Project Management Associate Director - Market Strategy & Understanding

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Job Description

Role overview

The Project Management Associate Director role is very important to the success of our teams working on FRS (Financial Research Survey) and MBS (Market Brand Shopper) projects as well as the wider UK business as you will be working very closely with clients and the MSU Leadership Team, as well as internal stakeholders in different markets.

We are proud that our work is supporting the strategy of our clients and helping them making the right decisions.

What will I be doing?

Part of your role will be dedicated to the FRS team, leading the implementation of the new FRS 2.0 and managing the transition to the new setup. After the launch of FRS 2.0 in 2025, you will be responsible for managing the programme and driving efficiencies. The FRS is one of the largest and longest-running surveys tracking personal financial holdings, acquisitions, usage and behaviours. It is the industry benchmark.

Working closely with the client services team, you will be involved in managing the programme strategy, including costs, global changes, client conversations and team management, as well as helping ensure the programme runs efficiently to specification and to budget.

The other part of your role will be dedicated to the MBS team, who manages ad hoc quantitative projects for a variety of different clients in many industries (confectionary, automotive, beverages, personal care, nicotine etc.)

We are looking for an experienced AD who can:

• Contribute effectively to client meetings and be a trusted point of contact for clients, Operations, suppliers and stakeholders
• Be actively involved in "crisis" management, either internal or with clients - be able to recommend alternative solutions based on experience. Timely escalation and resolution of issues
• Provide excellence in programme/project direction and delivery. Accountable for the execution of the work and service you provide
• Work effectively at identifying and pre-empting challenges and problems that might affect the successful execution of projects
• Implement efficiencies and effective ways of working across the programme/project team
• Demonstrate experience in managing research inputs (questionnaire, brand lists, stimuli).
• Run regular financial performance reviews to ensure programme/project is delivered within budget constraints
• Provide direction and support to line reports and programme/project teams, recognising great work and ensuring a clear action plan is put in place to tackle areas for improvement
• Efficiently manage priorities and workload for yourself and the team. Effectively delegate where necessary. Oversee the work of team members; ensure quality of outputs
• Use and direct others in the application of advanced project management techniques and tools
• Support more junior members of the PM team in their personal and professional development
• Identify the need for further training and help develop adequate training initiatives.
• Ensure client satisfaction and represent Ipsos in a professional and ethical manner at all times

What do I need to bring with me?

• Quantitative project management experience at AD level.
• We are looking for someone who has experience in client facing Project Management roles and continually seeks opportunities to expand own knowledge, and continually drive improvement
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Able to demonstrate strong client management experience. Able to bring value to client meetings regarding the practical implementation and execution of projects
• Strong organisational skills - demonstrate flexibility, with proven ability to juggle multiple tasks in order to achieve team and business requirements
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Be dedicated, taking ownership of tasks and delivering as promised to the best of his or her ability, including being error free
• Ability to disseminate complex information
• Confidence with managing budgets and finances
• Be a positive thinker with a can do, solution-focused attitude
• Good team player
• Excellent attention to detail, including data checks and proofreading
• Proficient in using all Microsoft Office applications
• Enthusiasm for the role, team and life in general

What is in it for me?

Ipsos UK offer an attractive basic salary and a rewards package including 25 days annual leave, a pension scheme and a great range of flexible benefits to suit your personal needs. For roles at Research Manager level and above we also offer private healthcare.

In addition to this we have a fantastic Learning & Development offer delivered through a mix of face to face, online or on-demand; you can read more by clicking here.

We realise you may have commitments outside of work and will consider flexible working applications - please highlight what you are looking for when you make your application.

Ipsos is committed to equality, treating people fairly, promoting a positive and inclusive working environment and ensuring we have diversity of people and views. We also recognise that this is important for our business success - a more diverse workforce will enable us to better reflect and understand the world we research and ultimately deliver better research and insight to our clients.

About Us

Ipsos is one of the world's largest research companies and currently the only one primarily managed by researchers, ranking as a #1 full-service research organization for four consecutive years. With over 75 different data-driven solutions, and presence in 90 markets, Ipsos brings together research, implementation, methodological, and subject-matter experts from around the world, combining thematic and technical experts to deliver top-quality research and insights. Simply speaking, we help the biggest companies solve some of their biggest problems, serving more than 5000 clients across the globe by providing research, data, and insights on their target markets. And we're proud to share we've received our Great Place to Work Certification in 2022 & 2023!

About the Team

The Market Strategy & Understanding (MSU) Service Line performs strategic research to deliver contextual understanding to help clients navigate dynamic markets. Our offer portfolio consists of strategic brand research as well as category & consumer fundamentals. We work with clients to understand the size and composition of a market as well as the segments/profiles/demand spaces therein. We also specialize in brand equity, brand assets, brand stretch and open category opportunities (e.g. whitespace).