How to Structure a Market Research Dream Team

Market research teams are vital in today's fast-paced business world. They unlock valuable insights and drive strategic decisions.

Building such a team requires careful consideration. It's about assembling a mix of skills, aptitudes, and perspectives. I've been running my own successful marketing agency for years so I speak from experience.

But first, let's talk about the Market Research department structures you have to choose from.

Structuring Market Research Department

There are two main types of department structures based on company size and resources.

• Market Research department structure by discipline
  • Org Type: Traditional corporate departments
  • Best For: Midsize/Enterprise companies
• Market Research department structure by function
  • Org Type: Employees are grouped by activities and objectives
  • Best For: Small to Medium Sized Business (SMB)

Let’s go in-depth to each one of them.

1. Market Research Department Structure by Discipline

Discipline-based structure involves building teams centered around various marketing disciplines. For example, SEO, Content, Market Research, and Product Strategy could each form separate teams within a department.

Discipline	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Survey Design	Questionnaire Development, Sampling, Data Collection, Research Design	Survey Designer, Research Analyst
Data Analysis	Data Interpretation, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Problem-solving	Data Analyst, Market Research Analyst
Qualitative Research	Focus Group Management, Interviewing, Observational Skills	Qualitative Researcher, Consumer Insights Manager
Quantitative Research	Statistical Modeling, Data Mining, Predictive Analysis	Quantitative Analyst, Data Scientist
Secondary Research	Data Gathering, Analytical Thinking, Report Writing	Secondary Research Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst
Consumer Insights	Consumer Behavior Understanding, Data Interpretation, Communication Skills	Consumer Insights Specialist, Consumer Insights Director
Competitive Intelligence	Market Trend Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Thinking	Competitive Intelligence Analyst, Market Intelligence Manager
Field Research	Observational Skills, Interviewing, Data Collection	Field Researcher, Field Research Manager

2. Market Research Department Structure by Function

Another approach is structuring by function, where teams are formed based on the different functions they perform. For example, promotion, launches, and relationship management could all be separate teams.

Function	Key Skills	Potential Roles
Market Trends	Trend Analysis, Strategic Thinking, Communication Skills	Market Trends Analyst, Market Research Director
Brand Research	Brand Understanding, Competitive Analysis, Creative Thinking	Brand Research Analyst, Brand Research Manager
Product Research	Product Knowledge, Analytical Skills, Problem-solving	Product Research Analyst, Product Research Manager
Customer Satisfaction	Customer Behavior Understanding, Communication Skills, Analytical Skills	Customer Satisfaction Analyst, Customer Experience Manager
Segmentation Research	Customer Segmentation, Strategic Thinking, Statistical Analysis	Segmentation Analyst, Segmentation Specialist
Forecasting	Predictive Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Strategic Thinking	Forecast Analyst, Forecasting Manager

Market Research Team Size versus Business Scale

To achieve successful marketing outcomes, you need to align the team size with your business's scale – a strategic approach that helps optimize resources and drive targeted growth.

Business Scale	Ideal Department Size	Explanation
Start-up	1-3	Minimal resources, focus on product development and market fit.
Small-Medium Business	4-8	Expanded operations require more comprehensive market understanding.
Large Enterprise	10+	Global scale operations demand extensive research and diversification.

Factors to Consider When Deciding On a Market Research Department Structure

1. Company Size: Consider the size of your company. Larger organizations may need a more extensive team to handle diverse research needs, while smaller companies might require a smaller, more focused team.
2. Business Goals: Understand your business goals. Your market research team should be structured in a way that helps you achieve your specific objectives and aligns with your business strategy.
3. Industry Dynamics: Keep in mind the dynamic nature of your industry. If market trends fluctuate rapidly, your team should be flexible and adaptable to keep up with these changes.
4. Available Resources: Assess your available resources. You should take into account your budget, time, and human resources when structuring your market research team.
5. Research Complexity: Evaluate the complexity of research required. If your business requires complex market analyses, your team should have individuals with specialized skills and expertise.

Explore other marketing departments:

• Marketing Analytics Team Structure
• Marketing and Business Development Team Structure
• Sales and Marketing Team Structure

So, there you have it, a detailed overview of a Market Research team structure. From the essence of the team and key roles, to structuring and optimizing; every aspect tailored to achieve success on your business blueprint.