Research Specialist at Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH)

JOB PURPOSE

• Consult to business regarding various research projects from start to finish. Design qualitative and quantitative projects, that are aligned to business objectives using appropriate research principles and methodologies. Ensure research objectives and research protocols are aligned to best practice. Collate data and write effective reports for business. Ensure effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Keep abreast of current and relevant industry research.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Develop and/or deliver a plan for significant aspects of a research program with guidance from senior colleagues. Responsible for research design (quantitative and qualitative), questionnaire design, sampling and activation of research projects. Adherence to research best practice (ethical and design principles considered). Responsible for the integration of research initiatives and secondary research findings across the business to create consistency and alignment of research in the Group.

Information and Business Advice

• Consult to each division in the Group regarding research requirements, advising them on appropriate research initiatives which includes but is not limited to research design, research methodology, costs, duration, sampling and questionnaire design. Accountable to drive the research findings back into the business and assist with the formulation of action plans to address the original research objective and business challenges based on the feedback. Integrate different information sources (primary and secondary) to provide business with a single view of the customer (marketing, service, product development and other BU's considered)

Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that business research requirements are identified and met.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Use data from a wide range of sources to analyze key themes and identify possible impacts on the business. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data sets to gain insights from data collected. Design of questionnaires and in-depth interviews/discussion guides, applicable to the various projects.

Insights and Reporting

• Prepare and coordinate the completion of various research reports. Create, write and compile research findings to provide the relevant business unit with recommendations and actionable insights.

Project, Program and Portfolio Management

• Responsible for various ad-hoc research projects across marketing, communications, service, product development, reputation and other areas, for all the TIH brands. Keep business informed on the progress of the project and manage any issues that arise. Ensure the use of appropriate project management methodology to give assurance that intended outcomes are achieved.

Personal Capability Building

• Act as subject matter expert in research and research methodologies. Keep abreast of research best practice and SAMRA regulation, adapting all initiatives accordingly. Read industry research and keep business informed on findings that affect TIH brands, providing integrated research reports.

Supplier Management

• Responsible for supplier management to ensure research suppliers are fully briefed on business objectives and they deliver according to expectations. Brief external research houses on requirements for outsourced research projects. Act as the liaison between the research house and business to provide information and answer questions from either party throughout the project’s life cycle.

Requirements

General Education

• Grade 12/ SAQA Accredited Equivalent (Essential)
• Relevant 3-year degree in Psychology, Research or Marketing (Essential)
• Relevant postgraduate degree (Advantageous)

 EXPERIENCE

 General Experience

• 3 or more years in a Research Consultant position (Essential)
• Market research exposure (Essential)
• Exposure to Project Management (Essential)
• Understanding/experience of the financial services/insurance industry (Advantageous)
• Experience at a Research Consulting firm (Advantageous