Market Researcher (Lead)

Role: Market Researcher

Location: Nigeria (Hybrid - Lagos preferably)

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: 2 months (renewable based on performance and business needs)

Monthly Compensation: ₦450,000 

Our client, Trip Ease is a pre-launch Nigerian startup developing a comprehensive mobility ecosystem that integrates ride-hailing services with embedded financial solutions, advanced safety protocols, and seamless inter-state travel connectivity. As we prepare for product development, we're seeking an exceptional Lead Researcher to architect and execute our critical market validation initiative.

Role Overview

As our Lead Researcher, you will serve as the chief strategist for our market validation research program. This senior-level position requires you to design sophisticated research frameworks, orchestrate cross-functional insights synthesis, and deliver executive-level strategic intelligence that will fundamentally shape our product development roadmap, market entry strategy, and investor positioning.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Research Architecture

• Design and implement a comprehensive market validation research framework encompassing user behavior, competitive dynamics, and market opportunity assessment
• Establish research methodologies, quality standards, and validation protocols for the entire program
• Lead comprehensive competitor intelligence initiatives and market landscape analysis
• Transform multi-source research insights into strategic business intelligence and actionable recommendations

Program Management & Execution

• Develop detailed research roadmaps with clear timelines, milestones, and success metrics
• Orchestrate research activities across diverse Nigerian markets and demographic segments
• Lead, mentor, and quality-assure work from research associates and field teams
• Ensure methodological excellence and data integrity across all research initiatives

Strategic Analysis & Intelligence

• Synthesize complex, multi-dimensional research data into compelling business narratives
• Identify high-impact market opportunities, competitive threats, and strategic positioning recommendations
• Develop robust product-market fit frameworks and evidence-based feature prioritization models
• Create comprehensive competitive intelligence reports and strategic market positioning analyses

Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deliver weekly executive briefings and comprehensive monthly strategic reports
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to founding team, board members, and potential investors
• Translate complex research insights into clear, actionable business strategies
• Serve as the primary research liaison for external partners, stakeholders, and industry contacts

Essential Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Strategy, Market Research, Economics, or related analytical discipline
• 5+ years of senior-level research experience, with strong preference for tech, mobility, or fintech sectors
• Demonstrated success leading research teams and managing complex, multi-phase projects
• Advanced expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
• Deep, nuanced understanding of Nigerian market dynamics, consumer psychology, and business environment
• Proven experience in startup/early-stage market validation and product research
• Exceptional strategic thinking, pattern recognition, and synthesis capabilities
• Advanced proficiency in research analytics tools, statistical software, and data visualization platforms

Highly Valued Qualifications (But not Required)

• Direct experience in Nigerian mobility, fintech, or adjacent technology sectors
• Startup founding experience or senior strategy consulting background
• Established network within Nigeria's technology and transportation ecosystem
• Track record of presenting research insights to C-level executives and investors
• Experience with rapid market entry strategies and competitive positioning

What To Look Forward To:

• Opportunity to shape a groundbreaking mobility platform from inception
• Direct collaboration with founding team and senior leadership
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Performance-based contract renewal opportunities
• Potential for long-term strategic consulting relationship as company scales