Research & Insight - Business Intelligence Job Description: Complete Guide for 2025
What is a Research & Insight - Business Intelligence Role?
A Research & Insight - Business Intelligence (BI) professional sits at the intersection of data analytics, market research, and strategic decision-making. This hybrid role combines the analytical rigor of business intelligence with the strategic thinking of research and insights, helping organizations transform raw data into actionable business strategies.
These professionals don’t just crunch numbers—they tell compelling stories with data, uncover market opportunities, and provide the evidence-based insights that drive business growth. As companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, this role has become essential across industries from tech and finance to retail and healthcare.
Core Responsibilities
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Design and maintain dashboards and reporting systems using BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker)
- Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies
- Create automated reporting processes to track key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Develop data visualization that communicates complex insights to non-technical stakeholders
Market Research & Consumer Insights
- Conduct primary and secondary market research to understand customer behavior
- Design and execute surveys, focus groups, and other research methodologies
- Utilize survey research tools like Conjointly for advanced choice modeling and preference analysis
- Analyze competitive landscapes and market trends
- Translate research findings into strategic recommendations
Strategic Planning & Consultation
- Partner with cross-functional teams (marketing, product, sales) to define research objectives
- Present insights and recommendations to senior leadership
- Develop business cases supported by data and research
- Monitor industry trends and provide strategic foresight
Data Management & Quality Assurance
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy across multiple sources
- Establish data governance standards and best practices
- Collaborate with IT and data engineering teams on data infrastructure
- Document methodologies and maintain research repositories
Required Skills & Qualifications
Technical Skills
- Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in SQL, Python, or R for data manipulation
- BI Platforms: Experience with Tableau, Power BI, Google Analytics, or similar tools
- Statistical Software: Familiarity with SPSS, SAS, or similar statistical packages
- Research Tools: Experience with survey platforms (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Conjointly) and research methodologies
- Excel/Spreadsheets: Advanced skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and macros
Analytical Skills
- Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis capabilities
- Statistical knowledge (regression analysis, hypothesis testing, segmentation)
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail with ability to spot data inconsistencies
Soft Skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to translate technical findings into business language
- Stakeholder management and collaboration
- Project management and ability to handle multiple priorities
- Curiosity and continuous learning mindset
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Statistics, Economics, Marketing, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, or MBA (preferred for senior roles)
- Relevant certifications (Google Analytics, Tableau, Microsoft certifications) are advantageous
Experience Requirements by Seniority Level
Junior/Associate Level (0-2 years)
- Entry-level position or 1-2 years of experience in analytics or research
- Focus on executing research projects and generating reports
- Learning BI tools and research methodologies
Mid-Level (3-5 years)
- 3-5 years of experience in BI, market research, or data analytics
- Ability to independently manage research projects
- Experience presenting to stakeholders
Senior Level (6-8 years)
- 6-8 years of progressive experience in insights and analytics
- Strategic thinking with proven track record of influencing business decisions
- Team leadership or mentoring experience
Lead/Principal Level (9+ years)
- 9+ years of experience with expertise in specific industry or methodology
- Thought leadership and ability to shape research strategy
- Experience managing teams and large-scale research programs
Salary Expectations (2025)
Salary ranges vary significantly by location, experience, and industry. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
| Market | Junior Level | Mid-Level | Senior Level | Lead/Principal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 45,000 - 65,000 | 70,000 - 95,000 | 100,000 - 140,000 | 145,000 - 180,000 |
| United States (USD) | 55,000 - 75,000 | 80,000 - 110,000 | 115,000 - 155,000 | 160,000 - 210,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | 50,000 - 70,000 | 75,000 - 100,000 | 105,000 - 140,000 | 145,000 - 185,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | 60,000 - 80,000 | 85,000 - 115,000 | 120,000 - 160,000 | 165,000 - 210,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | 400,000 - 600,000 | 650,000 - 950,000 | 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 | 1,550,000 - 2,200,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | 480,000 - 720,000 | 750,000 - 1,080,000 | 1,100,000 - 1,680,000 | 1,700,000 - 2,400,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 28,000 - 40,000 | 45,000 - 65,000 | 70,000 - 95,000 | 100,000 - 130,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | 40,000 - 55,000 | 60,000 - 80,000 | 85,000 - 115,000 | 120,000 - 155,000 |
| France (EUR) | 35,000 - 50,000 | 55,000 - 75,000 | 80,000 - 110,000 | 115,000 - 145,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 38,000 - 52,000 | 58,000 - 78,000 | 83,000 - 112,000 | 117,000 - 150,000 |
Note: Salaries are annual base compensation and may not include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits.
Career Progression & Growth Opportunities
The Research & Insight - BI role offers diverse career pathways:
Specialist Track: Progress from Analyst → Senior Analyst → Principal Analyst → Director of Insights
Management Track: Move into people management roles such as Insights Manager → Head of Research & Analytics → VP of Business Intelligence
Adjacent Roles: Transition into Product Management, Strategy Consulting, Data Science, or Marketing Analytics
Industry Outlook
The demand for Research & Insight - BI professionals continues to grow as organizations recognize the competitive advantage of data-driven decision-making. The global business intelligence market is projected to reach $50+ billion by 2028, with particularly strong growth in APAC markets.
Emerging trends shaping this role include:
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: Automated insights and predictive analytics
- Real-time Analytics: Shift from periodic reporting to continuous intelligence
- Customer Experience Focus: Increased emphasis on customer journey analytics
- Data Democratization: Making insights accessible across organizations
Tips for Landing This Role
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase projects demonstrating your analytical and storytelling abilities
- Gain Certifications: Invest in recognized credentials for BI tools and research methodologies
- Develop Domain Expertise: Specialize in an industry to differentiate yourself
- Network Actively: Join professional associations like the Insights Association or local analytics groups
- Stay Current: Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and experiment with new tools like Conjointly for advanced research techniques
Conclusion
A Research & Insight - Business Intelligence role offers an exciting career path for professionals who enjoy working with data, solving business problems, and influencing strategic decisions. With competitive salaries, strong job growth, and opportunities to work across industries, this role is ideal for analytical minds who want to make a tangible impact on business outcomes.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to transition into this field, focus on building both technical skills and business acumen. The most successful professionals in this space are those who can bridge the gap between data and decision-making, making complex insights accessible and actionable for their organizations.