliability and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Strategic Thinking
  
  

Applies strategic insight to enhance the value of research outputs, contributing to more impactful and actionable results.

Experience & Qualification Requirements

• Postgraduate Degree in relevant field (Marketing, Business or Commerce, Psychology, Sociology, Economics)
• 3- 4 years work experience at a Research agency
• Minimum 1 year experience on an SRE level
• Experience in tracking and adhoc research
• Solid understanding of research methodologies and eagerness to learn unfamiliar ones
• Branding experience and knowledge will be an advantage as would an FMCG background
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy (oversee the production and delivery of quality outputs at all times)
• Proven project management skills with ownership of logistics and timelines
• Analytical ability with proven numeracy skills
  
  

Effective self management, managing projects with minimal supervision

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)
  
  

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

NIQ is committed to reflecting the diversity of the clients, communities, and markets we measure within our own workforce. We exist to count everyone and are on a mission to systematically embed inclusion and diversity into all aspects of our workforce, measurement, and products. We enthusiastically invite candidates who share that mission to join us. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action-Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status or any other protected class. Our global non-discrimination policy covers these protected classes in every market in which we do business worldwide. Learn more about how we are driving diversity and inclusion in everything we do by visiting the NIQ News Center: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion