Research Analyst, Technomic - Chicago, IL

We're part of Informa, a global business with a network of trusted brands in specialist markets across more than 30 countries, and a member of the FTSE 100.

Our purpose is to connect our customers to information and people that help them know more, do more and be more. No other company in the world helps more people share professional knowledge or make business connections.

We run around 800 events each year, create digital platforms based on engaging news and information content, and operate professional development programs for individuals and businesses.

Technomic provides foodservice clients around the globe with the research, insights, and strategic consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions, and results. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry.

Our Mission: Technomic's mission is to empower foodservice clients by providing the knowledge and tools they need to make informed, strategic decisions that drive success. Our commitment to excellence and innovation ensures that we remain a trusted partner in the foodservice industry.

The Research Analyst will report into our Chicago office and collaborates directly with senior staff members to manage proprietary and syndicated consumer research studies across consumer and B2B audiences. This role involves mixed-methods, qualitative and quantitative market research focused on the insights needs of restaurant chains and food/beverage manufacturers and suppliers.

Technomic Research Analysts help execute research project plans and coordinate activities required to deliver the research on time and with high quality. Responsibilities encompass both primary and secondary research methodologies. This includes, but is not limited to:

Primary research:

• Design and Execution:
  • Design and execute quantitative and qualitative research studies.
  • Develop questionnaires for quantitative surveys and discussion guides for focus groups and in-depth interviews (IDIs).
  • Test online surveys prior to launch to confirm accuracy and proper survey logic.
  • Recruit, schedule, and conduct in-depth qualitative interviews, including online bulletin boards/diary studies, with industry professionals.
• Analysis:
  • Support the analysis and presentation of quantitative and qualitative research findings.
  • Perform quantitative analyses, including crosstabulations, data table building and data interpretation.
  • Lead qualitative data analysis, including coding, thematic analysis, grounded theory.
  • Conduct advanced analyses such as menu concept testing, multivariate analysis, MaxDiff, TURF, predictive pricing, and conjoint analysis.
  • Visualize research findings effectively.
• Reporting and Communication:
  • Clearly communicate project timelines and status updates with project leaders.
  • Deliver accurate and insightful project reports on time.
  • Write comprehensive custom reports including PowerPoint presentations, white papers, and infographics.
  • Bring data to life with editorial content, identifying trends, insights, and key recommendations.
  • Provide follow-up on client questions to ensure clarity and satisfaction.

Secondary research:

• Client and Industry Understanding
  • Develop a deep understanding of the clients' business, products, and services.
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of the broader foodservice industry, including market trends and consumer preferences.
  • Develop and maintain a working knowledge of Technomic tools and research methodologies.
• Research and Analysis
  • Conduct project-specific online research.
  • Analyze secondary research results to support project objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal Research Analyst should possess the following characteristics:

• Professional Maturity: Demonstrates professionalism and a desire to excel.
• Effective Time Management: Prioritizes work effectively and manages time to complete tasks within deadlines. Adapts to rapidly shifting assignments and handles changing deadlines efficiently.
• Proactive: Identifies potential issues and suggests solutions to supervisors/project managers. Provides advance notice of any challenges that may impact project timelines.
• Detail-Oriented: Maintains extreme attention to detail and adherence to quality control processes, consistently delivering high-quality, error-free work.
• Initiative: Takes responsibility for completing work efficiently and effectively. Shows a desire to learn and grow, and works independently with general direction and supervision. Does not hesitate to ask questions.
• Can-do Attitude: Approaches new projects with enthusiasm and views them as opportunities to increase industry knowledge and develop expertise. Is excited by the chance to work with new topics, team members, and departments.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Demonstrates inquisitiveness and a problem-solving mindset to build insights and address business questions.
• Research Mindset: Has solid understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and strong analytical skills.
• Strong People Skills: Works well with others and collaborates productively with team members and clients.
• Effective Communication: Clearly expresses ideas and opinions, supports client interaction and demonstrates strong writing skills.
• Strategic Thinking: Thinks strategically and uses research methods to meet objectives. Approaches data from various angles to achieve goals.
• Fascination with the Food Industry: Excited by the ever-changing food industry and eager to grow industry knowledge. Prior culinary, restaurant, or foodservice industry experience is a plus.
• Prerequisites:
  • Bachelor's degree in market research, business, communications, social sciences, or related field.
  • 0-3 years prior experience
  • Extensive working knowledge of PowerPoint and Excel
  • Knowledge of survey writing techniques and best practices
  • Demonstrated experience with SPSS, R, Sawtooth or other statistical/analytical software is a plus, but not required

The salary range for this role is48k-50k, depending on experience.

We work hard to make sure Life at Informa is rewarding, supportive and enjoyable for everyone. Here's some of what you can expect when you join us. But don't just take our word for it - see what our colleagues have to say at LifeAt.Informa.com

Our benefits include:

• Freedom & flexibility: colleagues rate us highly for the flexibility and trust they receive, and we support a range of working patterns
• Great community: a welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on-demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it's time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves
• Time out: 15 days PTO rising to 20 after three years and 25 after six years, plus 10 national holidays, a birthday leave day and the chance to work from (almost!) anywhere for up to four weeks a year
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programs
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world

We're not solely focused on a checklist of skills. We champion energy and ambition and look for colleagues who will roll their sleeves up, join in and help make things happen. If it sounds like a match and you have most - although not all - of the skills and experience listed, we welcome your application.

At Informa, you'll find inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives and backgrounds are welcomed. As part of this approach and our diversity and inclusion commitments, we are also formally an Equal Opportunities Employer. This means we base decisions on relevant qualifications and merit and do not discriminate on the basis of key characteristics and statuses, including all of those protected by law. Ask us or see our website for full information.

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