Head of Qualitative Research Job at TNS in Johannesburg

    TNS advises clients on specific growth strategies around new market entry, innovation, brand switching and stakeholder management, based on long-established expertise and market-leading solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, TNS has more conversations with the world's consumers than anyone else and understands individual human behaviours and attitudes across every cultural, economic and political region of the world.

 Purpose of the role:

To lead and manage the Qualitative Research Function for South Africa on a strategic and overall level.

Responsible for achieving profitability and Qualitative revenue targets across an array of clients through a highly skilled and motivated team that delivers meaningful, value add insights for clients that is profitable and sustainable.

The incumbent is also responsible for managing the Qualitative operational team that is responsible for resources, infrastructure and systems relating to Qualitative research projects and all aspects of the Qualitative research process.

Role deliverables:

Strategic:

    Elevate profile of Practice Area within business so that it is understood and valued internally and externally
    Interprets company strategy, policy and objectives for Qualitative Research Department
    Determines structures, objectives, allocates management responsibilities and defines, allocates and manages overall budgets for Qualitative Research Department
    Ensure all deliverables are of the highest quality and conform to Signature guidelines
    Drives Qualitative Research Department to deliver in accordance with overall company strategy
    Embed Precision Growth, Insights and TNS Signature in all work
    Keep up to date with research industry at large and specifically TNS products and expertise
    Enhance the reputation of TNS locally and internationally
    Key interface with the regional and global qualitative team and driving global qualitative strategy in SA
    Develops and ensures execution of innovative processes and / or strategies to accomplish business objectives and goals within own area – Financial targets, strategic objectives and team [strategy, budget, forecasts, measures, etc]

Thought leadership

    Promote Information sharing across country and thought leadership via TNS newsletters and other value add initiatives
    Application of extensive research skills and knowledge to problems and issues generated by clients leading to the best possible solution
    Engage with Global Practice Area team and ensure roll out of global offer and best practice
    Sit on Qualitative Global Steering Committee

Leadership and management of people:

    Be a TNS leader and role model
    Maintain motivation in team through clear communication
    Hire, develop and retain high quality people
    Support the development of client strategies and communication to the team
    Ensure all direct reports have objectives and development plans that support company strategy
    Ensure company objectives and strategy have been cascaded with the Qualitative Research Department
    Provide sales support to client teams
    Identify growth potential and provide training or assists in assessing training needs in teams.
    Develop expertise through training and coaching, and attract top talent to the business
    Marketing and communication management
    Create next generation of leaders; carry out succession planning and develop talent within TNS

Financial management:

    Responsible for the growth and profitability of Qualitative Research business for TNS South Africa
    Active contribution to developing a profitable business model for Qualitative Research in the context of a large global corporation

Client management and development:

    Prepare Precision Growth oriented winning proposals and provide insight and thought leadership for team member’s proposals
    Present proposals in a confident and competent manner where relevant
    Identification and development of new clients and continued growth of existing clients through ongoing research excellence and relevant expertise.
    Continued demonstration of the highest level of research excellence and client issue focus through strategic insights
    Build a global network of contacts to build TNS perception as thought leader and drive opportunities for new business
    Play a major role in client liaison – manage the client relationship with honesty, openness and integrity

Analysis and Presentations

    Continued demonstration of the highest level of research excellence and client issue focus through strategic insights and assistance to internal teams in generating their insights
    Ensuring client deliverables meet client expectations and needs
    Prepare and present Precision Growth client deliverables that deliver growth insights and demonstrate extensive client and market knowledge and expertise

Operations

    Take overall responsibility for Qualitative Operations Department
    Develop internal client relationships and manage expectations
    Communicate effectively to all role-players internally and externally
    Ensure resources are assigned appropriately
    Ensure deadlines and quality standards are met
    Proactively resolve operational issues
    Provide accurate management information/stats as required
    Stay abreast of latest developments and best practice in industry
    Setup, maintain and improve on qualitative systems and procedures
    Monitor quality and productivity of external suppliers and ensure ongoing improvements

Scope of the role:

    Number of people reporting into this role: approx. 12 (direct reports: approx  3 or 4)
    Client target: Responsible South Africa Qualitative revenue targets
    Client contact: Extensive contact with senior-level client service teams and external clients
    WPP / Regional responsibilities: None

Knowledge and skills required:

The knowledge and skills needed for success:

    Relevant tertiary education (B.Com / B.Bus Sci Marketing / relevant degree pref)
    15+ yrs experience in market research
    7+ years experience at Consultant and/or Director level
    Management experience
    Strong clients skills - capable of developing Trusted Advisor relationships and can run effective strategic workshops with clients
    Knowledge of research processes and methodologies (quantitative and qualitative)
    Ability to consult on research methodologies and products widely both to clients and senior internal staff
    Analysis and interpretation
    Marketing processes
    Strong sales and commercial orientation
    Oversee P&L for Practice Area
    Selling/negotiation/influencing skills
    Project Management
    Effective People Management and performance management ability
    Team management skills- training, coaching, mentoring + recruiting talent
    High level interaction and presentation skills with clients (ability to dominate when needed)
    Interpersonal, analytical thinking, communication (verbal & written) and problem solving skills
    Computer application (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
    Enhanced financial awareness and commercial know how

Behavioral dimensions:

    Communication skills
    Team management
    Ability to multi-task
    Ability to handle stress/work under pressure
    Initiative
    Business etiquette
    Deadline orientated
    Willingness to accept responsibility and accountability for work
    Strategic thinking ability to add value to research results
    Thorough understanding of client needs

Deadline Date: 20.02.2014
How to Apply:

Note:


Job title: Head of Qualitative Research
Job level: Executive/Director/VP
Job type: Research / Qualitative
Location: South Africa, Johannesburg

To Apply,  Please send CV via email:
Alison Eastwood
Alison.eastwood@tnsglobal.com