Insights Manager at VF!

VF! is a dynamic Retail Branding Agency that shapes how consumers & shoppers behave and purchase. We are fascinated with driving a deeper understanding of what makes people tick and what makes them decide to choose one brand over the other. We are privileged to work with some of the world’s leading brands and we unpack behavioural science using it to create compelling approaches for brands to win at the Moment of Choice. 

We’re seeking a dynamic, energised go-getter who is highly motivated and an expert in consumer and shopper behaviour. You would need to have an insatiable curiosity and a passion for Insight work. If you’re ready for a challenge and have an unquenchable desire to produce competitive work, then this role is designed just for you!

Role requirements: 

• Understand the world of research with an ability to take data, join the dots, manipulate it and ultimately build a compelling story that creates a unique selling opportunity to our customers.
• Have a thorough understanding of our customers, be able to identify an opportunity and shape it into a brief. With this, have the ability to grasp which Insights will have the highest traction for our clients.
• Be able to demonstrate an understanding of market, category development, shopper, trade and brand, with an ability to identify commercial gaps that we as a business can answer.
• Have an understanding of developing commercial, brand, in-trade execution and touch-point (POS) strategies where required.
• Be able to foster winning relationships with external key senior stakeholders within client companies. 
• Be able to forge close relationships with internal key stakeholders, for example, our Creative team and work in collaboration with them in order to enable Insight-led designs that ultimately justifies the product; and our Sales team working closely together to unpack briefs and unearth hidden truths and Insight angles.
• Be able to execute research projects applying different methodologies understanding the relevance of each.
• Be able to commission projects to suppliers / contractors.
• Be able manage budgets surrounding projects and their scope.
• Be extremely comfortable and experienced in presenting to various stakeholders and audiences.
• Be able to manage a small team, set goals, manage performance and motivate your team members.
• Last but not least, be prepared to roll up those sleeves, get into trade and deliver value to our customers.

Experience and qualification requirements:

• Minimum of 5-8 years within a Brand and/or Research House with experience in Shopper and Consumer research is required. 
• Brand experience at FMCG level is highly advantageous.
• You must have a proven record of turning data into Insight and converting Insight to a story that leads to opportunity conversion.
• Must have experience engaging and presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Must have experience in Trade Marketing and a thorough understanding of category management, shopper behaviour and consumer drivers. 
• Have a good understanding of the world of in-store and display. 
• Experience in leading a small team is required.
• Experience in category planogrammes would be ideal.
• Knowledge of statistical packages would be an advantage.
• Minimum qualification of a degree in BBus Sci Marketing, BCom statistics or similar. Post-graduate degree / education would be advantageous.

Skills and behavioural attribute requirements:

• Have the knack to use research and Insight to identify and unpack opportunities.
• Strong analytical and interpretative skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have a hunger for soliciting new ways to deliver results: new research techniques; offer extension etc.
• Be commercially astute with high levels of confidence, emotional intelligence and curiosity.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and co-ordinate multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, and work within tight timeframes.
• Highly resilient.
• Inquisitive, curious with a creative mind.
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to lead and motivate a team.
• Authentic and transparent.
• Humble and a hands-on go-getter with a passion for Insights.