Market Research & Insights Manager Job Description: Roles, Responsibilities & Salary Guide 2026
What Does a Market Research & Insights Manager Do?
A Market Research & Insights Manager plays a pivotal role in helping organizations make data-driven decisions by transforming raw data into actionable business intelligence. This strategic position bridges the gap between consumer behavior, market trends, and business strategy, making it essential for companies looking to maintain competitive advantages in today’s dynamic marketplace.
Core Responsibilities
Strategic Research Planning
- Design comprehensive research strategies that align with business objectives and organizational goals
- Identify key research questions and determine appropriate methodologies to answer them
- Develop annual research roadmaps that prioritize initiatives based on business impact
- Manage research budgets and allocate resources effectively across multiple projects
Research Execution & Management
- Oversee qualitative and quantitative research projects from conception through completion
- Select and manage research vendors and agencies to ensure quality deliverables
- Utilize advanced research tools and platforms, including survey research solutions like Conjointly for conjoint analysis, MaxDiff studies, and other choice-based research methods
- Conduct primary research including surveys, focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic studies
- Analyze secondary data sources such as market reports, competitor intelligence, and industry trends
Data Analysis & Insights Generation
- Analyze complex datasets using statistical software and data visualization tools
- Identify patterns, trends, and correlations that inform business strategy
- Translate data into compelling narratives that resonate with stakeholders
- Develop customer segmentation models and personas to guide marketing efforts
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to market position and brand health
Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Present findings and recommendations to C-suite executives and cross-functional teams
- Create executive dashboards that provide at-a-glance insights into market performance
- Collaborate with marketing, product, and sales teams to implement research-driven strategies
- Educate internal stakeholders on research methodologies and best practices
- Build a culture of consumer-centricity throughout the organization
Team Leadership
- Manage and mentor junior researchers and analysts
- Foster professional development within the research team
- Establish research standards and quality control processes
- Promote knowledge sharing across the organization
Required Skills & Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Business, Statistics, Psychology, Economics, or related field
- Master’s degree preferred (MBA, MS in Marketing Research, or MS in Data Analytics)
- Professional certifications such as RIVA Moderator Training or Insights Association certifications are advantageous
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software (SPSS, R, Python, SAS)
- Experience with survey platforms and research tools including Conjointly for advanced choice modeling
- Data visualization expertise (Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms)
- Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills including pivot tables and statistical functions
- Familiarity with CRM and marketing automation platforms
- Understanding of SQL for database querying (increasingly important)
Research Methodologies
- Quantitative methods: Survey design, conjoint analysis, MaxDiff, regression analysis, factor analysis
- Qualitative methods: Focus group moderation, in-depth interviews, ethnographic research
- Mixed methods approaches that combine qual and quant insights
- Experimental design including A/B testing and multivariate testing
- Predictive analytics and forecasting techniques
Soft Skills
- Exceptional communication skills for presenting complex data to non-technical audiences
- Strategic thinking and business acumen
- Project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple concurrent projects
- Intellectual curiosity and passion for understanding consumer behavior
- Attention to detail while maintaining big-picture perspective
- Collaborative mindset for cross-functional teamwork
Experience Requirements
- 5-8 years of market research experience, with at least 2-3 years in a management or senior analyst role
- Proven track record of delivering actionable insights that drive business results
- Industry experience relevant to the hiring organization (B2B, B2C, technology, FMCG, etc.)
- Experience managing research budgets typically ranging from $200K to $2M+ annually
Salary Expectations by Market & Seniority Level
Salaries for Market Research & Insights Managers vary significantly based on location, industry, company size, and experience level. Below is a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Junior Manager (3-5 yrs) | Mid-Level Manager (5-8 yrs) | Senior Manager (8+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 80,000 - 110,000 | 110,000 - 150,000 | 150,000 - 200,000+ |
| United States (USD) | 75,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 130,000 | 130,000 - 180,000+ |
| Canada (CAD) | 75,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 125,000 | 125,000 - 165,000+ |
| Australia (AUD) | 90,000 - 120,000 | 120,000 - 155,000 | 155,000 - 200,000+ |
| Philippines (PHP) | 900,000 - 1,400,000 | 1,400,000 - 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 - 2,800,000+ |
| Thailand (THB) | 900,000 - 1,300,000 | 1,300,000 - 1,800,000 | 1,800,000 - 2,500,000+ |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 45,000 - 60,000 | 60,000 - 80,000 | 80,000 - 110,000+ |
| Germany (EUR) | 55,000 - 70,000 | 70,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 120,000+ |
| France (EUR) | 50,000 - 65,000 | 65,000 - 85,000 | 85,000 - 115,000+ |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 55,000 - 72,000 | 72,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 125,000+ |
Note: Salaries are annual base compensation and may not include bonuses, equity, or other benefits which can add 10-30% to total compensation.
Career Progression
The Market Research & Insights Manager role offers several career advancement opportunities:
- Senior Insights Manager - Leading larger teams and more strategic initiatives
- Director of Market Research - Overseeing entire research departments
- VP of Consumer Insights - C-suite adjacent role with enterprise-wide influence
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Leveraging insights expertise in broader marketing leadership
- Strategy Consulting - Transitioning to management consulting firms
- Entrepreneurship - Starting a boutique research consultancy
Industry Outlook
The demand for Market Research & Insights Managers remains strong in 2026, driven by:
- Increased focus on customer experience across all industries
- Digital transformation creating new data sources and analysis opportunities
- Growing importance of personalization in marketing strategies
- Expansion of AI and machine learning in predictive analytics
- Rise of agile research methodologies requiring skilled managers to implement
APAC markets, particularly Singapore, Australia, and emerging Southeast Asian economies, show particularly strong growth as companies invest in understanding diverse, rapidly evolving consumer bases.
How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- Build a portfolio showcasing impactful research projects and business outcomes
- Stay current with emerging methodologies including behavioral economics and neuromarketing
- Develop industry specialization in high-growth sectors like technology, healthcare, or sustainability
- Gain certification in advanced research techniques or data analytics
- Network actively through professional organizations like the Insights Association or ESOMAR
- Publish thought leadership on industry trends and research innovations
Conclusion
The Market Research & Insights Manager role is ideal for analytical professionals who are passionate about understanding human behavior and driving business strategy through data. With competitive salaries, diverse career paths, and growing demand across global markets, this position offers excellent opportunities for those who can blend technical expertise with strategic thinking and compelling storytelling.
Whether you’re an aspiring insights professional or an organization looking to hire, understanding the full scope of this role—from technical requirements to strategic impact—is essential for success in today’s data-driven business environment.