Head of Insights Job Description: Complete Guide to Roles, Responsibilities & Salary (2025)
What is a Head of Insights?
A Head of Insights is a senior leadership role responsible for transforming data into strategic business intelligence that drives organizational decision-making. This position bridges the gap between raw data analysis and executive strategy, leading teams that uncover consumer behaviors, market trends, and business opportunities. The Head of Insights oversees research methodologies, analytics frameworks, and insight generation processes that inform product development, marketing strategies, and overall business direction.
In today’s data-driven business landscape, this role has become increasingly critical as organizations seek competitive advantages through deeper understanding of their customers and markets.
Core Responsibilities of a Head of Insights
Strategic Leadership
- Develop insights strategy: Create and implement comprehensive research and analytics strategies aligned with business objectives
- Executive reporting: Present actionable insights and recommendations to C-suite executives and board members
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partner with marketing, product, sales, and operations teams to identify research needs and deliver impactful insights
- Innovation champion: Introduce new research methodologies and analytical approaches to enhance insight quality
Research & Analytics Management
- Oversee research programs: Design and manage qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, including surveys, focus groups, ethnographic studies, and advanced analytics
- Vendor management: Select and manage relationships with research agencies and technology platforms (such as Conjointly for survey research and advanced methodologies)
- Data integration: Combine multiple data sources including primary research, customer data, market intelligence, and behavioral analytics
- Quality assurance: Ensure research methodologies are rigorous, statistically sound, and deliver reliable results
Team Leadership
- Build and develop teams: Recruit, mentor, and develop insights professionals including researchers, data analysts, and consumer insights specialists
- Resource allocation: Manage budgets, prioritize projects, and allocate team resources effectively
- Capability building: Foster a culture of continuous learning and analytical excellence within the team
Business Impact
- Influence decision-making: Translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives that drive strategic decisions
- Measure ROI: Demonstrate the business value and impact of insights initiatives
- Identify opportunities: Proactively uncover market opportunities, emerging trends, and potential risks
Required Skills and Qualifications
Essential Skills
- Analytical expertise: Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis, research methodologies, and data interpretation
- Strategic thinking: Ability to connect insights to business outcomes and long-term strategy
- Communication excellence: Outstanding presentation and storytelling skills to make complex data accessible
- Leadership capabilities: Proven experience managing and developing high-performing teams
- Technical proficiency: Familiarity with analytics tools, survey platforms, data visualization software, and statistical packages (SPSS, R, Python)
- Business acumen: Deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes
Typical Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Statistics, Psychology, Business, or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- 8-12+ years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or analytics
- 5+ years in leadership or management positions
- Experience across multiple research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, behavioral)
- Industry-specific knowledge relevant to the organization
Head of Insights Salary by Market and Seniority
Salary ranges vary significantly based on location, industry, company size, and individual experience. Below are typical annual salary ranges in USD:
| Market | Mid-Level (5-7 years) | Senior (8-12 years) | Executive (12+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SG) | $85,000 - $120,000 | $120,000 - $180,000 | $180,000 - $250,000+ |
| United States (US) | $100,000 - $145,000 | $145,000 - $220,000 | $220,000 - $350,000+ |
| Canada (CA) | $80,000 - $115,000 | $115,000 - $170,000 | $170,000 - $240,000+ |
| Australia (AU) | $95,000 - $135,000 | $135,000 - $195,000 | $195,000 - $280,000+ |
| Philippines (PH) | $30,000 - $50,000 | $50,000 - $80,000 | $80,000 - $120,000+ |
| Thailand (TH) | $35,000 - $55,000 | $55,000 - $85,000 | $85,000 - $130,000+ |
| United Kingdom (UK) | £60,000 - £85,000 | £85,000 - £130,000 | £130,000 - £180,000+ |
| Germany (DE) | €65,000 - €95,000 | €95,000 - €140,000 | €140,000 - €200,000+ |
| France (FR) | €60,000 - €90,000 | €90,000 - €135,000 | €135,000 - €190,000+ |
| Netherlands (NL) | €65,000 - €95,000 | €95,000 - €140,000 | €140,000 - €195,000+ |
Note: Salaries often include performance bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits packages. Tech companies and financial services typically offer higher compensation.
Career Path and Progression
The Head of Insights role typically represents a senior position with clear progression opportunities:
- Entry point: Insights Analyst → Senior Insights Analyst → Insights Manager
- Mid-career: Senior Insights Manager → Head of Insights
- Advancement: Director of Insights & Analytics → VP of Insights → Chief Insights Officer (CIO) or Chief Data Officer (CDO)
Professionals may also transition into broader strategic roles such as Chief Marketing Officer or Chief Strategy Officer.
Industry Variations
The Head of Insights role exists across multiple industries with some variations:
- Consumer Goods/Retail: Focus on consumer behavior, brand health, and purchase journey insights
- Technology: Emphasis on product analytics, user experience research, and market opportunity assessment
- Financial Services: Concentration on customer segmentation, risk analysis, and regulatory compliance
- Healthcare/Pharma: Specialization in patient insights, clinical research, and market access strategies
- Media/Entertainment: Focus on audience measurement, content performance, and consumption patterns
Key Success Factors
To excel as a Head of Insights:
- Balance rigor with speed: Deliver methodologically sound insights within business timelines
- Be proactive: Anticipate business questions before they’re asked
- Build influence: Establish credibility and trust with senior stakeholders
- Stay current: Keep pace with evolving research methodologies, tools, and technologies
- Think commercially: Always connect insights to revenue, growth, or cost implications
- Foster collaboration: Break down silos between insights, data science, and business teams
Conclusion
The Head of Insights is a pivotal role that transforms data into strategic advantage. As organizations increasingly recognize the value of customer-centric decision-making, demand for experienced insights leaders continues to grow. This role offers excellent career prospects, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to directly influence business success.
Whether you’re aspiring to this position or hiring for it, understanding the comprehensive scope of responsibilities, required capabilities, and market expectations is essential for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.