Research Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a Research Manager to oversee and execute quantitative market research projects for clients throughout the MENA region, based in Dubai. This full-time permanent role involves working in a hybrid model with a minimum of three days per week in the office. You will be responsible for designing questionnaires, managing fieldwork, analyzing data, and delivering insightful reporting that uncovers underlying narratives beyond the initial client brief. Your findings will transform data into compelling stories that drive actionable commercial insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute end-to-end research projects for regional and global clients, including questionnaire design and final report delivery.
• Coordinate workflows, resolve issues with scripting, field operations, data processing, and finance teams.
• Translate data into memorable narratives that clients can act upon, rather than just presenting charts.
• Identify new business opportunities within existing accounts to expand service offerings.
• Leverage AI and automation tools to streamline processes like questionnaire validation and preliminary analyses.
• Develop strong, trusted relationships across diverse client industries.
• Collaborate closely with a skilled regional team of researchers and account managers.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in quantitative market research including direct client management.
• Strong commercial intuition to recognize growth potential within accounts beyond fulfilling briefs.
• Excellent presentation skills, capable of storytelling with data rather than reciting charts.
• Interest and curiosity about artificial intelligence applications and automation in research and reporting.
• Robust analytical and organizational abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Experience with statistical techniques such as data weighting and analysis.
• Fluency in English and Arabic languages.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple cultural environments within the MENA region.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple projects at varied stages simultaneously while maintaining deadlines and serving as primary client contact.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial savvy with experience in upselling and account growth at a regional scale.
• Practical experience using AI or automation tools in research or data analytics contexts.
• Track record mentoring or supporting junior researchers.

About the Company

YouGov is a global online research firm renowned for gathering accurate data and insights from a panel of over 24 million members worldwide. It is highly respected as a trustworthy source for market research and widely quoted by the world’s largest brands.

Company Culture and Values

YouGov embraces diversity and inclusivity, aiming to reflect varied perspectives to ensure research represents global opinion accurately. The company operates on core principles such as speed, innovation, integrity, ethical conduct, and respect among colleagues. It offers comprehensive benefits supporting employees' physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing to foster a supportive environment where individuals can thrive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

YouGov is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status, nationality, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Employment decisions focus solely on qualifications, merit, and business necessity.

Data Privacy Notice

The company respects applicant privacy; however, the privacy notice for data collection and use is available on request or via company communication channels.