Consultant/Senior Research Analyst (Qualitative Research), Advisors Research Centre

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

We work to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart, and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments, and businesses realize their greatest potential. Our decency quotient, or DQ, drives our culture and everything we do inside and outside of our company. We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better business results.

All About Us

The Data & Services team is a key differentiator for Mastercard providing the cutting-edge services that help our customers grow. Focused on thinking big and scaling fast around the globe, this agile team is responsible for end-to-end solutions for a diverse global customer base. We combine traditional management consulting with our rich data assets and in-house technology to provide our clients with powerful strategic insights and recommendations. Centered on data-driven technologies and innovation, these services include consulting, loyalty and marketing programs, test-and-learn business experimentation, and data driven information and risk management services. While specializing in the payments industry, Mastercard Data & Services also works closely with major retailers, airlines, and other enterprises, leveraging data and insights garnered from within and beyond its network.

All About the Role

Advisors Research Center is a capability designed to respond to fast evolving customer needs for high-quality research support, with the important mission of value realization in developing insights and recommendations. This capability augments Advisors traditional areas of strength.

In this role, we are looking for someone who can contribute to various types of research projects from start to finish, collaborate seamlessly with clients and vendors, and deliver high-quality, actionable insights through thorough data analysis and reporting.

Your responsibilities would include:

• Work on research projects, including primary research methodologies, while ensuring timelines, budgets and quality standards are met.
• Aggregate and analyze data to deliver clear, actionable insights through client-ready reports and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal consulting teams to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions, while effectively managing vendor relationships for timely and accurate project delivery.
• Ensure the preparation and delivery of high-quality research materials with a focus on accuracy and consistency.

All About You

We are seeking a detail-oriented and insightful Qualitative Research Analyst with 4-5 years of experience in leading and executing qualitative research initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in designing and conducting qualitative studies, synthesizing complex information, and delivering clear, actionable insights to stakeholders.

• Work on qualitative research projects, including writing research screeners and discussion guides, taking detailed notes during in-depth interviews and focus groups, and synthesizing findings into compelling, insight-driven reports.
• Collaborate with and manage third-party research vendors, ensuring alignment on project objectives, timelines, and deliverables while staying informed on relevant industry and market trends.
• Analyze qualitative data to uncover key themes, identify patterns, and generate meaningful conclusions and strategic recommendations.
• Create clear, engaging and insight-rich presentations by aggregating data from various sources and tailoring messaging to client or stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrate strong business writing skills with a focus on producing polished, client-ready materials that effectively communicate research insights.
• Coordinate research logistics, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs across all stages of the project lifecycle from planning to execution to reporting.
• Experience with quantitative research methodologies is a plus, though not mandatory.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with a strong focus on detail, accuracy, and deadlines.

All About Your Education & Skills

• Prior experience in a research agency is highly preferred, with a strong understanding of agency workflows and client deliverables.
• 4-5 years of relevant experience in qualitative research, including hands-on involvement in study design, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Excellent business writing skills are essential, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in a local language such as Mandarin, Thai, or Indonesian is a plus, but not a requirement.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required; familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, or Monday.com) is an added advantage.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

• Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;

• Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and

• Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.