Qualitative Research and Business Development Lead - FMCG (AlcoBev & Retail)

Qualitative Research & Business Development (FMCG with focus on AlcoBev & Retail)

Job Description

This is a strategic vertical position. Primary responsibility is to lead and grow the NIQ Qualitative business Nationally in FMCG – with special focus on AlcoBev + Retail . The candidate will be responsible for business development, winning projects, driving profitable growth, including the full P&L of the vertical as well as ensuring deliverables are in line with client expectation as well as build & nurture client relationship with NIQ and team.

You will primarily work closely with the various Business Vertical leaders and business partners along with the Qualitative team and set a strategy that focuses on account acquisition retention and growth.

• This role is also accountable for accurately managing an active sales pipeline and coaching the team to better results by leveraging multiple sales drivers such as prospecting, campaigns, and other account engagement tools.  
• Working closely with business partners across verticals to understand client challenges and ensuring strong awareness and presence of Qual with these clients
• In addition, you will work closely with Qualitative Consumer Success (CS – project execution team) to ensure strategic and seamless execution & ensure delightful client experience – thereby also getting involved with deliverables with the CS team if needed (review / supervise documents, reports, attending meetings / fw, so on -  as per requirement in conjunction with CS team).

This role combines sales mindset with qualitative research expertise, ensuring that client solutions are rooted in deep consumer understanding. This role will manage key accounts, lead consultative engagements, and collaborate with internal teams to deliver impactful insights and exceptional client experiences.

Core Responsibilities

• Working on qualitative proposals addressing research and business objectives
• Develop and customize qualitative research methodologies including traditional and emerging ones to meet client objectives and deliver actionable insights.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to assess feasibility, secure optimal project costing and ensuring proposals are both competitive and aligned with profitability guidelines
• Partner with Operations to optimize pricing and validate cost efficiency for client deliverables
• Achieve assigned revenue targets for FMCG (AlcoBev & Retail) through strategic account management and new business development.
• Introduce novel approaches and hybrid methods to address complex research and business challenges, ensuring NIQ remains at the forefront of qualitative thought leadership.
• Lead or support proposal development and represent qualitative offerings in client discussions.
• Position NIQ’s qualitative solutions as a key differentiator; articulate methodologies and insights that address client business challenges.
• Drive revenue targets through strategic account management and proactive new business development in FMCG (esp. AlcoBev & Retail). Identify and convert new client opportunities to expand NIQ’s footprint.
• Lead new business acquisition efforts through proactive prospecting, networking, and strategic client engagement. Develop and execute plans to penetrate new accounts and unlock growth opportunities within target verticals.
• Build and nurture senior-level client relationships; identify opportunities for upsell, cross-sell, and retention.
• Maintain a robust pipeline; provide accurate forecasts and reporting.
• Contribute to qualitative thought leadership by sharing best practices, case studies, and participating in industry forums.
• Partner with Customer Success teams to ensure seamless project execution and exceptional client experience.
• Support Customer Success teams in the execution of strategic and critical projects, providing guidance and supervision to ensure flawless delivery and an exceptional client experience.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends; share insights to inform business decisions.
• Ensure adherence to internal processes, CRM updates, and operational protocols.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years working experience in Qualitative Market Research - Strong understanding and appreciation of the various MR protocols such as concept testing, product testing, U&A, Segmentation, Profiling studies, BHT and so on.
• Strong understanding of FMCG and AlcoBev sectors.
• Experience in AlcoBev sector and has established relationships with some of the major players in the category
• Executed many innovation studies – esp. in AlcoBev sector.
• Expert in crafting compelling proposals and designing innovative qualitative research methodologies tailored to client objectives.
• Skilled at leveraging traditional and emerging techniques - such as ethnography, digital communities, digital solutions, and hybrid approaches to address complex business challenges.
• Adept at translating research goals into actionable designs that deliver deep consumer insights and strategic recommendations
• Proven track record in client relationship management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Ability to manage and develop a team.
• University degree in Marketing / Economics / Psychology / Sociology; MBA preferred.

Key Skills

• Deep knowledge of qualitative research methodologies – traditional as well as new age methods.
• Proven ability to craft compelling, quality-driven proposals aligned with client objectives and business outcomes.
• Ability to develop customized research frameworks within proposals and design compelling sample slides that give clients an understanding of insight-driven deliverables.
• Sales acumen and strategic execution.
• Client-centric mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities.
• Skilled communicator and negotiator.
• High accountability and results orientation.
• Ability to adapt and be agile – as per the project and client needs while also helping team with agility solutions.

Additional Information

Our Benefits

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

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

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

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion