Explorer | Research Manager

Job description

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for an Explorer | Research Manager based in Canada.** We are seeking a confident and experienced research professional to lead quantitative and mixed-method research projects from initial brief through final delivery. In this role, you will transform complex data into actionable insights that help clients understand shopper behavior and make informed business decisions. You will manage the full research lifecycle, combining research design, project coordination, data analysis, and compelling storytelling. Working closely with clients, internal specialists, and external research partners, you will ensure projects meet quality standards, timelines, and budget expectations. You will have the opportunity to work with high-profile clients across diverse industries while developing strong client relationships and supporting business growth. No prior shopper research experience is required, as training will be provided to help you develop specialized expertise. This is a remote position based in Ontario, with the possibility of a hybrid arrangement in the future. ### Accountabilities - End-to-end research management: Design, manage, and deliver quantitative and mixed-method research projects from the initial client brief through analysis, reporting, and final presentation. - Research design: Develop appropriate research approaches, including sampling plans, questionnaires, analytical frameworks, and methodologies tailored to client objectives. - Project coordination: Oversee day-to-day project activities, delegate tasks, and coordinate internal teams and external suppliers to ensure deliverables meet agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards. - Quality assurance: Review questionnaire edits, monitor fieldwork, oversee data cleaning and tab checking, and ensure research outputs are accurate and reliable. - Fieldwork and supplier management: Coordinate research scripting, fieldwork execution, and supplier relationships, resolving issues promptly to keep projects on track. - Data analysis and insight generation: Analyze quantitative and qualitative findings to identify meaningful patterns, develop recommendations, and address client business questions. - Reporting and storytelling: Translate complex findings into clear, compelling reports and presentations that communicate data-driven narratives and support actionable decision-making. - Client relationship management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, provide regular project updates, respond to queries, manage expectations, and build trusted long-term relationships. - Research presentation: Deliver engaging client presentations and debriefs, articulating insights confidently and connecting research findings to practical business outcomes. - Qualitative research: Moderate qualitative research activities, including in-depth interviews (IDIs) and shop-alongs, where appropriate. - Business development support: Contribute to business growth through excellent project delivery, client satisfaction, and the development of lasting client partnerships. - Team collaboration and development: Work independently while collaborating with research specialists and other teams, sharing expertise and supporting colleagues where needed. ### Requirements - Strong professional experience managing quantitative or mixed-method research projects across the full project lifecycle, ideally within a market research agency. - Demonstrated ability to translate client briefs into effective research designs and methodologies that address specific business objectives. - Solid understanding of quantitative research methods, data analysis, and insight generation. - Proven experience managing projects independently, coordinating multiple workstreams, and delivering high-quality outputs within established timelines and budgets. - Strong client relationship management skills, including the ability to communicate findings, respond to client needs, and explain complex insights clearly. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for developing compelling data stories and presenting recommendations to diverse audiences. - Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic research environment. - A collaborative mindset, combined with the confidence and initiative to take ownership of projects and resolve challenges proactively. - Preferred but not essential: Experience working with large datasets and statistical software such as SPSS, R, Stata, or comparable tools. - Preferred but not essential: Experience managing, delegating work to, or mentoring other team members. - Preferred but not essential: Experience moderating qualitative research, including in-depth interviews and shop-alongs. - Willingness to develop expertise in shopper research, including packaging, planograms, retail environments, signage, and path-to-purchase behavior. - Must be eligible to work in Canada. Visa sponsorship is not available. ### Benefits - Salary: CAD $80,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience and expertise. - Employment type: Full-time. - Work arrangement: Remote, based in Ontario, with the possibility of transitioning to a hybrid model in the future. - Bonus scheme: Additional bonus opportunity. - Health coverage: Health benefits package. - Flexible working: Flexible working practices to support different working needs. - Training and development: Ongoing learning, training, and professional development opportunities. - Team culture: Team and company social events that encourage connection and collaboration. - Career growth: Opportunities to develop research expertise, work with high-profile clients, and expand client relationship and project leadership skills. - Inclusive workplace: Commitment to equal opportunity, workplace diversity, and inclusion. - Additional details about local benefits and perks are available upon request from the People team.