Manager, Insights & Strategy

The Opportunity

The Manager, Insights & Strategy is responsible for collecting and building key insights for the business and tracking our performance on all key KPI’s linked to the NSLC’s strategic priorities. The insights they collect through primary research and curate through secondary research are used to develop solutions that help the organization mitigate risk both in the short and long-term. The position is responsible for managing all market research projects, evaluating findings, preparing reports and presenting outcomes to NSLC leadership team. The individual also selects and manages ongoing relationships with external research agencies and consultants to ensure the NSLC receives satisfactory standards of service.

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Director, Insights and Strategy

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of all market research to uncover insights that impact strategic initiatives and operational priorities
• Plans, prioritizes, and manages research projects within established budgets and deadlines, including creating and sharing the roadmap for each fiscal year with the Executive team
• Collect and organize insights from internal and external stakeholders
• Supports the Director - Insights & Strategy in stewarding the development of strategic plans and annual business planning
• Reports on strategic KPI measurement to the Executive Team, and key cross functional members quarterly and the NSLC board as needed
• Collaborates with the People, Culture and Social Impact team through administering the NSLC Engagement survey and reporting the NSLC Wellbeing Index
• Shares quarterly research findings to a cross functional group to embed data led decision making on an ongoing basis
• Leads the organization’s ability to listen to our shoppers and teammates
• Leads and supports cross-functional teams across the organization on the development of research initiatives
• Educates cross-functional teams across the organization on when research is needed and ensures an accurate interpretation of the insights to support strategic and operational decisions
• Identifies opportunities where research and data analytics can be linked
• Works collaboratively with the data team to develop a shared data and insights pack to guide annual operational business planning
• Leverages research and insights to impact MAPS (Merchandising, Assortment, Pricing and Shelf) to improve the shopping experience
• Interprets and evaluates information related to the research results and past studies and other available data
• Communicates regularly internally and externally on research objectives and results
• Coach, develop and lead the Insights Analyst to ensure that insights resources are used effectively and that work schedules and outcomes are met

Secondary Responsibilities

• In conjunction with the Director – Insights & Strategy focus on developing a culture based on insight and data led decision making
• Manage and lead the standing offer research partner list in conjunction with procurement
• Responsible for the management and deployment of the annual market research budget
• Invests time in ensuring that they remain current on industry advancements and trends related to insights/research programs
• Demonstrate commitment to the NSLC’s social responsibility mandate
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety
• Some travel and weekend work may be required with this role
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

As a qualified candidate, you will have:

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration or Commerce
• Minimum 8 years of research experience
• Experience with concept testing, usage and attitude research, and customer/employee satisfaction research

As the ideal candidate, you will also have:

• Experience working in SAP
• Experience working in a retail environment

An alternate combination of education and experience may be considered equivalent.