Quantitative Research Account Manager - SA

At MDI we believe that the way in which people interact with one another, access information and interact with brands has fundamentally changed because of the mobile device.

We focus on delivering high impact market research outcomes through innovative, in-the-moment, fast turnaround, and cost-effective mobile data collection and interrogation. We help our multi-national clients gain insight about their consumers and play a key role in co-developing creative solutions to their biggest business challenges.

We work across a range of industries, support diverse business needs - including branding, communications, strategic planning, customer experience, product development and consumer behaviour. You'll be part of the team ensuring exceptional delivery of insights across qualitative and quantitative research projects.

As a Research Account Manager, your primary focus will be client servicing - building strong relationships, understanding business challenges, and co-developing creative solutions for multi-national clients. You will manage quantitative research projects end-to-end, ensuring operational excellence and delivering actionable insights that drive client value.

This is a South African-based, remote role with regional responsibilities.

• Serve as the primary client contact, building strong relationships and delivering insights that add real business value.
• Lead projects from design to delivery: questionnaire development, fieldwork, supplier liaison, data validation, analysis, and reporting.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights and compelling client presentations.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely delivery.
• Support business growth through upselling, methodology innovation, and new client acquisition.
• Mentor and manage team members, ensuring high-quality output and fostering a positive, collaborative environment.

• Serve as the primary client contact, ensuring expectations, timelines, and quality standards are met.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, delighting clients with consistent delivery above expectations.
• Identify opportunities to upsell or expand projects, including introducing new methodologies.
• Acquire at least one new client within the first 12 months.

• Lead projects from inception to delivery, including questionnaire design, supplier liaison, fieldwork oversight, data validation, and reporting.
• Plan and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met.
• Proactively flag challenges or risks and recommend solutions to maintain smooth delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure all project elements meet quality standards.

• Appraise client briefs to understand objectives and develop effective research proposals.
• Independently design questionnaires and other research tools, ensuring feasibility and optimal respondent experience.
• Supervise coding and data processing to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct basic data analysis and crosstabs; translate complex results into actionable, client-ready insights.
• Familiarity with mobile-first digital research methodologies and AI tools is advantageous.

• Produce client reports that are accurate, insightful, and aligned with business objectives.
• Coordinate internal teams to ensure all reporting elements - from charting to commentary - meet client expectations.
• Present research findings confidently to clients and stakeholders.

• Manage one or more direct reports, providing mentoring, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality work, ensuring client-ready output.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and selection of new team members.
• Foster a motivating and inclusive team environment that encourages retention and growth.

• 3-5 years' quantitative research experience in a full-service agency; previous Account Manager experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Marketing, Psychology, Statistics, or related field.
• Exposure to African markets (particularly Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria) advantageous.
• Additional languages (Arabic, French, Portuguese) a plus.

• Client-focused, commercially aware, and solutions-oriented.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and SPSS or other statistical software.
• Digitally savvy, technologically curious, and open to learning.
• Highly organized, with excellent time management and attention to detail.
• Effective communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable, proactive, and able to work autonomously while collaborating effectively.
• Ability to translate data into compelling stories and actionable recommendations.