📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Group Account Director
🔹 Company: Kantar
🔹 Location: Gurgaon, DLF Cyber Park, India
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Market Research
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 6+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing client relationships and delivering impactful insights
- Driving excellence, efficiency, and thought leadership within the team
- Achieving business growth and nurturing strong client connections
- Leading and mentoring team members to build capabilities and strive for excellence
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of client management, team leadership, and research expertise. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantitative consumer insights and proven experience in managing client relationships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Achieve growth and manage business financials
✅ Identify new business initiatives and leverage skills across units
✅ Build and nurture strong client relationships
✅ Create an environment that fosters new work/innovations
✅ Drive thought leadership in teams
✅ Develop research capability among team members
✅ Guide research executives working on a project and contribute to their overall training
✅ Manage client presentations and ensure high-level client servicing
✅ Write reports and create presentations, including client recommendations
✅ Negotiate acceptable costs and contract agreements with suppliers
✅ Create discussion guides and screeners, and moderate groups, interviews, ethnography, and online forums
✅ Control budgets and monitor job cost summaries regularly
✅ Overall management of the research team and suppliers
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, client management, and hands-on research. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with both high-level strategic thinking and day-to-day project execution.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s in Business Administration or Post Graduate Degree
Experience: 6+ years of experience in quantitative consumer insights
Required Skills:
- Proven knowledge of market research: consumer research/brand research & retail research
- Experience in quantitative research techniques & tools
- Proven skills in team management and leadership
- Background and experience in P&L management
- Strong analytical, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the FMCG/Consumer durables industry
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Given the role's requirements, candidates should have a strong background in quantitative consumer insights, proven leadership skills, and a solid understanding of market research techniques.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: INR 25-35 lakhs per annum (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles)
Benefits:
- Competitive health and wellness benefits
- Retirement savings plans
- Employee assistance programs
- Learning and development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in India. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Kantar is a leading data, insights, and consulting company, specializing in market research and consumer understanding. They operate globally, serving a wide range of industries.
Company Size: Kantar has over 29,000 employees worldwide, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: Kantar was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become a global leader in its industry.
Company Description:
- Kantar combines expertise in human understanding with advanced technologies to deliver insights that drive growth for its clients.
- The company offers a wide range of services, including market research, data analytics, and consulting.
- Kantar's global presence and extensive industry knowledge enable it to provide tailored solutions to clients across various sectors.
Company Specialties:
- Market research and data analytics
- Consumer understanding and brand strategy
- Healthcare and public policy research
- Customer experience and innovation
Company Website: www.kantar.com
ASSUMPTION: Kantar's size, global presence, and extensive service offerings provide a dynamic and challenging work environment for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: The Group Account Director role is a senior-level position, typically suited for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers in market research and client management.
Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Managing Director or another senior leader within the organization. The Group Account Director is also responsible for managing and mentoring a team of research executives.
Work Arrangement: The role is based on-site, with flexibility for remote work based on project demands and team needs.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a Director or Vice President role within Kantar
- Expansion of responsibilities to cover additional markets or service lines
- Development of leadership and management skills through mentoring and coaching opportunities
ASSUMPTION: The Group Account Director role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the organization and develop leadership skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Kantar's Gurgaon office is located in the DLF Cyber Park, a modern and well-equipped business park with numerous amenities.
Office Location(s): Gurgaon, DLF Cyber Park, India
Geographic Context:
- Gurgaon is a major commercial hub and part of the National Capital Region (NCR) of India.
- The city is known for its high-quality infrastructure and is home to numerous multinational corporations.
- Gurgaon offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Delhi and other nearby cities.
Work Schedule: The role follows a typical Monday to Friday work schedule, with flexibility for project demands and team needs.
ASSUMPTION: Gurgaon's strategic location and modern infrastructure provide a convenient and comfortable work environment for employees.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth behavioral and technical interviews
- Final round interviews with senior leadership
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Quantitative research skills and experience
- Client management and relationship-building skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Kantar's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by researching common market research scenarios and Kantar's service offerings
- Demonstrate your understanding of Kantar's business and the industry trends in your cover letter
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to client management, team leadership, and research project execution
ATS Keywords: Market Research, Consumer Insights, Brand Guidance, Innovation, Segmentation, Custom Research, Client Relationship Management, Team Leadership, P&L Management, Quantitative Research Techniques, Data Analysis, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit with Kantar's values and work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Market research software and tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python)
- Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana)
- Collaboration and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with market research software and tools, as well as proficiency in presentation and project management platforms.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Curiosity and a passion for understanding people
- Bold thinking and a commitment to innovation
- Collaboration and a focus on teamwork
- Integrity and a commitment to ethical standards
Work Style:
- Results-driven and focused on delivering impactful insights
- Adaptable and comfortable with change and ambiguity
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record in quantitative consumer insights and client management?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and team-oriented work culture?
- Are you committed to maintaining high ethical standards in your work?
ASSUMPTION: Kantar values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their alignment with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client relationships and projects simultaneously
- Balancing strategic planning and day-to-day project execution
- Working in a fast-paced and dynamic market research environment
- Adapting to changes in client needs and market trends
ASSUMPTION: The Group Account Director role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, adaptability, and a solid understanding of market research and client management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other market research roles, the Group Account Director position offers more strategic and leadership responsibilities
- In the FMCG/Consumer durables industry, this role may involve working with high-profile clients and managing complex research projects
- Career progression in this role may lead to director or vice president positions within Kantar or other market research firms
ASSUMPTION: The Group Account Director role offers a unique blend of strategic, leadership, and technical responsibilities, setting it apart from other market research positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive brand audit for a major FMCG client, including product testing, U&A, and pricing research
- Developing a segmentation study for a consumer durables client, identifying key customer groups and their preferences
- Leading a custom research project for a healthcare organization, focusing on patient perceptions and experiences
ASSUMPTION: The Group Account Director role involves a wide range of research projects, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most significant challenges facing the team or organization currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Kantar support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for the team in the first 90 days, and how can the successful candidate contribute to them?
- How does Kantar measure the success of its Group Account Directors, and what are the key performance indicators for this role?
- What are the opportunities for growth and advancement within Kantar for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to Kantar's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the Kantar careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and technical interview questions by researching common market research scenarios and Kantar's service offerings
- Demonstrate your understanding of Kantar's business and the industry trends in your cover letter
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to client management, team leadership, and research project execution
- Follow up with the hiring manager within a week after your interview to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
