Qualitative Market Research Consultant

ZS Associates is a global management consulting firm specializing in sales and marketing strategy, operations and execution. ZS is recognized for its expertise in go-to-market and sales force strategies and its downstream implementation capabilities. ZS helps companies achieve sales success by delivering both issue-specific solutions and large-scale business transformations. With 17 offices and more than 1000 people worldwide, we have concentrated our resources on creating competitive advantage in sales and marketing for our clients in selected industries. Our focus has enabled us to develop an unmatched depth of knowledge and base of experience. ZS also has a unique working environment. Our work is challenging and intense, yet our interactions are direct and informal.

What opportunities exist at ZS?

The person in this role will have an opportunity to join a new group in our firm called Qualitative Center of Excellence. This is a small group of very experienced professionals who focus on the expertise required to conduct very high quality qualitative work. The purpose of this team is to allow a deeper capability to deliver the qualitative skills clients are demanding and to expand our existing services.

The person in this position will manage the qualitative research process across multiple projects, work closely with clients to develop solutions, and deliver training and coaching to ZS consulting staff. The position requires candidates with exceptional presentation and client management skills in addition to a command of qualitative market research skills and industry knowledge.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Developing best practices and tools in the conduct of interviews and focus groups
• Expanding our expertise
• Supporting business development through demonstrated expertise in the selling process
• Conducting the qualitative work on select projects
• Creating and delivering detailed and structured training programs for ZS consultants

What are we looking for?

Consultants come to ZS with a graduate degree in Marketing, Economics, Decision Sciences or related fields and significant relevant business experience. Candidates should have qualitative marketing research and moderating experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership skills in a market research environment with an advanced knowledge of qualitative market research techniques and industry practices
• Minimum of five years qualitative market research experience with extensive client-facing responsibility
• Proven contributor in the development and implementation of new qualitative approaches and structures
• Willingness to coach and mentor other ZS colleagues on marketing expertise
• Experience creating innovative discussion guides and analysis
• Ability to proficiently moderate telephone and face-to-face interviews
• Deep expertise in building rapport with interviewees from a variety of backgrounds
• Significant interviewing experience with healthcare practitioners, patients and related decision-makers
• Experience with the interpretation of research findings and presentation of results

In addition, we seek individuals with the following:

• Detail orientation
• Analytical problem solving skills
• Self-motivation
• Organization & planning skills
• Communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• Leadership experience
• Personal initiative