Market Research Operations Manager

Advantage Group International is seeking a client focused Program and Operations Manager, who wants to jump in headfirst to join us in our journey of helping businesses be better together. This is a hybrid work position: Milan/Lombardy preferred. What Matters to Us: Thirty years ago, in Toronto, Canada, Founder Ron Pirie championed the belief that businesses work better together when they commit to actively listening and responding to each other’s feedback.From humble beginnings and a staunch and universal belief that stronger collaboration leads to better business results in any market and any industry, our relationship benchmarking capabilities have become the gold standard for measuring business-to-business engagement in over 40 countries.The Italian business is on a growth journey building its core program, custom research and advisory capabilities. Our clients include leading local and international FMCG brands, Distributors and Retailers. We are passionate about data, analytics, insights and business transformation. The ideal candidate is someone who is a stickler for detail, loves working with data and managing detailed programs, operations, and engaging with multiple stakeholders across large organisations in Italy. Who We’re Seeking to Join Our Team: The successful candidate ideally holds 5-7 years of experience in a project management or operations role, and an aptitude for succeeding in a flexible role. Experience with or knowledge of the Italian FMCG and grocery industry is considered a bonus. This role is 70% Program Management, 30% Analyst and report creating. What Success Looks Like in this Role: The Program Manager will support the architecture design and delivery of key Advantage programs in the Italian business. You will help to manage our annual research programs through the key stages of program specifications, fieldwork, market participation, report production and insight delivery. Advantage Group International is a global business and the Program Manager, reporting to the Country Manager Italy, will also work closely with colleagues in our global office in Toronto, the Euro/Africa region and other markets.Note: This is a growth role, mastering the complexity of the data and clients, and grow into leading the program and operations of a program in its entirety. Program and Field Management Ensures that the Advantage programs are run on schedule and fit within the overall company-wide strategic goals to deliver high quality added-value insight. Oversees qualitative research aspects of the program. Collaborates with the current Program and Operations Manager and the Program Management team in Toronto on the preparation and verification of data processing and reporting specifications, and in assuring the integrity and quality of the data. Communicates with suppliers and retailers in follow-ups by phone, virtual connects, and/or email to ensure fieldwork is managed to the right quality and meets key milestone timings. Reviews ratings received to ensure the quality of the data, response rates, and coverage are tracked and targets achieved. Compiles supplier and retailer intelligence from different data sources. Gathers research requirements from Suppliers and Retailers; ensuring that they are captured in the program set-up and specification. Monitors survey response and coverage and makes critical decisions to correct gaps and ensure fieldwork meets key milestones. Successfully managing the handover from the current Senior Program Manager gaining autonomy and taking charge of all program management activities Insights and Client-Service Support Collaborates with the General Manager and the other Client Service Team Members to ensure the delivery of insightful reports that are closely aligned with Supplier and Retailer business needs. Assists with internal or external presentation of insights where required. Supports the Market Leader and the Client Service Team in servicing client relationships to build trust through focus on what matters to them, communicating effectively, proactively helping them, and responding with a great sense of urgency and accuracy for their day to day needs. Where You’ll be Located: This role is initially to be home office based. Expected travel is low to moderate but may be higher at peak times of the year: Attending select in-office workdays may will be required, approx. 3-4 times/month. Occasional meetings at our Global office in Toronto may be required. Use of VC, telephone, or teleconference frequently (digital communication acumen is needed). What We’re Looking For: University degree in Business Administration, Statistics, Sociology or equivalent. 5-7 years of relevant operations, project management, research, or data analysis experience. Strong organisational, program management and communication skills needed, with the ability to engage with multiple stakeholders and business partners, supporting the program design and implementation internally. Comfortable managing large sets of data and derived insights from it Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, particularly MS Excel and PowerPoint Strong proficiency with MS Excel formulas like VLOOKUP, and Pivot tables Experience with Tableau or other BI tools is considered an asset Proven ability to communicate in English (verbal and written) Interest in the data, insights and FMCG, Pharma and Retail sectors a plus Desire to grow with the business and develop your role The Capabilities and Skills that Matter: Numeracy and a keen eye for detail and a level of comfort with data analysis Outstanding initiative with a “can do” attitude Ability to communicate effectively internally and with client contacts at all levels Ability to reliably work with limited supervision and a high sense of urgency Powered by JazzHRrA9JsMW9SA J-18808-Ljbffr