Senior Research Executive - Job Opportunity at KANTAR

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Full-time
Senior
Posted: August 15, 2025
On-site
Based on Dubai's competitive market for senior market research professionals and Kantar's global market leadership position, the compensation range is likely AED 180,000 - 250,000 annually (USD 49,000 - 68,000), plus performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits package reflecting the region's tax-free income structure and international assignment premiums.

Benefits

Comprehensive integrated rewards system designed to ensure market competitiveness and support performance-driven career progression
Pay-for-performance culture linking compensation directly to individual contributions and results
Inclusive and supportive work environment prioritizing employee mental health and well-being initiatives
Access to global opportunities within a leading multinational organization with 30,000+ employees worldwide
Professional development opportunities in cutting-edge data analytics and market research methodologies

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic client relationship development and management, serving as trusted advisor to deliver customized research solutions that directly impact client business decisions and market positioning
Lead end-to-end quantitative research project execution from conception to delivery, including high-stakes proposal development, resource allocation, and budget management to ensure optimal ROI
Transform complex research data into actionable business intelligence and present compelling insights that influence client strategic direction and competitive advantage
Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration with marketing, IT, and customer service teams to ensure seamless project delivery and exceed client expectations in competitive market environments
Implement rigorous quality assurance protocols to maintain industry-leading research standards and strengthen client retention through exceptional deliverable quality
Champion continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance research methodologies and operational efficiency, contributing to organizational competitive edge and market leadership

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree preferably in Marketing, Business, Statistics, or a related field. A Master's degree is helpful.

Experience

Proven experience (3+ years) in market research, with a focus on quantitative research methodologies. Client management and project execution experience are preferred.

Required Skills

Strong analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualisation (e.g., SPSS, Excel, PowerPoint) Excellent project management skills; great at running multiple projects simultaneously Strong communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and results-oriented approach
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Industry Trends

The market research industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by digital transformation and data democratization, with companies increasingly relying on sophisticated analytics to navigate complex consumer behaviors and market volatility. Organizations are investing heavily in real-time insights capabilities to maintain competitive advantage in rapidly evolving markets. Middle East markets, particularly Dubai, are emerging as critical hubs for global market research operations due to their strategic geographic position connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, creating substantial demand for senior research professionals who can navigate diverse cultural and business environments. Quantitative research methodologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the integration of AI and machine learning technologies, requiring research executives to blend traditional statistical expertise with modern data science capabilities to deliver comprehensive market intelligence. Client expectations have evolved significantly, with businesses demanding not just data analysis but strategic consultation and actionable recommendations that directly translate into measurable business outcomes and competitive positioning strategies.

Role Significance

Typically manages or collaborates with teams of 5-8 professionals including junior researchers, data analysts, and project coordinators, while interfacing regularly with senior management and C-level client executives. The role often involves matrix management across multiple concurrent projects and cross-functional team leadership.
This senior-level position represents a critical bridge between analytical expertise and strategic business consultation, with significant influence over client relationships and project outcomes. The role carries substantial responsibility for revenue generation and client retention while serving as a mentor for junior research staff and contributing to organizational methodology development.

Key Projects

Large-scale consumer behavior studies spanning multiple markets and demographics, often involving sample sizes of 10,000+ respondents and complex statistical modeling to identify market opportunities and consumer insights Brand positioning and competitive analysis projects that directly influence multi-million dollar marketing strategies and product launch decisions for global brands operating in the MENA region Market entry feasibility studies for international companies expanding into Middle Eastern markets, requiring comprehensive analysis of cultural, economic, and competitive factors

Success Factors

Exceptional analytical thinking combined with strategic business acumen enables the translation of complex quantitative data into clear, actionable insights that drive measurable business impact and strengthen long-term client relationships Advanced proficiency in statistical software and data visualization tools, coupled with the ability to effectively communicate complex findings to diverse audiences ranging from technical analysts to C-suite executives across different cultural contexts Strong project management capabilities with proven ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives while maintaining quality standards, meeting deadlines, and optimizing resource allocation in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments Cultural intelligence and adaptability essential for success in Dubai's diverse business environment, requiring sensitivity to regional market nuances and ability to work effectively with international teams and clients

Market Demand

High demand driven by Dubai's strategic importance as a regional business hub and the critical need for data-driven decision making across industries. The combination of quantitative research expertise, client management skills, and regional market knowledge creates strong positioning for career advancement and competitive compensation negotiations.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Statistical analysis and quantitative research methodology expertise forms the technical foundation of the role, enabling the design and execution of sophisticated research studies that meet the highest academic and professional standards while delivering actionable business intelligence Client relationship management and consultative selling skills are essential for success, as the role requires building trust with senior executives and demonstrating clear ROI from research investments through compelling presentation of findings and strategic recommendations Project management proficiency directly impacts both client satisfaction and organizational profitability, requiring the ability to coordinate complex, multi-phase research initiatives while managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholder expectations across diverse cultural and business contexts

Beneficial Skills

Advanced data visualization and storytelling capabilities enhance the impact and memorability of research presentations, helping clients better understand and act upon complex analytical findings while differentiating service delivery from competitors Regional market knowledge and cultural intelligence provide significant competitive advantages in Dubai's diverse business environment, enabling more effective client communication and deeper insight interpretation that resonates with local market conditions and cultural nuances Digital marketing and consumer behavior expertise complements traditional research skills by providing contemporary context for data interpretation and enabling more relevant, timely insights that address current market dynamics and emerging consumer trends

Unique Aspects

Opportunity to work with the world's largest market research organization while being based in one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing business hubs globally, providing exposure to both established multinational corporations and emerging regional market leaders
Access to Kantar's proprietary research methodologies and advanced analytics platforms that represent the cutting edge of market research technology, including AI-powered insights generation and real-time consumer behavior tracking systems
Strategic positioning within Dubai's business ecosystem provides unique opportunities to work across diverse industries and cultural contexts, from traditional sectors like oil and finance to emerging areas like renewable energy, tourism, and technology innovation

Career Growth

Progression to management roles typically occurs within 18-24 months for high performers, with director-level opportunities available within 3-4 years given strong performance, expanded client portfolio management, and demonstrated thought leadership in quantitative research methodologies.

Potential Next Roles

Research Manager or Senior Research Manager positions with expanded team leadership responsibilities and P&L accountability, typically involving management of 15-25 research professionals and strategic oversight of multiple client portfolios Director of Insights or Head of Quantitative Research roles focusing on methodology development, thought leadership, and strategic business development within large multinational research organizations Client-side Senior Insights Manager or Director positions with global brands, leveraging agency experience to drive internal research capabilities and strategic decision-making processes

Company Overview

KANTAR

Kantar stands as the undisputed global leader in data, insights, and consulting services, commanding the largest market share worldwide with operations spanning over 90 countries and serving more than 75% of Fortune 500 companies. The organization combines decades of research expertise with cutting-edge technology platforms to deliver comprehensive market intelligence solutions that shape business strategies for the world's most influential brands.

As the world's leading market research organization, Kantar maintains dominant market position through its comprehensive service portfolio, proprietary methodologies, and unparalleled global reach. The company's scale and expertise create significant competitive advantages, offering employees access to the most sophisticated research tools and highest-profile client engagements in the industry.
Dubai serves as Kantar's strategic hub for Middle East and North Africa operations, positioning the office as a critical center for regional growth and expansion. The location provides unique exposure to diverse markets and cultures while offering significant career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing regional economy supported by substantial government investment in business development and diversification.
Kantar's culture emphasizes intellectual curiosity, collaborative innovation, and professional excellence, creating an environment where analytical rigor meets creative problem-solving. The organization's commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its global perspective and performance-driven approach, fosters a dynamic workplace that attracts top-tier research professionals and provides extensive opportunities for professional development and international experience.
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