Market Research Manger

Who are we?

Ever wondered how food actually makes it from farm to factory to fork, and why it’s getting harder to do well? Food security, climate change, volatile costs, regulation, public scrutiny, labour pressures, shifting diets… the food system is under pressure from every angle.

At Grounded Research, we work right across that system. We help organisations understand what’s really happening on the ground, what people will and won’t do, and how to make change that sticks.

We’re a specialist insight agency based in Peterborough with over 20 years’ experience. Our work spans farming, supply chain, manufacturing, retail, food service and consumers
, and we partner with national and multinational businesses, governing bodies and public sector organisations
. We’re known for research that’s practical, clear, and built for decision-making.

You’ll get stuck into projects that genuinely matter for the future of food, agriculture, environment and sustainability
, and we also take on a few “off-industry” briefs to keep things fresh and interesting.

Examples of the kind of work we deliver:

• Farmer and grower insight on decision-making, adoption, risk, and real-world constraints
• Supply chain research with processors, packers, manufacturers, agronomy, vets, retail and food service
• Food and drink product work including taste testing, sampling programmes and consumer acceptance
• Market landscape and competitor insight to guide strategy, investment and innovation

This is a hybrid role for a Market Research Manager based in Peterborough, with flexibility for some remote working (3 days in the office and 2 days at home). You’ll run projects end-to-end and be a key point of contact for clients. This is a quant-led role
, so you’ll need to be confident designing surveys, analysing data, and turning results into recommendations clients can use.

• Managing projects end-to-end: timelines, fieldwork, analysis, reporting, debriefs
• Designing research frameworks and questionnaires that answer the real business question
• Analysing datasets to uncover trends, drivers, and opportunities
• Writing clear, well-structured reports and building client-ready presentations
• Delivering market analysis and competitive intelligence (market positioning, competitor activity, opportunity areas)
• Keeping projects on track, documenting decisions, and keeping clients informed
• Building strong client relationships through straight-talking communication and reliable delivery

• At least 5 years’ experience in a commercial market research role
• Strong quantitative research experience (survey design, analysis, interpretation, reporting)
• Research qualifications at university level
  , or equivalent from an accredited body such as MRS
• Proficiency in data analysis using SPSS (or similar software)
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with complex datasets
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills
• Strong organisation and project management skills
• Confident communication with clients and stakeholders

• Experience in food, farming, FMCG, retail, food service, or other supply chain environments
• Experience with studies like U&A, segmentation, brand tracking, concept testing, pricing (e.g., Van Westendorp), Max Diff, or conjoint
• Strong competitive intelligence skills (market sizing, competitor mapping, white space thinking)
• Ability to code and analyse data in Python (data cleaning, statistical analysis, automation of tables/charts, repeatable reporting workflows)

Salary: £30-45,k depending on experience, full benefits package and flexible working offered. countryside location on a rural estate so you will need a car of your own or be a very good long-distance runner.

This job would suit someone who is making a first step into research management from a strong senior executive role, a confident research manager seeking more purpose and the chance to develop their skills or a senior research manager looking for something with a bit more flexibility and interest.