Qualitative Sales Specialist

This is a strategic vertical position. Primary responsibility is to lead and grow the NIQ Qualitative business Nationally in FMCG – with special focus on AlcoBev + Retail . The candidate will be responsible for business development, winning projects, driving profitable growth, including the full P&L of the vertical as well as ensuring deliverables are in line with client expectation as well as build & nurture client relationship with NIQ and team.

You will primarily work closely with the various Business Vertical leaders and business partners along with the Qualitative team and set a strategy that focuses on account acquisition retention and growth.

• This role is also accountable for accurately managing an active sales pipeline and coaching the team to better results by leveraging multiple sales drivers such as prospecting, campaigns, and other account engagement tools.  
• Working closely with business partners across verticals to understand client challenges and ensuring strong awareness and presence of Qual with these clients
• In addition, you will work closely with Qualitative Consumer Success (CS – project execution team) to ensure strategic and seamless execution & ensure delightful client experience – thereby also getting involved with deliverables with the CS team if needed (review / supervise documents, reports, attending meetings / fw, so on -  as per requirement in conjunction with CS team).

This role combines sales mindset with qualitative research expertise, ensuring that client solutions are rooted in deep consumer understanding. This role will manage key accounts, lead consultative engagements, and collaborate with internal teams to deliver impactful insights and exceptional client experiences.

Core Responsibilities

• Working on qualitative proposals addressing research and business objectives
• Develop and customize qualitative research methodologies including traditional and emerging ones to meet client objectives and deliver actionable insights.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to assess feasibility, secure optimal project costing and ensuring proposals are both competitive and aligned with profitability guidelines
• Partner with Operations to optimize pricing and validate cost efficiency for client deliverables
• Achieve assigned revenue targets for FMCG (AlcoBev & Retail) through strategic account management and new business development.
• Introduce novel approaches and hybrid methods to address complex research and business challenges, ensuring NIQ remains at the forefront of qualitative thought leadership.
• Lead or support proposal development and represent qualitative offerings in client discussions.
• Position NIQ’s qualitative solutions as a key differentiator; articulate methodologies and insights that address client business challenges.
• Drive revenue targets through strategic account management and proactive new business development in FMCG (esp. AlcoBev & Retail). Identify and convert new client opportunities to expand NIQ’s footprint.
• Lead new business acquisition efforts through proactive prospecting, networking, and strategic client engagement. Develop and execute plans to penetrate new accounts and unlock growth opportunities within target verticals.
• Build and nurture senior-level client relationships; identify opportunities for upsell, cross-sell, and retention.
• Maintain a robust pipeline; provide accurate forecasts and reporting.
• Contribute to qualitative thought leadership by sharing best practices, case studies, and participating in industry forums.
• Partner with Customer Success teams to ensure seamless project execution and exceptional client experience.
• Support Customer Success teams in the execution of strategic and critical projects, providing guidance and supervision to ensure flawless delivery and an exceptional client experience.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends; share insights to inform business decisions.
• Ensure adherence to internal processes, CRM updates, and operational protocols.