Head of Insight Job Description: Roles, Responsibilities, and Salary Guide 2025
What is a Head of Insight?
A Head of Insight is a senior strategic role responsible for leading an organization’s research and analytics function to generate actionable business intelligence. This position combines data science, market research, consumer psychology, and strategic thinking to inform critical business decisions. The Head of Insight translates complex data into clear narratives that drive product development, marketing strategies, and overall business growth.
In today’s data-driven business environment, this role has become increasingly vital across industries including consumer goods, technology, financial services, retail, and healthcare.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop insight strategy: Create and implement a comprehensive insights framework aligned with organizational objectives
- Stakeholder management: Partner with C-suite executives and department heads to identify research priorities
- Team leadership: Build, mentor, and manage a team of researchers, analysts, and data scientists
- Budget oversight: Manage research budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation
Research & Analysis
- Design research programs: Develop qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including surveys, focus groups, ethnographic studies, and advanced analytics
- Consumer intelligence: Uncover deep consumer insights through behavioral analysis, segmentation studies, and journey mapping
- Competitive analysis: Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and industry dynamics
- Data synthesis: Integrate multiple data sources (primary research, secondary data, digital analytics, CRM data) into cohesive insights
Tools & Technologies
- Utilize advanced research platforms and survey tools such as Conjointly for conjoint analysis, MaxDiff studies, and other sophisticated research methodologies
- Leverage analytics software (SPSS, R, Python, Tableau, Power BI)
- Implement marketing mix modeling and attribution analysis
- Deploy AI and machine learning for predictive analytics
Communication & Impact
- Storytelling: Present complex findings in compelling, accessible formats for diverse audiences
- Actionable recommendations: Translate data into specific strategic and tactical recommendations
- Thought leadership: Represent the insights function internally and externally through presentations and publications
- Change management: Drive organizational adoption of insight-led decision making
Required Skills and Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Psychology, Statistics, Economics, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree or MBA preferred
- Advanced certifications in market research or data analytics are advantageous
Professional Experience
- 8-12+ years in market research, consumer insights, or analytics roles
- 3-5+ years in leadership positions managing teams
- Proven track record of influencing business strategy through insights
- Experience across multiple research methodologies and industries
Technical Competencies
- Research expertise: Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative methodologies
- Statistical analysis: Strong command of statistical techniques and experimental design
- Data visualization: Ability to create impactful visual narratives
- Technology proficiency: Familiarity with research platforms, analytics tools, and emerging technologies
Soft Skills
- Strategic thinking: Ability to see the big picture and connect insights to business outcomes
- Communication excellence: Outstanding written and verbal presentation skills
- Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams
- Curiosity: Innate desire to understand the “why” behind behaviors and trends
- Collaboration: Strong cross-functional partnership capabilities
- Adaptability: Comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing business environments
Industry Variations
The Head of Insight role varies somewhat by industry:
- FMCG/Consumer Goods: Heavy focus on brand health, product innovation, and purchase behavior
- Technology/SaaS: Emphasis on user experience, product analytics, and customer journey optimization
- Financial Services: Concentration on customer segmentation, risk analysis, and regulatory compliance
- Retail: Focus on shopper insights, omnichannel behavior, and merchandising optimization
- Healthcare/Pharma: Patient insights, healthcare professional research, and clinical trial support
Salary Expectations by Market and Seniority
Salary ranges for Head of Insight positions vary significantly based on location, industry, company size, and experience level. Below are typical annual compensation ranges:
| Market | Mid-Level (5-8 years) | Senior (8-12 years) | Executive (12+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | $120,000 - $160,000 | $160,000 - $220,000 | $220,000 - $300,000+ |
| United States (USD) | $130,000 - $170,000 | $170,000 - $240,000 | $240,000 - $350,000+ |
| Canada (CAD) | $110,000 - $145,000 | $145,000 - $195,000 | $195,000 - $270,000+ |
| Australia (AUD) | $140,000 - $180,000 | $180,000 - $240,000 | $240,000 - $320,000+ |
| Philippines (PHP) | ₱2,400,000 - ₱3,600,000 | ₱3,600,000 - ₱5,400,000 | ₱5,400,000 - ₱7,800,000+ |
| Thailand (THB) | ฿1,800,000 - ฿2,700,000 | ฿2,700,000 - ฿3,900,000 | ฿3,900,000 - ฿5,700,000+ |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | £75,000 - £100,000 | £100,000 - £140,000 | £140,000 - £190,000+ |
| Germany (EUR) | €85,000 - €115,000 | €115,000 - €155,000 | €155,000 - €210,000+ |
| France (EUR) | €80,000 - €110,000 | €110,000 - €150,000 | €150,000 - €200,000+ |
| Netherlands (EUR) | €82,000 - €112,000 | €112,000 - €152,000 | €152,000 - €205,000+ |
Note: Figures include base salary and may not reflect bonuses, equity, or other compensation. Tech companies and financial services typically offer higher compensation packages.
Career Path and Progression
The Head of Insight role typically represents a senior position with several potential career trajectories:
- Vertical progression: Chief Insights Officer, VP of Consumer Intelligence, VP of Analytics
- Lateral moves: Chief Marketing Officer, Head of Strategy, Chief Data Officer
- Specialization: Category leadership, regional insights director, or industry-specific expertise
- Consulting: Transition to strategic consulting or starting an insights consultancy
How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Build a portfolio: Document case studies demonstrating business impact from your insights work
- Stay current: Keep abreast of emerging methodologies, technologies, and industry trends
- Develop breadth: Gain experience across multiple research approaches and business contexts
- Cultivate influence: Demonstrate your ability to drive organizational change through insights
- Network actively: Engage with professional organizations like ESOMAR, Insights Association, or Market Research Society
- Publish thought leadership: Share your expertise through articles, conference presentations, or webinars
Conclusion
The Head of Insight position offers an exciting opportunity to shape business strategy through data-driven storytelling. This role requires a unique blend of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, leadership capability, and communication excellence. As organizations increasingly recognize the competitive advantage of consumer understanding, demand for skilled insight leaders continues to grow across markets globally.
Whether you’re aspiring to this role or hiring for it, understanding the multifaceted nature of the position—from research methodology expertise to executive influence—is essential for success in today’s insight-driven business landscape.