Research Executive - GMASCo - Al Futtaim Group

Job description / Role

Research Executive (X2) - GMASCo. - Al Futtaim Group - UAE

GMASCO enjoys an enviable reputation as the Gulfs most diverse full service communications, marketing and advertising agency in an industry typified by current decline, over-specialisation and lack of integration in other markets. Our Dubai location positions us in a still growing market at the hub of business in the northern hemisphere with a client base operating in more than 15 countries across the Middle East, Europe, the Sub Continent and Asia. Our offerings include every aspect of communications, advertising and marketing in traditional and new media formats.

Job Purpose:
- Maintain a client service orientation by managing day-to-day administration of client service / sales activities and coordinating on analysis and reporting of assigned research projects through the following
- Designs and plans research projects following client briefing and needs
- Designs the design of questionnaires and methodologies of collecting information
- Co-ordinates the execution of projects, informs clients on progress and gives specific instructions to other departments/suppliers regarding the collection and electronic processing of information
- Co-operates with other departments / suppliers who will assist on the various stages of the above
- Works on the analysis and interpretation of results, provides feedback to clients and writes reports and recommendations
- Presents results of study to clients
- Reports to Senior Manager Research
- Some travel required

* Client Servicing
- Serve as primary contact to junior level client contacts on ad-hoc analyses and understand and respond to questions on content, basic data issues/questions, report generation, etc.
- Provide "in office" research, administrative and operational support to senior staff and assist senior staff in delivering quality services to clients and ensure the services provided to clients are timely and precise according to client business needs and specifications
- Unsupervised on-site presence which includes responsibilities on data requests, technical basic support and analysis
- Assist in sales activities in conjunction with senior staff in terms of preparation of proposal
- Be directly accountable for work conducted for their nominated clients in terms of analyses, charting, etc
- Ensure client service deliverables are aligned with the GMR service standards

* Functional and Technical
- Provide value-added analyses and respond to special requests
- Integrate multiple data sources to answer business issues
- Manage assigned project independently
- Perform quality checks on all reports for alignment to request, accuracy and correctness
- Ensure GMR standard operating procedures within area of responsibility are observed. Recommend improvements in work processes within area of responsibility.

* Self-Development
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and always ready to learn.
- Proactively pursue self-development opportunities such as building advance knowledge in data collection / analysis techniques etc.
- Willing to handle client responsibilities independently and effectively
- Review performance/personal development with the Research Manager

Job Context:
With the constantly changing environment/consumer trends in GCC, its increasing impact on the marketing, branding and marketing communication strategies GMR provides the group companies on their request, information and insights related to various strategic and tactical marketing / business issues. GMR performs a critical service oriented role in assisting the group companies to develop appropriate marketing / business action plans. Research executive is a key link in ensuring the appropriate data collection /analysis and reporting.

Additionally the factors that have critical impact on the Job are appropriate training and development, provision of appropriate tools/software.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications and Knowledge:
- Graduate
- Basic knowledge of statistics / maths / marketing
E- ntry level knowledge of research techniques and methodologies

Minimum Experience:
- 4 to 8 years experience in market research / marketing / sales with minimum 3 years experience with an international research agency

Job-Specific Skills:
- Working proficiency knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications
- Project management experience, Strong analytical mind and Good organizational skills
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills ( English / Arabic)
- Expertise in servicing customers and in-depth knowledge on CR methods, analysis and techniques
- Continuous learning and keeping up with new market trends and sharing of knowledge with the team.

Behavioural Competencies:
- Interpersonal skills, confident, fast learner, continuous self-improvement.

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.