Research Manager, Qualitative

Job Description

To support our activity, our Qualitative team in Geneva is looking for a:

As a Qualitative (Senior) Research Manager with Ipsos with a deep passion for understanding people, immerse yourself in a role where storytelling is at the heart of our research process. Go beyond the brief by designing and working with powerful visual narratives, leveraging tools and methodologies that illuminate rich consumer insights.

Here, your passion for creating compelling stories is empowered by our diverse toolkit, from ethnographic studies to AI‑enhanced digital platforms. This is more than research—it's about crafting immersive experiences that captivate and resonate with global audiences.

As a Qualitative Research Manager, you will strive to break boundaries with your creative capability to establish new methodologies that go beyond conventional research briefs. Harness AI and traditional research techniques to embark on impactful projects within a global consultancy, driving insights that make a lasting impact.

You’ll work closely with a vibrant, globally positioned team, championing accounts like Nestlé – from coffee to confectionery – developing your professional narrative, and expanding your qualitative expertise through continuous learning and growth.

The research spans continents and categories, from coffee to confectionery, with a deep passion for understanding people working with a senior, close‑knit qual team of 5. The team is primarily responsible for managing a global F&B brand account so F&B experience is essential. There is also scope to work in other categories (Luxury, Leisure/Travel, Pharma/OTC, Beauty).

This role requires someone who is hands‑on with all aspects of the qualitative research process from start to finish – proposals, discussion guides, facilitating and attending fieldwork (face to face and virtually), insight generation, reporting and presenting – and open to new technology/tools.

As a Qualitative (Senior) Research Manager, you are well‑versed and confident in managing end‑to‑end global projects—from brief to delivery, across both strategic and quick‑turnaround work, keeping your curious brain ticking. The team works across a number of core areas:

• Product Testing, Innovation
• Foundational, Market entry
• Branding, Positioning
• Ethnography, Empathy, Segmentation
• User experience advantageous (not mandatory)

Roughly 65% of projects are pure qualitative, 35% are mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative thinking or social intelligence – in collaboration with our dedicated quantitative innovation, market strategy, brand tracking, channel performance, user experience and public affairs service lines.

You’ll expand your qualitative toolkit by running focus groups, supporting workshops, in‑depth interviews, immersive ethnography and digital community platforms, and embracing AI with our dedicated AI in‑house platform.

• Fluent spoken/written English
• 5–7+ years of qualitative research experience in insight, research or strategy – including minimum 3 years agency experience
• F&B experience is essential, alongside FMCG categories
• Experience in multi‑market projects
• Experience running in‑depth interviews, and focus groups
• Well‑versed in report writing and deliverables
• Ability to build connections with consumers and understand what and why
• Confidence in storytelling and presenting to clients
• Good communication skills, written and oral
• Sound problem‑solving skills
• AI advocate