Senior Research Analyst, Food Service

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 food service 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 food service organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry.

Our Mission:
Technomic’s mission is to empower food service 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 food service industry.

As a Senior Research Analyst, you’ll play a key role in delivering impactful insights to major restaurant chains and food & beverage suppliers. Working with senior team members, you’ll help manage both proprietary and syndicated research projects, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover trends and provide strategic recommendations.

This role is perfect for someone who’s analytical, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll need a solid understanding of research methodologies, strong communication skills (both written and verbal), and the ability to juggle multiple projects while working collaboratively across teams. If you enjoy solving complex problems, bringing data to life through compelling storytelling, and adapting quickly to shifting priorities, this could be a great fit.

This is a hybird role requiring 3 days a week in our Chicago office. The role is open to Chicago based candidates.

Position Responsibilities

Technomic Senior Research Analysts help execute research project plans and coordinate activities required to deliver the research on time and with high quality. Responsibilities are a combination of 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 qualitative interviews, including online bulletin board/diary studies, with industry professionals.
  • Research, recommend, and implement innovative behavior research methods.
• Analysis:
  • Lead qualitative analysis, including coding, thematic analysis, and grounded theory.
  • Conduct advanced quantitative analyses such as cross tabulations, multivariate analysis, data table building, Max Diff, TURF, predictive pricing, and conjoint analysis.
  • Visualize quantitative and qualitative research findings for effective presentation.
• Reporting and Communication:
  • Communicate with project leaders about timelines, status updates, and key deliverables.
  • Provide accurate and insightful project deliverables on time to project leaders and external stakeholders
  • Write custom reports (PowerPoint presentations, white papers, infographics) based on quantitative and qualitative findings.
  • Bring data to life by providing editorial content and identifying key trends, insights, and implications for recommendations.
  • Provide follow-up on client questions and ensure clear communication throughout the project.

Secondary Research:

• Client and Industry Understanding:
  • Understand clients' business, products, and services, and apply that knowledge to…