At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead brand tracking and ad-hoc research projects, delivering insights that drive business impact.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at UM, a leader in market research and strategy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexi-leave, free meals, early finishes, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping brands understand their markets and unlock growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantitative research and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Insight team sits at the heart of UM embedded into the broader Planning & Strategy discipline. We help clients understand their markets, identify competitive opportunities, and unlock growth through research-driven knowledge. We're methodology-agnostic problem-solvers who combine quantitative rigor with qualitative depth. Beyond client projects, we publish thought leadership that examines representation, identity, and advertising's role in systemic change—challenging our industry to do better.
About the Role
We're seeking an Insight Manager to lead our brand tracking and ad-hoc research portfolio. This is an individual contributor role where you'll own projects end-to-end—from proposal design through to client presentation—while building strong client relationships and delivering insights that drive real business impact.
Core Responsibilities
- Brand Tracking & Campaign Research (Primary Focus)
- Design and deliver brand tracking studies, campaign evaluation research, and brand health monitoring programs
- Manage fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting for both continuous and bespoke brand research projects
- Translate tracking data into compelling narratives that help clients optimize communications and refine strategy
- Identify emerging trends within tracking data and recommend actionable next steps
- Client Leadership & Relationship Management
- Own direct client communication and develop long‑term relationships with key contacts
- Brief clients on research findings; present insights with confidence, clarity, and perspective
- Work with the Insight Director on proposal development and pitch support
- Manage client expectations, budgets, and timelines; ensure projects deliver commercial value
- Research Design & Delivery
- Write questionnaires, discussion guides, and detailed research proposals aligned to client briefs
- Manage end‑to‑end quantitative research workflows (sampling, fieldwork, data processing, analysis)
- Conduct qualitative research where appropriate—focus groups, interviews, workshops
- Develop analysis using statistical software (e.g., Q, SPSS, Qualtrics)
- Create insightful, visually engaging reports and presentations that go "beyond the bar chart"
- Strategic Contribution
- Identify and develop thought‑leadership research to build UM's market reputation
- Introduce new research methodologies and demonstrate how our tools add value to media planning
- Support agency new business pitches with research thinking
- Run internal workshops to enrich agency output and foster data‑informed culture
- Deputize for the Insight Director when needed
The Person We're Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
- Quantitative research experience ideally from a media agency, market research firm, or client‑side research role
- Hands‑on experience managing and running continuous market research tracking studies, ensuring accurate project management and reporting.
- Proven track record managing clients and delivering to commercial targets
- Exceptional time and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks and seamlessly oversee research projects from inception to completion
- Strong brand and communications knowledge or demonstrable interest (e.g., you follow advertising, know what campaigns excite you, understand brand positioning)
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization software
- Ability to work autonomously while knowing when to elevate; confident in your own decision‑making
- Curiosity and analytical rigor—you dig into the why behind metrics, not just reporting shifts
- Strong storytelling ability; you can find the narrative in complex data
- Attention to detail; you take pride in analytical accuracy
Mindset & Characteristics
- Consultancy‑oriented; you think in terms of client challenges and business solutions
- Naturally curious; you question assumptions and challenge conventional thinking
- Independent worker who manages multiple projects simultaneously
- Energetic ambassador for our team; keen to contribute to agency culture
- You have a point of view and aren't afraid to express it—even if it's contrarian
- Growth mindset; keen to develop your reputation as a research thought leader
- Hands‑on qualitative research experience (designing, moderating, analyzing)
- Background in brand planning, strategic communications, or advertising
Practical Details
- Based in London but occasional UK travel for client meetings and fieldwork
- Willingness to attend industry conferences and events
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE (First 6-12 Months)
- Independently managing brand tracking or research projects
- Building strong, autonomous relationships with 2 key clients
- Delivering at least one thought‑leadership research initiative with senior support
- Creating presentations and reports that receive positive client feedback for insight quality and storytelling
- Contributing ideas for new research methodologies or applications
Employee Transparency
At IPG Mediabrands, we celebrate differences and believe this makes us stronger. IPG Mediabrands are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to championing an inclusive culture that provides a sense of belonging for all our employees. We do not discriminate against any applicant based on age, disability, race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, belief, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Perks
We aim to provide all our people with a supportive and fun work environment where you can develop your full potential and benefit from the broad range of opportunities within the agency. When you join us, we want to make sure you feel valued – and that you are rewarded for your fantastic work. So, we also offer a range of benefits:
- Flexi–leave, with 25 days annual leave to be taken as minimum. In addition to your holiday entitlement, the office usually closes between Christmas & New Year
- Free breakfast and free lunch
- Early finish Fridays
- Core Hours (Mon‑Thurs, flexible start/finish times)
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifices car scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Paid time off for Volunteering
- Group Income Protection
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance or Health Cash Plan (dependent on level)
- Group Personal Pension Plan with matched contributions from 3-6%
- Generous Parental Leave & Pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free eye tests
- Flexible benefits including Dental, Travel insurance, Cycle to Work, Gym Discounts and many more!
Insight Manager (Market Research/Brand Tracking) in London employer: UM London
At UM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our Insight team not only drives impactful research but also encourages personal and professional growth through diverse opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee well-being. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, we empower our employees to challenge the status quo and contribute meaningfully to both client success and industry thought leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insight Manager (Market Research/Brand Tracking) in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for UM London and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like UM London are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with UM London on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at UM London. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Insight Manager (Market Research/Brand Tracking) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit UM London. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of UM London:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about UM London’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UM London
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at UM London will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At UM London, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
