Market Research Manager, Fargo, ND

About the Role
Thomas & Reed, LLC is a consulting firm in Indianapolis, IN with a focus on Government Contracting. We are currently searching for a Market Research Manager to join the Team at the Rural Export Center in Fargo, ND.

Key Responsibilities

Promotion of Services

Promote the services of the REC to Rural Team members, Trade Specialists, State Trade Offices, District Export Councils and other stakeholders via phone calls, videoconferencing, and emails to maintain sufficient research requests to sustain workload.

Maintain and update the Trade Specialist Guide, ensuring approvals from the REC Director.

Oversee Research Quality and Activity

Monitor status and quality of market research reports produced by analysts and assistants.

Train staff on project management techniques, research tools, and effective communication strategies.

Oversee Documentation of Operations

Maintain Works in Progress (WIP) tracking document for RAISE research reports, website globalization reviews, and client training.

Maintenance of Training Materials

Oversight of procedure manuals, templates, and training documents for consistency of onboarding and reporting.

Ensure new contractors and interns understand research methodologies through mentorship and approved training.

Deliver Research Results

Participate in client meetings, ensuring findings are clear, actionable, and incorporate US Commercial Service programs.

Coordinate invitation of Congressional offices for final research presentations.

Record Counseling Interactions in CRM

Ensure RAISE cases recorded in Salesforce and client folder system with detailed coaching notes.

Coordinate Weekly and Monthly Status Meetings

Arrange weekly calls with contractors and interns to brief the REC Director.

Arrange monthly calls with the Contracting Officer’s Representative, contractor management, and the REC Director; publish meeting minutes.

Evaluate and Recommend New Data Tools

Identify and evaluate additional research databases and tools for inclusion in the research suite.

Evaluate and Advise Burn Rate and Staffing

Monitor contract burn rate, record hours, and report weekly activity.

Assess quarterly report drafting hours for efficiency improvements.

Hiring and Performance Management

Key part in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding new contractors; report staffing developments to the REC Director and COR.

Administrative Oversight

Track government property issued to contractors in inventory spreadsheet.

Working with Interns

Manage interns per REC Director; provide training and support on research assignments.

Promote Exporter Training Classes

Communicate value and schedule of exporter training to stakeholders and coordinate sessions.

Coordinate Planning and Scheduling of Training Classes

Work with Trade Specialists to coordinate, schedule, and deliver exporter training in topics like e‑commerce and market research.

Develop Additional Training Content

Create new training programs for a rural audience in collaboration with specialists.

Client Follow‑Up

Schedule follow‑up discussions within 90 days of project completion and beyond as needed, aiming for Written Impact Narratives.

Reporting

Log daily projects and trainings; assist in dashboard and report creation with key performance indicators.

Training for Contractors and Professional Development

Provide contractor‑related training; costs borne by contractors.

Qualifications

At least 3 years of management experience, preferably including completing research projects and supervising research staff.

Excellent analytical and written communication skills.

Proficient in advanced Excel.

Proven track record in business development.

Experience leading seminars for business owners with a proven track record of delivering high‑quality oral presentations and using adult instructional methods.

Comfortable operating in rural environments and working with a rural client base.

Preference for private sector exporting experience.

Ability to work independently on tasks.

A Bachelor’s degree in business or economics; Master’s degree preferred.

Minium of five (5) years of related experience.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation.

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