Mele Clarke

• Solely responsible for all research and budgets for John Lewis Financial Services, 6 months into its creation in 2007 until 2025.
• Role covered all aspects of research: Segmentation, New Product Development, Go-to-Market strategies including using JTBD framework, Brand Tracking, Creative Testing, Econometrics, Trends, Advanced Research techniques (conjoint, max diff etc), UX, CX and Consumer Duty testing. Covered all financial services products included within Insurance (Home, Car Pet) and Banking (credit cards, S&I, FX etc).
• Implemented research findings into product development through design team collaboration.
• Managed strategic research projects and communicated findings to stakeholders.
• Disseminated research findings to C-Suite, Marketing, CX, Product teams.
• Selected, trained and performance-managed research and development staff.
• Managed multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring timely completion and success.
• Tailored research plans according to specific client needs, ensuring satisfaction.
• Coordinated cross-departmental collaborations for more comprehensive project outcomes.
• Optimised research methodologies with cutting-edge technologies.
• Fostered an environment of continuous learning among junior researchers, driving professional growth.
• Oversaw budget allocation for various projects, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Utilised advanced statistical tools to drive in-depth market analysis.
• Achieved project goals with meticulous planning and coordination of resources.
• Investigated emerging industry trends through extensive literature reviews, staying ahead in competitive markets.
• Delivered insightful presentations on key findings during stakeholder meetings.
• Implemented high ethical standards in all research activities, maintaining credibility and integrity.
• Developed collaborative partnerships to improve access to relevant information sources.
• Achieved maximal engagement for research publications, liaising with marketing and campaigns departments to develop effective communication strategy.
• Developed and maintained excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including other companies, universities and research institutes.
• Created and implemented best-practice research, strategy, policies, processes and procedures to aid and improve operational performance.
• Maintained thorough knowledge of financial services markets, trends and market analysis to appropriately deduce which research needed to be developed.

Delivered successful outcomes through effective management of Mastercard and UPS accounts and a team of 3 senior research managers.
Achieved comprehensive insights from qualitative and quantitative projects across UK, Europe, and worldwide for leading FMCG, automotive, and FS clients.

Travelled extensively throughout Africa, SE Asia, Australasia and Japan

Joined the Automotive Division as part of the first graduate training intake. Delivered impactful multi-country tracking studies for automotive manufacturers.
Facilitated successful car and van clinics leading to enhanced consumer insights.
Achieved project objectives by effectively managing ad hoc qualitative and quantitative research initiatives.