NielsenIQ is Hiring Research Associate | Finsplitz

Introduction

Are you a data-driven individual with a keen interest in understanding consumer behavior and market trends? NielsenIQ, a global leader in consumer intelligence, is actively seeking talented Research Associates to join its teams across India, particularly in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, and Vadodara. This role is crucial in assisting with the development and modification of reports, ensuring data quality, and supporting client needs by transforming raw data into actionable insights for leading consumer goods manufacturers and retailers. If you possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for uncovering what consumers buy and why, NielsenIQ offers an excellent platform to kickstart your career in market research and consumer intelligence.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a Research Associate at NielsenIQ, you will be instrumental in the end-to-end process of data analysis, report generation, and ensuring the accuracy and timely delivery of insights to clients. Your responsibilities will typically include:

• Report Development and Modification: Assisting with the creation, refresh, and modification of various reports as per client requirements. This involves working closely with Report Liaisons and onshore stakeholders.
• Data Quality Assurance: Performing rigorous quality checks on deliverables (reports, dashboards) to ensure data integrity, accuracy, and adherence to NielsenIQ’s quality standards.
• Data Processing and Manipulation: Utilizing NielsenIQ’s proprietary tools (e.g., Discover, Nad, DIPE, CX, Dynamics) and general data manipulation tools like Advanced Excel and potentially basic VBA, R, or Python to process, transform, and analyze large datasets.
• Automation and Simplification: Identifying opportunities to stabilize, simplify, and automate reporting processes to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• Client Liaison Support: Maintaining successful partnerships with country touchpoints (Report Liaison, Client Liaison, Client Service) to ensure customer requirements are understood and deliverables lead to sustainable business-as-usual (BAU) operations.
• Documentation and Tracking: Maintaining accurate production trackers, Smart Sheet inventories, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other mandatory documentation.
• Troubleshooting and RCA: Taking corrective actions when required and providing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to team leaders for any data or report-related issues.
• Learning and Training: Actively participating in knowledge transfer calls, dry runs, and parallel runs for new reports, and continuously learning about NielsenIQ tools, processes, and country-specific reporting nuances.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Providing support and updates to internal and external teams, maintaining clear communication with various departments (Client Service, Business Intelligence, Setup, Operations).

Salary and Benefits

NielsenIQ offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package for Research Associates in India, aiming to provide a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

• Competitive Base Salary:
  • For Research Associate roles (entry to junior level, 0-2 years experience), the expected annual salary typically ranges from ₹4 lakhs to ₹6 lakhs per annum.
  • For freshers at NielsenIQ, the average salary is reported around ₹11 lakhs per annum for roles like Software Engineer, indicating competitive pay for technical positions. The specific Research Associate role, often more operations/report-focused initially, will fall within the lower end of the overall company average.
  • The overall average salary for employees at NielsenIQ in India is approximately ₹16.3 lakhs per annum, with a range of ₹10.8 lakhs to ₹49.7 lakhs for more experienced roles across various functions.
• Performance-based Incentives: Opportunities for bonuses tied to individual performance and company results.
• Flexible Working Environment: NielsenIQ promotes flexible working arrangements, including hybrid models, understanding that “work is no longer the four walls of where we go, it’s what we do and how we do it.”
• Learning and Development: Access to extensive learning resources, including LinkedIn Learning, and tailor-made training programs through “NIQ University” to foster continuous professional development and career growth.
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP): Provides support for employees’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Volunteer Time Off: Encourages employees to contribute to community initiatives.
• Health and Wellness: While specific details might vary, generally includes health insurance and other wellness-focused programs.
• Career Progression: NielsenIQ emphasizes internal job movement and provides clear career progression paths, encouraging employees to explore new initiatives and take ownership of their career journey.

Eligibility Criteria

NielsenIQ looks for highly analytical, detail-oriented, and communicative graduates who are eager to delve into consumer data. Typical eligibility criteria for Research Associate roles include:

• Educational Qualification: A Graduate or Post Graduate degree in subjects like Statistics, Economics, Mathematics, or any related analytical stream. A Bachelor’s degree in any stream with relevant skills can also be considered for some roles.
• Experience: Primarily for fresh graduates (0 years of experience) or candidates with up to 1-2 years of relevant experience in data analysis, report generation, or market research support.
• Key Technical Skills:
  • Advanced Excel: Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is mandatory (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas).
  • VBA (Basic understanding): Basic VBA knowledge can be an added advantage for automation.
  • Tableau: Good working knowledge of Tableau for data visualization.
  • R/Python (Basic understanding): Basic understanding of R or Python for data analysis can be helpful, but is often not mandatory for entry-level roles.
  • Market Research Understanding: A basic understanding of market research principles and methodologies is preferred.
• Soft Skills:
  • Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze data, identify trends, and draw insights.
  • Consultative Skills: Ability to understand client requirements and suggest appropriate solutions.
  • Customer Service Skills: Strong orientation towards supporting internal and external clients.
  • Communication Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills are crucial for liaising with various stakeholders and presenting findings.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in handling data and ensuring accuracy in reports.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, troubleshoot, and provide root cause analysis.
  • Teamwork: Capability to work collaboratively within a team.
  • Adaptability: Willingness to work in evening shifts, as some roles might involve supporting global clients.

Application Process

Ready to join a company that helps shape the future of consumer behavior? Here’s how to apply for a Research Associate position at NielsenIQ:

1. Online Application: Visit the official NielsenIQ Careers website (nielseniq.com/global/en/careers/) or relevant job portals like ZipRecruiter, Apna, or SmartRecruiters. Search for “Research Associate” in India.
2. Resume Submission: Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your educational background, analytical skills, proficiency in Excel and Tableau, and any relevant projects or internship experiences.
3. Online Assessment: This is a common initial screening step. It typically includes:
   • Aptitude Test: May cover quantitative aptitude (profit/loss, Venn diagrams, probabilities, averages, percentages), logical reasoning, and verbal ability (sentence correction).
   • Case Study Analysis: You might be given a small dataset or a scenario to analyze and answer specific questions, testing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Interview Scheduling: Candidates who successfully clear the online assessment will be invited for subsequent interview rounds.

Interview Process

The interview process for a Research Associate at NielsenIQ is designed to assess your analytical capabilities, technical skills, communication, and overall fit for a data-centric role in market research. It generally involves:

• Initial Phone Interview: A preliminary discussion (around 30 minutes) with a recruiter or HR representative about your background, motivations for applying, and general fit for the company culture. You might discuss academic experiences and projects, especially those involving datasets or research methodologies.
• Technical Interview(s): These rounds focus on your practical skills.
  • Excel Proficiency: Expect practical questions or a live test on advanced Excel functions (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, conditional formatting, data validation).
  • Data Interpretation: You might be presented with sample datasets or charts and asked to interpret them, identify trends, and draw conclusions.
  • SQL/Tableau (if applicable): If these are required for the role, you might be asked basic SQL queries or how you would create a dashboard in Tableau.
  • Market Research Concepts: Basic questions on consumer behavior, market segmentation, or research methodologies might be asked.
• Managerial/Behavioral Interview: This round usually involves the hiring manager or a senior team member. It focuses on your problem-solving approach, teamwork abilities, and behavioral aspects.
  • “Tell me about a time you had to analyze a complex dataset.”
  • “How do you ensure data quality and accuracy in your work?”
  • “Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline for a report.”
  • “Why are you interested in market research and consumer intelligence?”
  • “How do you handle feedback or criticism?”
• HR Interview: The final round assesses your cultural fit, communication skills, and motivation for joining NielsenIQ. It covers standard HR questions, salary expectations, and potential work timings (especially for evening shifts).

Throughout the interview process, showcase your strong analytical mindset, your meticulous attention to detail, and your ability to communicate complex data insights clearly. Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the consumer intelligence industry and a willingness to learn and grow within a global organization.

Conclusion

Joining NielsenIQ as a Research Associate offers a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics. With its extensive data assets and focus on delivering comprehensive insights, NielsenIQ provides a stimulating and supportive environment for budding research professionals. If you are a curious, analytical, and detail-oriented individual passionate about transforming data into actionable intelligence, explore the Research Associate opportunities at NielsenIQ today!

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