Heather Giles
Sheffield
Summary
Consumer research professional with expertise in analytical methodologies and project management. Skilled in NPD and marketing research, utilising Central Location Testing and Home Use Testing for major clients including Mondelez and Nestle. Proficient in research design and presentation development, ensuring effective data collection and communication of insights. Committed to delivering solution-oriented strategies and managing multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Having worked agency side for different sectors and specialisms I've discovered that food research is a passion of mine and I would love the opportunity to help Premier Foods continue to deliver top performing products for their customers.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Associate director
Human8
Manchester
2017.03 - Current
- Oversee multiple large accounts in FMCG and Retail, managing all phases of consumer research for clients including Mondelez, Ferrero, Nestle, Next, Unilever.
- Conduct research in areas including concept testing, new product development, customer satisfaction, and marketing.
- Design and implement research approaches such as online surveys, in home tests, product diaries, and online groups to test product and packaging perceptions and innovations.
- Analyse complex data sets, bringing together numerous sources to create engaging presentations for clients and stakeholders.
- Prioritise and manage multiple projects to ensure timely delivery of insights.
Research manager
Kokoro
St Albans, Hertfordshire
2016.01 - 2017.03
- Managed a large customer satisfaction tracker for Marks and Spencer, gathering and reporting insights from shopper experiences.
- Led ad hoc customer research projects for clients including Halfords, Asda, Morphy Richards, and M&S, exploring product perceptions and testing innovations (including via in home tests and accompanied shops to test reactions at fixture).
- Executed research design, questionnaire drafting, analysis, and presentation for each project to deliver actionable insights.
Account Manager
Conquest Research
London
2014.05 - 2016.01
- Managed quantitative projects focusing on customer experience and product development for clients including Domino's, Pizza Express, KFC, and Which?.
- Conducted taste tests, central location tests, and packaging reviews to gather customer feedback and enhance client offerings.
- Involved in all stages of consumer research, including research design/proposal writing, participant selection, product provision, insight gathering, statistical analysis, and presentation of results.
Project Manager
Future Thinking
London
2012.07 - 2014.05
- Coordinated all aspects of ad hoc projects for major client, Transport for London.
- Utilised quantitative and mixed-method approaches in customer experience and brand strategy.
- Demonstrated strong organisational skills to navigate demanding research complexities for a client providing vital infrastructure to millions each day.
Senior Research Executive
Illuminas
London
2010.09 - 2012.07
- Acquired comprehensive knowledge of ad hoc quantitative and qualitative data methodologies across diverse sectors.
- Conducted product assessments and explored new products developments for clients including Kerry Foods and Foxes Biscuits (including central location tests and product testing focus groups)
- Organised and oversaw all stages of project design, recruitment, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting.
Workplace Research and Strategy Consultant
DEGW
London
2007.02 - 2010.09
- Collected and evaluated quantitative and qualitative data on employee workspace usage to inform architectural and interior design enhancements.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Sheffield
Sheffield 2002.09 - 2005.08
Skills
- Analytical skills
- Consumer research
- Project management
- Survey design
- Presentation creation
- Effective communication
- Solution-oriented thinking
Timeline
Associate director
Human8
2017.03 - Current
Research manager
Kokoro
2016.01 - 2017.03
Account Manager
Conquest Research
2014.05 - 2016.01
Project Manager
Future Thinking
2012.07 - 2014.05
Senior Research Executive
Illuminas
2010.09 - 2012.07
Workplace Research and Strategy Consultant
DEGW
2007.02 - 2010.09
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Sheffield
2002.09 - 2005.08