Senior Manager Qualitative Research & Consumer Insights

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Manager, Qualitative Research & Consumer Insights to lead high-impact qualitative research engagements and deliver strategic consumer understanding that drives business growth. This role partners closely with Directors and Associate Directors to ensure excellence in research design, analysis, client advisory, and team development. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in qualitative methodologies, strong client management capabilities, and a passion for uncovering actionable human insights. Exposure to specialized approaches such as Ethnography, Semiotics, Cultural Analysis, Design Thinking, or Behavioral Science will be highly valued. Key Responsibilities Research Leadership & Insight Generation Lead end-to-end qualitative research projects across categories and business challenges. Drive issue-based analyses and convert complex consumer understanding into clear business implications. Deliver proactive, strategic, and actionable recommendations through compelling storytelling and presentations. Ensure excellence across three key deliverables: Quality of data collection Quality of analysis and interpretation Quality of reporting, presentation, and client delivery Apply a wide range of qualitative methodologies to answer business questions and uncover deeper human truths. Client Partnership & Consulting Build strong, trusted relationships with clients through deep understanding of their business objectives and challenges. Act as a consultative advisor, helping clients translate consumer insights into effective business decisions. Lead client engagements, presentations, and workshops with confidence and credibility. Partner with stakeholders to identify emerging needs and proactively recommend research solutions. Business Development Support new business generation through proposal development, pitch participation, and thought leadership. Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships by introducing relevant research solutions and methodologies. Contribute to revenue growth by helping clients solve strategic business problems through consumer-centric insights. Innovation & Capability Building Champion innovation in qualitative research by exploring and integrating emerging tools, techniques, and technologies. Leverage advancements in ethnography, digital research, AI-enabled analysis, semiotics, and design thinking where relevant. Contribute to the development of best practices, intellectual property, and thought leadership within the practice. Team Leadership & Collaboration Mentor and coach researchers to strengthen analytical thinking, storytelling, moderation, and consulting skills. Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, innovation, and high-quality delivery. Support resource planning and project management while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. Experience 7 to 11 years of experience in Qualitative Market Research, Consumer Insights, Ethnographic Research, or related fields. Demonstrated expertise across a range of qualitative methodologies, including: Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) In-depth Interviews (IDIs) Ethnographic Research Online Communities Expert Interviews Projective Techniques Co-creation Workshops Grounded Theory Approaches Experience managing multiple projects and client relationships simultaneously. Prior experience mentoring or managing team members. Skills & Competencies Strong consumer-centric thinking and analytical capability. Excellent storytelling and presentation skills with the ability to translate insights into business impact. Strong client management and stakeholder engagement skills. Commercial acumen with an understanding of business growth and financial outcomes. Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of thriving in fast-paced environments. Ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative insights into cohesive narratives. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Pref