Project Manager, Global Custom Research Solutions
About Advantage Group
Over thirty years ago, in Toronto, Canada, founder Ron Pirie championed the belief that people, and organisations work better together when they commit to actively listening and responding to each other’s feedback. He believed that strong and measurable relationships lie at the heart of communication
Ron’s original idea to have retailers rate and rank their suppliers was first conceptualized in 1988. Not long after, fast-moving consumer goods suppliers and retailers throughout North America began to recognize that engagement is the pathway to mutual growth, strong relationships and invaluable insight.
From humble beginnings and a universal belief that strong collaboration leads to better business results, our relationship benchmarking capabilities have become the gold standard for measuring business-to-business engagement in over 40+ countries. Today, we continue to pave the way for better insight, better business and better lives.
For decades, Advantage Report has given our clients a comprehensive view of their B2B relationships in the context of supplier and retailer engagement. In the increasingly diverse and complex environment businesses operate in, our clients have shared with us the need to explore and discover other insights about their organizations that are more customized to what they need to know and the people they want to receive feedback from. It was from here that our Custom Solutions business, which is completely tailored our client’s unique business requirements, was born in 2020.
Summary
We are looking for a highly committed and data-driven Project Manager to join our global Operations team within our rapidly growing Custom Solutions research business.
Providing support to a small, but close knit and dynamic team spread across the UK, North America and Australia, you will be integral to the smooth running of global Custom research projects that we deliver for major FMCG and supplier and retail brands, ensuring they are delivered on time, and within budget.
You be a self-starter who enjoys taking ownership to make things happen, has an eye for detail, a passion for excellence with a high-performance attitude, and most importantly you’ll be able to juggle multiple priorities at any one time.
While this role is envisaged to be focused mainly on project management and research operations relating to online quantitative research, we do also conduct some qualitative research so experience in both methodologies would be ideal.
There is additionally opportunity in this role to get involved in all aspects of the research process, including analysis and reporting and client delivery. Given this scope to grow and develop in our business, we will consider an experienced field or project manager who is keen to expand their role, as well as a research analyst wanting to take a more hands on role with projects.
You will be based in the UK, with the role being remote (home office based) with regular face-to-face meetings with the Custom Solutions Operations Director at a mutually convenient location (also based in the UK).
Some flexibility in hours of working will be required due to the global nature of our team.
Job Description
Project related
Managing and overseeing of elements predominantly relating to data collection and fieldwork on research projects, which may include:
Organisation of project logistics, including internal kick off calls and briefings, and co-ordinating with relevant global teams to meet project deadlines.
Working in partnership with trusted external suppliers to facilitate and manage the progression of Advantage Custom projects – including fieldwork and data processing agencies, freelance researchers and software providers.
Provision of key operational support for the research team – to include review and checking of client databases, survey links, data files, tabulations and reports/ dashboards.
Alerting the team and/or client of any project challenges in good time, with the ability to pre-empt and pro-actively suggest solutions to keep projects on track or meet client needs.
Controlling of fieldwork budgets and supporting in managing project finances, ensuring invoices received are correct and in line with agreed costs.
Ensuring a high level of data collection quality and adherence to all applicable standards and requirements.
Support with figure inputting, set-ups within reporting tools, charting of results or other project related tasks and required.
Non-project / strategic
Working with the Custom Operations Director to review legacy processes across the team and spot opportunities for smarter working through efficiencies and automations.
Staying abreast of new tools and technologies which may be relevant to Advantage Custom Solutions and presenting findings to the team.
Ensure all processes are documented and kept up to date and completing and maintaining required project administration / company processes - including the set-up of supplier agreements, budget updates, workflow processes and compliance documentation.
Experience Required
A minimum of 3-5 years' experience in market research agency fieldwork/project management.
Experience of managing multi-stage online quantitative projects, both domestically and globally.
Excellent project management, communication and administration skills.
Experience in qualitative research and an interest in using different research tools and technologies would be advantageous (e.g visualisations and text analytics).
Skills-based Competencies
Good proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite (especially Excel) and web based collaborative tools e.g. Sharepoint.
Close attention to detail, with an eye for problem solving and a prompt, professional response to emerging project-related issues
Good financial aptitude and commercial acumen, with the ability (with support from the Custom Operations Director), to broker discounts with vendors /software providers and discuss cost implications with the research team.
Good understanding of project process and of standard research methodologies.
Good understanding of the cost/time implications of the project process in terms of budgeted vs. actual cost/time spent.
Good stakeholder management: Client focussed and able to build trust and confidence with different individuals, whether internal or external.
Knowledge-based Competencies
Knowledge of current research industry codes of conduct e.g., MRS, ESOMAR.
Knowledge of standard market research project and data management procedures – ISO 27001 experience an advantage.
Knowledge and experience in the application of data protection processes and requirements e.g DPAs, consent documentation.
International experience including the ability to manage projects across different time zones and the impact of cultural nuances e.g., a working knowledge of different cultural events that could impact project set up within markets (e.g., different holidays, religious / cultural festivals and customs in different countries).
Attitude and Approach
High-performance attitude: Possess a result-oriented and data-driven mindset while remaining accountable for all actions.
Maintenance of open and honest relationships: Build trust and confidence with colleagues and agencies, responding proactively to requests and ensuring that others respond to theirs.
Be engaged: Be inclusive, respectful and humble while ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Communicate professionally and concisely (orally and in writing) to keep all stakeholders well-informed.
Always seek to find a better way: Solution-focused and eager to improve, willing to learn new skills, and curious about new research technologies and approaches to research.
Be self-motivated: Work independently and collaboratively when needed.
Appreciate empathetic feedback: Provide and be open to receiving honest, transparent and solution-oriented feedback.
Why Should You Work with Us?
The Advantage Group offers an excellent work-life balance, including the following:
Stable company, with an established client-base and a continual steady growth.
Excellent work-life balance: flexible hours and generous vacation policy
Opportunities for growth and professional development
A paid day off on your birthday
One volunteer day off per year
Intelligent and passionate team members.
Unique business problems, a new challenge around every corner.
Strong corporate culture: Monthly company-wide gatherings for global community-building
Competitive compensation
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace; therefore, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Advantage.