Head of Market Research

Remote - South Africa

This is a position within our Market Research Department, working across various client projects.

About the Role

We are looking for a Head of Market Research to take ownership of the Market Research Department end to end. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants the challenge of building a department from the ground up: personally running research projects at a senior level, putting the right processes and systems in place, and growing and mentoring the team as the Department expands. The work spans full-cycle quantitative and qualitative research delivered for client companies, and includes bringing AI-enabled tools and methods into everyday research workflows.

An opportunity for the right candidate with the skills, experience and imagination required to have a hand in creating and managing the direction of a growing market research business during a significant growth phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Own market research delivery end to end for client projects, from scoping through to a finished, decision-ready output
• Personally design, field, analyse, and report on research projects using full-cycle quantitative and qualitative methods (survey design, CATI/F2F/online fieldwork, in-depth interviews, focus group moderation, questionnaire and discussion-guide design, data analysis)
• Establish and maintain the processes, templates, and documentation the Department relies on
• Bring AI tools into research workflows and build basic dashboards or internal tools to support the team's output
• Mentor and guide research staff as the team grows, helping shape their development alongside the Department's own
• Maintain research files, reference materials, and quality standards across all client output
• Handle ad hoc and time-sensitive research requests with strong accuracy and turnaround
• Contribute to the ongoing direction and standards of the Department

Requirements

• 8+ years of hands-on commercial market research experience, with multi-client or multi-industry exposure (agency-side or equivalent)
• Demonstrated ability to run research projects personally, including designing, fielding, analysing, and reporting
• Demonstrated experience building or running a department, office, or research Department, including its processes, systems, and people
• Practical use of AI tools within a research workflow (for example AI-assisted qualitative coding, LLM-based synthesis or reporting, or survey automation), together with enough technical ability (Python, SQL, or low-code/BI tools) to build a simple dashboard or internal tool independently
• Full-cycle quantitative and qualitative methodology, including survey design, fieldwork (CATI/F2F/online), in-depth interviews, focus group moderation, and data analysis (Excel/SPSS)
• Strong written English and the ability to present findings clearly to stakeholders and clients
• Relevant tertiary qualification in research, social science, statistics, marketing, or business

Nice to Have

• Postgraduate qualification in research, psychology, statistics, or marketing
• Time spent at a boutique or independent research consultancy, or running an own research practice
• People-management or mentoring experience

Benefits

What We Offe r

• Remote work arrangement
• Paid sick leave and public holidays
• Competitive salary
• The challenge and opportunity of setting up and growing a new department from the ground up
• A genuine path to guiding and mentoring a team as it expands
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Flat management structure with direct access to decision-makers
• Open communication environment

About Keller Executive Search

Keller Executive Search is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non-profits to multinational corporations. The firm emphasises ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

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Disclaimer

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics under applicable South African law.

Commitment to Diversity

A diverse and inclusive workplace is supported through fair, merit-based selection processes and accessible recruitment practices.

Data Protection and Privacy

Personal information is handled in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and related requirements, including lawful processing, data minimisation, and appropriate security safeguards.

Pay Equity

Compensation practices are designed to support fairness and non-discrimination, with role-related factors such as responsibilities, experience, and skills considered. Ongoing monitoring may be applied to help identify and address unjustified pay disparities consistent with organisational policy and applicable law.

Health and Safety

Workplace health and safety obligations are supported in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including reasonable measures to reduce risk.

Compliance with Law

Employment practices are intended to comply with applicable South African legislation, including the Employment Equity Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, and may be updated as requirements change.