What technical skills do Market Research Managers need to succeed?
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Market research managers are responsible for designing, executing, and analyzing research projects that help businesses understand their customers, competitors, and markets. They need to have a combination of technical skills, such as data analysis, survey design, and report writing, as well as soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and creativity. In this article, we will explore some of the most important technical skills that market research managers need to succeed in their role and advance their career.
Data analysis is the core of market research, as it involves collecting, processing, and interpreting data from various sources, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, online platforms, and secondary research. Market research managers need to be proficient in using different tools and techniques to analyze data, such as Excel, SPSS, R, Python, Tableau, and Power BI. They also need to be able to apply statistical methods, such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis, to draw meaningful insights and recommendations from the data.
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Kiran Alhat
Assistant Manager @ Samsung C&T | Driving Growth through Business Research
To succeed as a market research manager, proficiency in data analysis tools and software like SPSS, Excel, R, Python, Tableau, and Power BI can be highly beneficial. These tools are commonly used in the field for data collection, analysis, and visualization. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the job and the organization. It's essential to be adaptable and willing to learn new tools as the field evolves. Additionally, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with a good understanding of market research methodologies, are also crucial for success in this role.
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Burag Ciroğlu
Foreign Trade & Marketing Director at Kartes Ltd
If you want to be successful at Market research first you need understand your target and needs. You need to start with Micro look and after eliminations with data serach and anlysis you need to focus at the minor details to reach the direct target. At every step you need minimilize your search. of course correct data is very important and you need check the valuability and efficiency of the data and compare for the best result.
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Rahul Patil
Consumer Insights | Kadence International
Market research managers need a variety of technical skills to succeed, including data analysis using tools such as SPSS and Excel, research design and analysis, database management with SQL skills, market research-specific software expertise, competitive analysis tools, data privacy, compliance expertise , data visualization, basic organizational skills, including familiarity with market research techniques, project management tools, and network analysis. In addition, they must have the skills to translate data into actionable insights, communicate findings effectively to stakeholders, and demonstrate problem-solving, project management and leadership skills
Survey design is the process of creating and administering surveys that measure the opinions, preferences, behaviors, and characteristics of a target population. Market research managers need to be skilled in designing surveys that are clear, concise, relevant, unbiased, and reliable. They need to know how to formulate effective research questions and objectives, choose the appropriate survey type and method, select and sample the respondents, design and test the questionnaire, and ensure the ethical and legal compliance of the survey.
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Heba Nader
Senior Market Researcher
kills in designing surveys and questionnaires that yield high-quality data. This involves understanding how to frame questions to avoid bias and capture the information needed.
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John Lee
MSc Marketing Strategy | MSc Market Science | BSc Business Administration | Product Manager | Product Marketing | Sales | Business Development
Survey design is the process of creating and administering surveys that measure the opinions, preferences, behaviors, and characteristics of a target population. Market research managers need to be skilled in designing surveys that are clear, concise, relevant, unbiased, and reliable. They need to know how to formulate effective research questions and objectives, choose the appropriate survey type and method, select and sample the respondents, design and test the questionnaire, and ensure the ethical and legal compliance of the survey.
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Dominica E.
Market Research Analyst | Biz Dev | Digital Marketer helping brands expand to new markets with GTM strategy, AI, data-driven sales and B2B marketplaces
From my personal experience, I suggest using effective software that can help with survey design such as Qualtrics. In the new area of data collection - data is power. Hence, do surveys powerfully!
Report writing is the process of presenting and communicating the findings and implications of a research project to a specific audience, such as clients, stakeholders, or decision-makers. Market research managers need to be adept at writing reports that are structured, coherent, persuasive, and engaging. They need to know how to use different formats and styles, such as executive summaries, dashboards, charts, graphs, tables, and infographics, to convey the key messages and recommendations of the research. They also need to be able to tailor the report to the needs and expectations of the audience, as well as to the objectives and scope of the research.
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Lukasz Wdowiak
CEO at Stratega, CEO at Interviewly, International Market Research
Throughout my career in both qualitative and quantitative market research, report writing has always been about translating complex data or consumer quotes and thoughts into compelling stories. The ability to distill data in an objective manner into clear, actionable insights is a skill the pays the most in terms of client satisfaction. Ensuring that stakeholders can make informed decisions based on my reports is very important. I also think that recommendations section of the report if consulted properly with the client team can be the most meaningful and substantial part of the report and something that is valued the most.
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Verkha Rani
Social Media and Social Commerce Entrepreneur | Committed to Social Causes | Cofounder Chief Marketing Officer at Shopdibz & ScrapItt | Ex DGM | Ex VP | MBA from UK | Delhi College of Engineering | ISB | IIT
Report writing is an art that transforms raw data into a compelling narrative. Market research managers, we don the hat of storytellers, turning findings into structured, persuasive, and engaging reports. Our canvas includes executive summaries, dashboards, and vivid visuals like charts, graphs, tables, and infographics. With each stroke, we craft messages that resonate with our audience, aligning reports with their needs and expectations. It's about bridging the gap between data and actionable insights. Kudos to all market research managers who turn numbers into stories that drive decisions! 📈📊🖋 #ReportWriting #MarketResearch #DataStorytellers
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AISHA AJISEKOLA
Business analyst | market research analyst | agricultural economist|data analyst
Communicating the insight generated from the survey is one of the important skill needed to be a successful market researcher. In other to give an effective recommendation that align with the company objective, one need to have good knowledge of the product/ services provided by the company. Having the right knowledge of the product/services, with good understanding of the research objective will help give a more effective recommendation that would serve the company. Also, a market researcher is required to present the findings to the stakeholders. An effective presentation skill will help a market research manager communicate it findings to the stakeholders and also validates it recommendation.
Project management is the process of planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling the resources, tasks, and deliverables of a research project. Market research managers need to be competent in managing multiple projects simultaneously, with different timelines, budgets, and scopes. They need to know how to define the project scope and objectives, allocate and manage the resources, monitor and control the progress and quality, and evaluate and report the outcomes and impacts of the project. They also need to be able to handle the risks, issues, and changes that may arise during the project lifecycle.
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Lukasz Wdowiak
CEO at Stratega, CEO at Interviewly, International Market Research
The multifaceted role of a Market Research Manager demands strong project management capabilities, especially if you are also running international market research projects. Flexibility to adapt as projects evolve and you receive first insights or test results from different markets is critical. Ensuring that research objectives are met on time and within budget is key, but it does not always mean sticking rigidly to the plan and sometimes requires out of the box thinking and decisions on the go.
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Heba Nader
Senior Market Researcher
amiliarity with project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project to manage research projects efficiently.
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Verkha Rani
Social Media and Social Commerce Entrepreneur | Committed to Social Causes | Cofounder Chief Marketing Officer at Shopdibz & ScrapItt | Ex DGM | Ex VP | MBA from UK | Delhi College of Engineering | ISB | IIT
Project management is the heartbeat of our work as market research managers. We're the conductors orchestrating the intricate symphony of resources, tasks, and deliverables. Managing multiple projects, each with its unique timeline, budget, and scope, is like juggling multiple balls in the air. We thrive on defining clear project objectives, efficiently allocating resources, and expertly monitoring progress and quality. Adaptability is our forte; we navigate the ever-changing project landscape, handling risks, issues, and unexpected changes with finesse. It's a challenging but rewarding journey that leads to tangible outcomes and impacts. 🔍 #ProjectManagement #MarketResearch #ResourceMasters
Market knowledge is the understanding of the external factors that affect a business, such as the industry trends, customer needs, competitor strategies, and regulatory environment. Market research managers need to be well-informed about the market they are researching, as well as the broader context and implications of their research. They need to know how to conduct secondary research, such as literature reviews, market reports, and competitor analysis, to supplement their primary research. They also need to be able to synthesize and integrate the market knowledge with the research data, to provide relevant and actionable insights and recommendations for the business.
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Verkha Rani
Social Media and Social Commerce Entrepreneur | Committed to Social Causes | Cofounder Chief Marketing Officer at Shopdibz & ScrapItt | Ex DGM | Ex VP | MBA from UK | Delhi College of Engineering | ISB | IIT
Absolutely, market knowledge is the compass that guides us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Market research managers are the navigators, responsible for understanding the intricate web of external factors that shape our strategies. We dive deep into industry trends, customer demands, and competitor moves, staying ahead of the curve. Our toolbox includes secondary research, where we scour literature, study market reports, and analyze competitors to complement primary research. But it doesn't stop there. We turn knowledge into actionable insights for business growth. #MarketKnowledge #MarketResearch #StrategicInsights
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Saloni Agarwal
Outdoor Leader | Trip Curator | Creative Director | Sales | Adventurer | Blogger | Traveler | Social Worker | Learner | Dreamer | Doer | Storyteller | Orator
In my perspective, market knowledge is more than data; it's a strategic compass. As a bridge between raw information and actionable insights, it demands an intricate understanding of industry trends, consumer needs, and competitive landscapes. Research managers must adeptly synthesize vast data, transforming it into a narrative that guides businesses. It's about foreseeing market shifts, anticipating trends, and offering nuanced recommendations. In the evolving business sphere, this ability to decode complexities is indispensable, shaping the very trajectory of enterprises.
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Andreea Fauchille
Etudes & Stratégie marketing. Formation. Innovation durable
Market knowledge enables marketers to have the bigger picture and make wise and calculated decisions. Only Qual or Quant research is clearly not enough and one needs to have a strong interest in the market field where he/she operate, the society, the economy.
Technology awareness is the awareness of the current and emerging technologies that can enhance or disrupt the market research field, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, blockchain, and internet of things. Market research managers need to be curious and adaptable to the technological changes and innovations that may affect their work. They need to know how to use and leverage the technology to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and value of their research. They also need to be able to anticipate and respond to the challenges and opportunities that the technology may pose for the market research industry and profession.
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Thue Quist Thomasen
CEO Decision Lab - Creating the leading market research consultancy for Vietnam 🇻🇳🤩
Market research is a field that will be radically changed as AI advances. Much of what thousands of market research professionals contribute worldwide will be replaced or improved by new developments. Secondly, the quantitative survey as a methodology is under threat as large data models offer new ways to predict the outcome of creatives in advertising, new product innovations and packaging. This is an opportunity for our profession; we get to be at the centre of a vast transformation, and if we can focus on building effective research designs, implementing systematic approaches to tracking and analysing perception, and apply ourselves at a more strategic level we will see growth in our careers and the organisations we work within.
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Andreea Fauchille
Etudes & Stratégie marketing. Formation. Innovation durable
Technology is a tool that sometimes is extremely useful and facilitates work both in terms of gathering insights but also in terms of presenting the results. It is important to remember that technology is a tool to be used with intelligence by humans and not the contrary
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Verkha Rani
Social Media and Social Commerce Entrepreneur | Committed to Social Causes | Cofounder Chief Marketing Officer at Shopdibz & ScrapItt | Ex DGM | Ex VP | MBA from UK | Delhi College of Engineering | ISB | IIT
In the ever-evolving landscape of market research, technology awareness is indispensable. With the advent of artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, blockchain, and the internet of things, market research managers must stay curious and adaptable. Knowing how to harness these technologies is key to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and the overall value of research. Anticipating and responding to challenges and opportunities presented by technology is crucial for staying ahead in the dynamic market research industry. The ability to navigate and leverage these advancements ensures not only the relevance of the profession but also positions market research managers as innovators in a rapidly changing field.
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Anita P.
Sr. Research Specialist @ FutureBridge | Food & Nutrition | Strategic Consulting | Techno-commercial Consulting | Industry Analysis
While market research often emphasizes the significance of quantitative analysis, Market Research Managers should also be well-acquainted with qualitative analysis methods, including conducting focus group studies and in-depth expert interviews.
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Archita Fritz
I help empower bold disruptions for startups to F500 | 19+ yrs. scaling results | Growth Strategist | Speaker/Moderator - Self Advocacy | CMO | Top LinkedIN Voice: Thought Leadership, Public Speaking
I would add curiosity. Whether you call it a soft still or not it is at the centre of what’s critical to succeed and provide valuable bias free understanding of capture of market research. On a project I helped lead in a market research recently, the founder wanted to enter into a new market where they didn’t think we had a lot of opportunity. Upon engaging with them and following a customer centered Design thinking mindset I was able to identify an over $500M market size opportunity. All by getting curious to understand what problems we were trying to solve for the customer.
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Verkha Rani
Social Media and Social Commerce Entrepreneur | Committed to Social Causes | Cofounder Chief Marketing Officer at Shopdibz & ScrapItt | Ex DGM | Ex VP | MBA from UK | Delhi College of Engineering | ISB | IIT
Market Research Managers require a diverse set of technical skills for success. Proficiency in data analysis tools, statistical software, and database management is essential. Knowledge of programming languages like Python or R can enhance analytical capabilities. Familiarity with survey software and data visualization tools aids in interpreting and presenting findings effectively. Moreover, a strong grasp of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning is increasingly valuable. Digital literacy, including proficiency in Excel and data modeling, is foundational. Adapt to automation, grasp market research software; stay competitive in dynamics.