USA
Online Survey Programmer — Chicago, IL
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Division/department: IT
Job description
Under general supervision performs all programming activities involved in the creation and implementation of electronic surveys that result in the production of accurate data collection.
Performs a combination of the following duties according to departmental guidelines:
- Interpret project needs and requirements to include review of survey questionnaires and other relevant material to formulate and recommend necessary programming efficiencies that result in accurate and timely data collection
- Program, test and debug market research surveys, to include surveys of the highest complexity, using SPSS online software, mrStudio
- Investigates and resolves programming issues sharing solutions with others in the department
- Acts as lead in handling programming assignments
- Supports updates and enhancements to relevant software applications informing and guiding users as to the use of the changes
- Manages and implements the translation of multilingual programs using specialized software applications, such as, mrTranslate
- Communicates and coordinates with others (Data Collection group, Marketing group and offshore programming vendors) to answer questions and resolve issues relative to programming and data collection and / or processes and standards
- Performs other essential duties as assigned
Requirements
- Associate's degree in Information Technology or related field or equivalent in experience
- Minimum of two years programming experience
- Experience with HTML, XML, VBScript, and JavaScript highly desirable
- Experience with programming software for market research survey development is a plus
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with people globally.
- Strong organizational and time management skills to effectively handle multiple projects and tasks within established timeframe.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
- Experience in working with offshore teams a plus.
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
Requisition code: 08-09-007
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
Senior Client Service Manager — New York, NY / Chicago, IL ...
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Locations:
New York, NY /Chicago, IL /Encino, CA /Cincinnati, OH /Boston, MA /Philadelphia, PA /Detroit, MI /Washington, DC /Princeton, NJ /Mahwah, NJ /San Francisco, CA /Atlanta, GA Division/department: Research
Job description
Client Service Personnel have ultimate responsibility to the practitioner / qualitative specialist for ensuring that all aspects of the proposal development process and projects are completed correctly, on time, and on or below budget. The position is the cornerstone of everything that occurs and therefore carries a huge mantel of responsibility to the practitioner / qualitative specialist and the company. These individuals must be talented, consummate professionals that are multi-task oriented and constantly learning more about qualitative research and moderating excellence in order to become continuously more effective and efficient in their roles.
- Planning and Set-up phases
- Develops cost estimates for research projects
- Participate in project set up meeting to discuss project details, desired schedule and any changes made since costing specifications
- Develop schedules with the local partners
- Develop itinerary with all current information & ensure schedule compliance
- Field Management
- Manage the entire project process from translation and recruitment through to the completed project, making sure that all parties are continually updated as to the progress of the project
- Coordinate research, working with the most appropriate moderators / best facilities available in each country
- Complete all necessary paperwork and create screeners, field instructions, etc. connected with each project, in a timely manner
- Continually update database of hotels, driving directions & moderator CV's for each location
- Provide all documents (screeners, field instructions, discussion guides and concepts produced in English) to local partner for translation into the local language, immediately upon client approval
- Schedule and participate in kick off conference calls with each local partner
- Stay in contact with the research partners on the project on a daily basis through email and telephone
- Utilize field checklist to ensure that all markets provide / receive all necessary project materials
- Manage services to ensure that all aspects of each project are completed on time and for the lowest possible fees. This includes sample management, translations, transcriptions and other services
- Provide information for clients proactively and upon request, on an agreed-upon basis
- Inform the Qualitative Specialist and the client about all schedule changes immediately upon discovery
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing or a related field or equivalent in experience
- 8 years market research and direct client service experience
- Organized and detail organized
- Excels in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Good negotiating skills
- Proven knowledge of custom qualitative research methodologies and techniques
- Knowledgeable of field and project management
- Committed to company philosophy and goals
- Ability to take responsibility for making decisions regarding project-related issues
- Willingness to contact international clients and field based on their availability/business hours
- Demonstrate initiative to become a future leader in the company
- Ability to work under pressure and manage time effectively
- Computer literate - working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe
About Synovate Qualitative Research
Qualitative researchers aim to gather an in-depth understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such behavior. The discipline investigates the why and how of decision making, not just what, where, and when. Hence, qualitative research uses smaller but focused samples that are more often needed rather than large random samples. One way of differentiating qualitative research from quantitative research is that largely, qualitative research is exploratory (i.e., hypothesis-generating), while quantitative research is more focused and aims to test hypotheses. In addition, qualitative research speaks to content validity -- do measures measure what a researcher thinks they measure? Quantitative data are of the kind that may lead to measurement or other kinds of analysis involving applied mathematics, while qualitative data cannot always be put into a context that can be graphed or displayed as a mathematical term. However, qualitative data may be useful to explain puzzling quantitative results, or may be used to generate additional variables to include in an analysis.
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
NO relocation provided - local candidates only
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
Senior Study Director — Chicago, IL / New York, NY
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Locations:
Chicago, IL /New York, NY Division/department: Research
Job description
This mid-level client service position is responsible for managing all aspects of the research projects for your assigned clients including consultation with client regarding research needs, up-front research design, project pricing, and leadership of project team, and delivery of final results. Additionally, this position will manage the total business relationship with a number of small to mid-sized clients. The primary focus is on managing and growing business with clients across a wide variety of research methodologies. Reports to Account Group Manager or above.
Requirements
- Leads all phases of research project management and analysis – including, but not limited to, sample design, questionnaire design, oversight of data collection, coordinating international fieldwork, data processing, analysis, creation and presentation of final deliverables.
- Nurtures existing client relationships and expands proposal opportunities and share of client(s) business. Monitors and understands client business needs and objectives and markets Synovate services and solutions via winning proposals.
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Manages project costs against budgets. Reviews monthly cost reports for accuracy takes necessary
actions.
- Manage and develop assigned team members to develop each employee’s skills so that they can achieve their career path objectives
- Well-developed knowledge of a wide range of custom market research methodologies and techniques especially in the area of product development research (i.e., concept and product testing), as well as brand and communications tracking, and attitude and usage research.
- CPG experience (food and personal care category) in concept/product testing would be a plus
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6+ years of experience working within a research supplier and/or client organization, including:
- Hands-on experience in research design, survey design, analytic planning, and data analysis / interpretation / reporting.
- 3+ years working in a client service role within marketing research or other marketing services company.
- International research experience is a plus
- BS degree in business, social sciences, education, or communications. (advanced degree a plus)
- Solid business acumen and marketing orientation
- Well-developed knowledge of a wide range of custom market research methodologies and techniques especially in the area of product development research (i.e., concept and product testing), as well as brand and communications tracking, and attitude and usage research.
- Experience in concept / product testing would be a plus
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6+ years of experience working within a research supplier and/or client organization, including:
- Hands-on experience in research design, survey design, analytic planning, and data analysis / interpretation / reporting
- 3+ years working in a client service role within marketing research or other marketing services company
- International research experience is a plus
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BS degree in business, social sciences, education, or communications. (advanced degree a plus)
- Solid business acumen and marketing orientation
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
Senior Vice President — Chicago, IL
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Division/department: Other
Job description
Position Summary: In January, 2008 Synovate reorganized a portion of its U.S. operations forming, among others, a Consumer Group. This group is predominantly made up of the FMCG sector but also includes consumer electronics, the media industry, housewares, small and large appliances, and several other sectors.
Candidates for this position will come from leading supplier or client firms in the FMCG industry. Executives with a pure research background will be considered as well as executives with a multi-functional background that may include marketing, shopper insights, media, brand agencies, etc.
Key Relationships:
- Reports to the Executive Vice President of CBI which is a P&L unit that includes the Consumer, Retail and Marketing Services business units
- Relationships with solution area practice leaders and operations will also be key
Major Responsibilities:
- Accountable for revenue and profit growth for the Consumer Unit
- Develop and execute a market strategy to grow the Consumer Unit and its associated market segments
- Work closely with Synovate's Practice areas (Brand & Communication, Shopper Insights, Product Design and Development, etc.) in creating and implementing market plans to achieve maximum revenue growth
- Develop new product recommendations that will be embraced by the marketplace
- Work closely with key members of the team on potential acquisitions targets and alliance partners
- Develop close senior level relationships with key clients, industry trade associations and potential partners
- Attract the required talent to deliver more effective strategies and higher sustainable levels of growth
- Effectively manage and develop the personnel assigned to this unit
- Retain and motivate the team to perform at consistently high levels
- Instill market planning and business development disciplines across the organization setting short and long-range operating objectives
Requirements
Candidate Specification: Key Selection Criteria and Ideal Experience
- A forward thinking, client-driven P&L / general management business leader with a proven track record of selling into the FMCG space
- A respected researcher that has grown up analyzing data and providing recommendations across key client functions and issues
- A deep understanding of this marketplace including an understanding of shopper insights, brand equity and product / concept development
- In-depth exposure to business development and experience introducing new ideas and concepts
- An externally-oriented executive with a proven track record of forging strategic relationships
- Accustomed to working in a large matrix environment
- Previous research agency experience is a requirement
- Outstanding supervisory skills
- Experienced in global research
Critical Competencies for Success:
- Leading change. Driving significant strategic and organizational change. Understands the dynamics involved in implementing significant organizational or strategic change. Gains the commitments of others to make the change effort successful
- Strong marketing and product development skills. Previous experience in conceiving "go-to-market" strategies for capturing market share and hands on execution skills in implementing these strategies
- Excellent customer/external skills. An individual who enjoys working closely with customers and will be seen in the marketplace as the driving force behind new initiatives
- High-energy, passionate and focused on winning. Motivated by challenge and driven to win. A highly-motivated, self-directed individual who is tenacious in his / her approach
- Superior intelligence and high energy. Thrives in a fast-paced and evolving culture. Someone with the intellectual horsepower to lead this unit into the future
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
Requisition code: 02-09-007-CH
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
Vice President - (Business Development) — Chicago, IL
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Division/department: Operations
Job description
Leads new business development for customer experience / loyalty practice with the goal of adding new client revenue for this practice within the CBI vertical. Vertical focus areas include: manufacturers, wholesalers / distributors and retailers (B2B); and end user customers.
Requirements
- Agree on overall $ goals and objectives for new business development
- Identify and get agreement on strategy and tactics and timeline to achieve the goal of adding new client CE business to the CBI vertical
- Develop a strong working knowledge of Synovate solutions for CE, CE-Trackers, BVC
- Proactively assemble materials required to support prospecting and sales activities, including presentations, case studies as required
- Develop a prospect list of companies that are high value targets (high value based on CE $ spend)
- Identify qualified individuals (decision makers, economic buyers, influencers) within the target prospect company list
- Introduce Synovate CE capabilities and position Synovate as a strong provider of these services with target list of companies
- Lead coordination of Synovate response to eligible RFP’s or RFI’s for CE programs
- Maintain and provide an up to date status report on all prospecting and sales activities including, contact database building activities, contact database, details of contact and follow up by company, proposals and sales
- Meet weekly with CBI Loyalty team leaders to review progress towards goals agreed upon and update strategy and tactics as needed to stay on course
4-6 years relevant supplier side experience in selling 'information' solutions to senior level executives within Fortune 1000 companies. Has demonstrated success in building new business with Retailers and Manufacturers. Training in strategic selling techniques a plus. MBA degree a plus. Prior experience in selling customer satisfaction / loyalty programs a plus.
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
Requisition code: 10-09-005-CH
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
VP Qualitative Researcher / Moderator — New York, NY / Chicago, IL ...
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Locations:
New York, NY /Chicago, IL /Encino, CA /Cincinnati, OH /Boston, MA /Philadelphia, PA /Detroit, MI /Washington, DC /Princeton, NJ /Mahwah, NJ /San Francisco, CA /Atlanta, GA Division/department: 5K - Synovate Qualitative
Hours: Full time
Job description
The incumbent is responsible for identifying, developing and retaining clients within the FMCG (Consumer Packaged Goods), Financial Services, Healthcare - Pharma or TechTel sectors and for ensuring excellence and consistency, throughout the entire qualitative research process.
- Focus on developing and executing business within Fortune 200 companies, as well as other Synovate Key Clients
- Determine the viability of business
- Have extensive research contact with the client and manage the client through all phases of the study
- Ensure that their Client Service Manager / Director is involved in all phases of project planning
- Ensure / Complete the moderating / interviewing portion of the study as time efficiently as possible, in an effort to maximize workloads during busy periods
- Design the research and clearly articulate, in written form, the research objectives, methodology and specifications to all involved with the project - the client and within Synovate
- Know and follow standards for guides, debrief documents and reports
- Execute the research precisely to spec and ensure that the final report provides insights, answers to all of the client's questions, and guidance & direction for next steps
- Have total responsibility for the success of their profit center
- Follow the processes and systems designed to make the business successful
Working Relationships
Internal:
- All Client Service Teams, Report and Analysis Writing Teams, Domestic and International Moderators / Specialists, and other Synovate Divisions / Departments / Practices
External:
- Focus on developing and executing business within Fortune 200 companies within the Financial Services, FMCG (Consumer Packaged Goods), Healthcare - PHARMA and TechTel sectors, as well as other Synovate Key Clients, working either directly or with Account Teams
Measures of Performance
- Reaching revenue and profitability goals as established, client retention, clients brought to Synovate by the individual
Personal & Job Attributes / Capabilities
- Superb, entrepreneurial qualitative researcher
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing or a related field or equivalent in experience
- 10+ years custom market research experience
- Experience within the aforementioned industry sectors required
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009
Web Developer — Chicago, IL
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Division/department: IT
Job description
Synovate is the world's most curious company. We're market researchers! Our job is to learn what people like, and why they like the things they like. The work we do at Synovate is continuously stretching the definitions of conventional research. We operate across 6 continents, in 62 countries and 24 time zones.
Primary Function
Under general supervision performs application and web development activities related to process improvements in online programming, new technology research and implementation, competitor benchmarking, and survey design. This includes some programming activities involved in the creation and implementation of online surveys that result in the production of accurate data collection.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Performs a combination of the following duties according to departmental guidelines, and under the supervision of management:
- Develop visually appealing online research solutions with a focus on enhancing survey participation
- Develop internally used applications to be utilized for enhancing productivity and enabling advanced data gathering techniques
- To seek out and develop programming techniques which enhance operational quality, data quality and respondent retention
- Address immediate operational demands by providing advanced DHTML solutions where required and assistance for the DIS teams implementation of said solution
- Prioritize and carry out modularization of sustainable DHTML enhancements as they pertain to data gathering in an mrStudio (Dimensions) environment. This objective has a focus on usability by the less technical DIS team and requires support of both local and global resources in the form of personal support and thorough documentation of best practices
- Report consistently on metrics involving product enhancements as they apply to a sustainable modularized implementation as well as ad-hoc solutions supporting an immediate client demand
- Maintenance and support of client and researcher facing documentation on the best practices and use of newly developed technologies. This includes, but is not limited to, the Global Online Operations online demo website and documentation regarding logistics and cost impact
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field or equivalent in experience
- Minimum of three to five years programming and web development experience, preferably with experience with online survey programming software
- Proficient to expert knowledge of the Dimensions online scripting platform, mrStudio
- 1 to 3 years experience with DHTML techniques (JavaScript, CSS, HTML) is necessary. Please note; this requirement requires actual knowledge of programming practices and not experience with web design suites such as Cold Fusion or Front Page
- Knowledge of company's operations as it relates to online market research surveys and data collection
- Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software systems
- Excellent programming and troubleshooting skills in regard to specialized software required in creating online surveys
- Ability to grasp new technologies quickly, and display ingenuity in design for the purpose of enhancing the business needs of the department and of the client
- Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external clients
Additional information
Please apply to this position by sending your resume here.
Please indicate the reference number for the position that you are applying to in the subject line.
Requisition code: 04-09-011-CH
Contact(s) for this vacancy
Last day of publishing is Thursday, 31 December 2009