Manager, Sample Solutions

Job Description:

Job Scope:

The Manager, Sample Solutions manages the successful delivery of complex and high-volume sample-only and sample-driven research projects across the Sample Solutions portfolio.

Prodege Sample represents approximately 80% of all clients and serves as the primary entry point into broader Prodege solutions. This role manages a team of Project Managers and/or Senior Project Managers (anticipated span of control: approximately 3–7 direct reports) responsible for executing projects that include advanced targeting, IHUTs, geofencing, receipt capture, multi-market studies, and other innovative methodologies.

The Manager directly influences revenue realization, delivery margin, client retention, and operational scalability by ensuring projects are executed on time, within scope, and within budget. This role is accountable for forecasting accuracy, invoicing discipline, operational KPIs, and protecting the integrity of Prodege’s largest client segment.

Strategic Imperative:

Sample Solutions is the foundation of Prodege’s client ecosystem and the gateway into expanded partnerships. The Manager, Sample Solutions plays a critical role in protecting this core revenue stream by delivering operational excellence, consistent quality, and scalable execution.

By managing team performance, strengthening client trust, governing financial discipline, and optimizing delivery processes, this leader ensures that Sample remains both operationally efficient and strategically positioned to expand into full-service and consultative engagements.

Success in this role drives client satisfaction, margin protection, repeat business, and long-term account growth across the organization.

Primary Objectives:

• Project Delivery Governance: Manage the end-to-end execution of complex sample-driven research projects to ensure quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.

• Team Leadership & Capability Development: Manage, coach, and develop Sample Solutions team members to strengthen operational expertise and accountability.

• Client Relationship & Service Leadership: Maintain high service standards and act as a senior escalation point to protect retention and long-term client relationships.

• Financial & Revenue Management: Manage revenue forecasting accuracy, invoicing timeliness, and project-level financial oversight across assigned portfolios.

• Risk Management & Operational Optimization: Identify risks early, implement corrective actions, and optimize delivery processes to ensure scalable excellence.

Detailed Job Duties:

Project Delivery Governance:

• Oversee high-complexity and high-volume sample projects, including IHUTs, advanced targeting, receipt capture, geofencing, and multi-market studies.

• Ensure execution across all lifecycle phases including kickoff, sample and quota design, fieldwork launch, QA, monitoring, reconciliation, and invoicing.

• Review and approve project plans to ensure timeline, quality, and financial expectations are met.

• Implement standardized best practices for fieldwork monitoring and data quality control.

• Ensure structured project roadmaps are consistently applied across engagements.

Team Leadership & Capability Development:

• Manage Project Managers and Senior Project Managers with clear performance expectations and measurable KPIs.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and technical guidance.

• Conduct performance reviews and implement development plans.

• Partner with leadership on hiring, workforce planning, and succession strategies.

• Elevate team expertise in sample methodologies, panel behavior, feasibility, and operational best practices.

Client Relationship & Service Leadership:

• Serve as senior escalation point for assigned client accounts.

• Guide clients through risks, scope adjustments, and delivery tradeoffs with clarity and professionalism.

• Maintain strong client relationships to protect retention and encourage account expansion.

• Partner with Account Management and Sales to support renewals and identify incremental opportunities.

Financial & Revenue Management:

• Manage accurate revenue forecasting across assigned projects and teams.

• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing.

• Monitor incidence rates, completion rates, field timelines, cost structures, and profitability metrics.

• Identify financial risks early and implement corrective actions to protect margin.

Risk Management & Operational Optimization:

• Identify operational risks and escalate when necessary to protect client satisfaction and revenue integrity.

• Coordinate with third-party vendors and internal partners to ensure delivery standards are met.

• Optimize workflows, QA playbooks, and process documentation.

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and scalability.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• Seven or more (7+) years of relevant project management experience within market research.

• Demonstrated experience leading or managing a team.

• Strong understanding of primary research methodologies and complex study designs.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong financial acumen, including forecasting and invoicing oversight.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple complex qualitative and quantitative projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite products.

• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively to meet departmental objectives.

The nice to haves:

• Experience in 24x7 operational environments.

• MBA in Marketing or related field.

• Flexibility to work across multiple time zones.

• Experience managing vendor or outsourced delivery partnerships.

Additional Management Responsibilities:

• Performance Management: Setting and managing goals, ongoing coaching, corrective action, annual reviews, rewards/recognition, and team/individual development.

• Employee Life Cycle Management: Headcount forecasting, job descriptions, recruiting/hiring, and termination processes.

• Governance: Ensuring compliance with company policies, internal controls, and employment regulations.

• Leadership: Building strong collaborative relationships across departments, fostering professional growth, and modeling operational excellence.

• Culture Ambassador: Demonstrating and cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, quality focus, and results orientation.

All positions within the company require the following (unless otherwise specified or required for the job:

• Physical Ability:

  • Sit up to 5 hours per day

  • Stand up to 5 hours per day

  • Lift, carry, push up to 25 lbs

• Ability to listen, read, organize thoughts, analyze, and communicate (both in verbal and written form, in English, in a concise and professional manner)

• Ability to type on a keyboard and utilize the computer work tools constantly and with proficiency

• Regular and consistent attendance to work and meetings

• Ability to receive and offer feedback in a professional and positive manner

• Adherence to company policy and behavior in accordance with our values and norms.

• Frequent and timely communication, collaboration, as well as responsiveness to peers and management