Market Research Analyst

Kemin Food and Technologies (KFT) is seeking a talented and dedicated Market Research Analyst. The successful candidate will be a member of a team in charge of and responsible for the marketing and management of the food ingredients business. The Market Research Analyst is a crucial role which supports the company’s strategic goals by proactively working on a variety of market research/analyst initiatives, sales tracking/forecasting, performing benchmarking and business, market, and economic analysis. They will conduct competitive business intelligence research and perform data analysis on current or new products in the marketplace and make internal and external presentations on their findings.

They will also provide recommendations based on their analysis and research, to be used to allow the management team to make critical decisions regarding market share, product offerings and awareness, and financial goals. Each has significant direct and indirect consequences to the budget, relationships with Kemin’s customers, and financial viability in the marketplace.

• A competitive financial package- in addition to your salary, we offer an uncapped bonus opportunity, 401k match program, and paid vacation and holidays.
• Robust health and wellness support- we are proud to offer a fitness reimbursement (for your whole family!), an on-site fitness center, restaurant with seasonal fresh food options (and the ability to order food to bring home), and free fresh fruit in break areas- to name a few.
• Continued learning opportunities- Kemin offers tuition reimbursement and recently launched a new corporate university with online and in-person training opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• The chance to give back to our world- Through our foundation of servant leadership, we are proud to offer ample service opportunities, including paid time off to do so. Kemin has a valued corporate partnership with both The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, in addition to many local initiatives.
• Opportunities to support our valued educators- Kemin is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Governor's Stem Advisory Council where we fund annual teacher's awards. In addition, we have a robust internship and externship program, and frequently host student tours.

• Proactively conducts extensive competitive research such as technical literature searches, product comparisons, industry analysis compiles valuable quantitative and qualitative competitive data on current or new products in the marketplace, market potential and trends, cost, and analyzes and accurately interprets key data before making recommendations based on their findings
• Tracks and forecasts sales and pipeline projects at a detailed level, and works closely with the sales team, customer service, and customers to ensure accuracy
• Manages floor stock quantities of key finished goods to ensure on-time delivery strategy
• Conducts market size/opportunity analysis for new products
• Tracks and communicates market or macro trends that might impact KFT’s business
• Performs extensive data analysis and evaluates competitive information and strategies, product offerings, pricing patterns and development plans
• Accurately presents findings in an appropriate and timely manner to allow the management team to make critical decisions based on key research data.
• Makes internal and external presentations on their findings
• Performs benchmarking and business, market, and economic analysis
• Assists in the identification and qualification of product/marketing opportunities
• Organizes and maintains key information
• Effectively manages timelines and projects
• Overall project coordinator, develops and maintains timelines and providing marketing research/analysis support to the company’s efforts to expand its commercial sales efforts
• Acts as a liaison for the department, tracking and shepherding projects from beginning to conclusion, and works collaboratively with a diverse staff/team on cross-organizational and departmental (such as I.T., Marketing, Sales, Finance) tactics to support business efforts.
• Provides on-going expert knowledge to company in the area of competitive market research/analysis and provides support for efforts to help Kemin expand its commercial sales efforts
• Conducts basic market research to determine market share and other relevant business environment indicators, monitor competitive environment including competitor products and product reviews
• Monitors competitive products and market share, sales and marketing activities, and develops category knowledge and understanding to provide useful analysis.
• Works with appropriate vendors and outsourced agencies;
• Provides timely, accurate, and relevant information to Marketing team;
• Conducts early stage merger, alliance and/or acquisition analysis
• Conducts financial analysis and reporting - market analysis, forecasting, business performance metrics
• Submits activity reports
• Other job-related duties as needed to support business efforts and to fulfill positive and proactive Marketing, Sales, and Finance efforts.

• Undergraduate degree in business and or economics with 3 years of experience or Associates degree with 5 years of experience; additional related experience may substitute.
• 3 years of experience in Market Research and/or decision science, with specific experience researching and analyzing business intelligence data
• 2 years of experience in a corporate market research, new product research, or market research capacity
• Advanced Excel knowledge/skills
• Background in planning, designing, managing, analyzing, reporting of qualitative and quantitative research studies
• Knowledge of product development innovation process
• Intermediate PC knowledge with MS Office programs (Word, Excel, Access, & PowerPoint)
• Present complex information internally and externally
• Handle multiple projects efficiently
• Intermediate Project Management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and critical-thinking skills. Bilingual skills highly desired.
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain professional demeanor while working under pressure
• Must be a reliable, flexible, and well-organized self-starter
• Work well in a fast-paced team environment or independently with limited supervision
• Maintain confidentiality and protect intellectual property
• Adapt readily and quickly to a changing work environment
• Present and communicate ideas and findings effectively to customers, vendors, peers and all levels of management.
• Good keyboarding/entry proficiency