RESEARCH MANAGER

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Consumer Insight

Consumer Insight is a leading market research firm operating across Africa, delivering highquality insights that enable organisations to make informed business decisions. We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Research Manager to lead client engagements, drive business growth, oversee research project delivery, and develop high-performing teams. Position Summary The Research Manager is responsible for business planning and prospecting, client relationship management, project leadership, and team development to achieve the company's business objectives. The role requires strong commercial acumen, excellent research expertise, leadership capability, and the ability to manage multiple client accounts while ensuring the delivery of high-quality research solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Drive achievement of agreed monthly and annual business targets.

• Identify, prospect, and pursue new business opportunities across sectors.

• Develop and present compelling research proposals, quotations, and client presentations.

• Convert business opportunities into commissioned projects and support revenue growth initiatives.

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective clients and projects.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for key client accounts.

• Build, nurture, and maintain long-term client relationships.

• Lead client engagements including brief taking, proposal development, project commissioning, and presentation of findings.

• Provide advice on research approaches and methodologies aligned to client objectives.

• Conduct regular follow-ups with clients regarding ongoing and potential research projects.

• Collect and act on client feedback to strengthen service delivery and client satisfaction.

Research Project Leadership

• Oversee the successful implementation of qualitative and quantitative research projects from inception to completion.

• Ensure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

• Oversee project planning, fieldwork coordination, data processing, analysis, reporting, and presentation of findings.

• Ensure compliance with company operating systems, methodologies, and quality assurance procedures.

• Monitor project performance and proactively manage risks to ensure successful delivery.

Data Analysis & Insight Generation

• Lead in the analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative research findings.

• Ensure reports deliver actionable insights and recommendations that address client business objectives.

• Present findings confidently to clients.

• Maintain high standards of analytical rigour and storytelling in all research outputs.

Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop members of the research team.

• Foster a high-performance culture through training, motivation, performance management, and continuous feedback.

• Build team capability and ensure effective resource allocation across projects.

• Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the research department.

Operational & Financial Management

• Ensure all project documentation is completed accurately and on time.

• Facilitate timely project commissioning, invoicing, and payment collection.

• Monitor project budgets, profitability, and resource utilisation.

• Support continuous improvement of research processes and operational efficiency.

• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Research Director or Managing Director.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Business Studies, Marketing, Statistics, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification in Marketing, Market Research, or related disciplines will be an added advantage.

• A Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Social Sciences, or a related field will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a reputable market research agency.

• Proven track record in managing client accounts and leading research projects.

• Demonstrated success in business development and achieving revenue targets.

• Extensive experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

• Experience in leading and developing teams in a research environment.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong business development and client management skills.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.

• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Strong analytical, reporting, and presentation skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant research and data analysis tools.

Leadership Competencies

• Team leadership and people development.

• Coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

• Strategic thinking and decision-making.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Personal Attributes

• High integrity, honesty, and professionalism.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Reliability and accountability.

• Curiosity and consumer empathy.

• Proactive, confident, and results-oriented.

• Excellent problem-solving ability and attention to detail.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage complex client requirements.

• Willingness to travel locally and internationally when required.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead impactful research projects across Africa.

• Exposure to diverse local and international clients.

• A dynamic, collaborative, and innovative work environment.

• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A detailed CV

• A cover letter highlighting relevant experience

• Contact details of at least two professional referees

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Consumer Insight is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.