Research Project Manager (On-Site in Charlotte, NC)

MARKETING SYSTEMS GROUP (MSG) s a leading global provider of technology, services, and information solutions customized for the survey, sensory and marketing research community. For more than thirty years, MSG has been investing in people and technology to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic industry. Our track record speaks for itself — a rich legacy providing the world's leading market research companies with online survey tools for research and panel management software.

MSG offers full-service online qualitative and quantitative research software, global sampling capabilities, and market research intelligence. We provide our customers with quality sampling data and hard-to-reach respondents. MSG also offers a package of expert tools that go beyond sampling, including comprehensive list enhancement products, innovative automated feedback and panel management software, a state of the art predictive dialing telephony system, and a full suite of geographic information services.

Job Description

We are looking for a Research Project Manager who will be responsible for managing a wide variety of survey research projects. The Research Project Manager is responsible for independently leading projects from start to finish while also working collaboratively with teams and stakeholders. This role requires a balance of autonomy and teamwork, with an emphasis on anticipating how decisions made early in a project can impact downstream processes. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong accountability, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to keep both day-to-day details and the bigger strategic picture in focus.

Qualities Expected from the Candidate:

• You are passionate about creating and delivering high quality services to our clients and collaborating with business users to help achieve business goals.
• You are a self-starter who can work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of projects from start to finish while ensuring deadlines, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met.
• You adapt quickly to changes in priorities, timelines, or client needs, maintaining focus on project goals.
• You are dedicated to excellence and demonstrate a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Responsibilities

Project Planning and Coordination:

• Work in collaboration with other team members and vendors to develop project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects.
• Maintain organized documentation of project changes, reconciliations, and budget tracking.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks and issues that may impact project success (e.g., low survey response rates) and develop mitigation strategies in collaboration with the Director.
• Monitor project performance to ensure the successful delivery of projects that could have multiple deliverables.
• Evaluate project decisions for potential downstream impacts and make proactive adjustments to minimize risks.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders.
• Provide regular updates on project status, including progress, risks, and changes.
• Facilitate meetings and presentations to communicate project goals, progress, and outcomes.

Teamwork:

• While able to work independently, you actively collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and vendors to align priorities, resolve challenges, build consensus, and ensure all stakeholders are engaged in driving project success.

Quality Assurance:

• Ensure all project deliverables meet the required quality standards and are completed according to specifications.
• Document project processes and procedures.
• Proof artwork, data merges, and data collection files.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify areas for improvement.

Required Skill Set

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Project Management, or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager or similar role, with a track record of successfully managing projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to create detailed project plans, including timelines, deliverables, and resource allocation.
• Basic skills in tracking project costs and ensuring adherence to budget.
• Effective management of day-to-day activities, ensuring that team members understand their roles and deadlines.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice to Have

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, Scrum).
• Prior experience with survey research is a plus.
• Prior experience in direct mail or mail-based survey is a plus.
• Knowledge of Survey Sampling, Address Based Sample, Mailer Design.
• Prior experience editing design files using Adobe products.

What we offer you:

MSG offers its employees the opportunity to share in the ownership of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Along with the ESOP, we offer our employees participation in a 401(k) plan.

We also offer our full time employees the option to participate in our suite of Health benefits including Medical, Health and Flexible Spending accounts, Dental, Vision, Life Insurances, Disability plans, both short and long term, various voluntary benefits including home and car insurance, pet insurance and ldentity theft protection.

Along with our retirement and medical benefits, employees can balance their work and personal life with our vacation, sick and holiday paid time off benefit.