Project Manager (PMP Certification preferred)

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Market Research Project Manager to lead end-to-end market research projects across global markets, with a primary focus on supporting US-based stakeholders and clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve project efficiency, decision-making, and execution. The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, and delivering complex market research and business initiatives while ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. Key Responsibilities Project Planning & Execution • Lead multiple market research and business projects from initiation through completion. • Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, risk registers, and resource plans. • Build and maintain detailed project schedules using Smartsheet and other project management tools. • Track project progress and proactively identify schedule, budget, and delivery risks. • Ensure timely completion of project deliverables while maintaining quality standards. Stakeholder Management • Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. • Facilitate project meetings, status reviews, and executive updates. • Manage stakeholder expectations and communicate project status, risks, and mitigation plans effectively. • Collaborate with cross-functional teams across global locations. AI-Enabled Project Management • Utilize Artificial Intelligence tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, or equivalent platforms to improve project planning, reporting, risk management, documentation, and productivity. • Automate routine project management activities where appropriate. • Drive AI adoption and recommend innovative approaches to improve operational efficiency. • Generate project insights, dashboards, and executive summaries using AI-assisted solutions. Project Governance & Reporting • Maintain project governance standards and ensure adherence to project management methodologies. • Prepare weekly and monthly project health reports. • Track KPIs, risks, issues, dependencies, and action items. • Escalate critical issues proactively and recommend mitigation strategies. Continuous Improvement • Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices. • Contribute to the development of project management standards, templates, and frameworks. • Document lessons learned and promote knowledge sharing across teams. • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. • PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, Scrum, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent certification is preferred. Experience • 8-10 years of demonstrated project management experience. • Minimum 5 years of experience managing market research, consumer insights, analytics, data operations, or related projects. • Proven experience managing multiple concurrent projects in a global environment. • Experience working with US-based stakeholders or clients is highly desirable. Required Skills & Competencies Project Management • Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and best practices. • Expertise in project planning, risk management, resource management, budget tracking, and stakeholder management. • Advanced proficiency in Smartsheet for schedule development and project tracking. AI & Digital Skills • Hands-on experience using AI tools to improve productivity and project execution. • Ability to integrate AI-driven approaches into project management workflows. • Excellent understanding of Microsoft 365 tools including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Copilot. Communication • Exceptional verbal and written English communication skills. • Ability to confidently interact with senior leadership and global stakeholders. • Strong presentation and facilitation skills. Leadership & Collaboration • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. • Ability to influence without authority and drive cross-functional alignment. • Self-starter with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset. Success Factors The successful candidate will: • Consistently deliver projects on time and within scope. • Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability. • Use AI-driven practices to improve project efficiency and reporting. • Build strong relationships with global stakeholders. • Effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Our Benefits • Flexible working environment • Volunteer time off • LinkedIn Learning • Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles