Associate Manager

Purpose of the Role Lead a team of Operations Client Partners to ensure high-quality operational service delivery, client satisfaction, and continuous process improvement. Act as the primary escalation point for complex operational matters while partnering with Commercial, Customer Support, Data Operations, and Clients to drive operational excellence, service quality, and strategic initiatives. Responsible for team performance, capability development, and execution of regional/global operational priorities. Key Accountabilities Team Leadership & People Management Lead, coach, and develop a team of Operations Client Partners. Set performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews. Drive employee engagement, capability building, and succession planning. Ensure adherence to organizational standards, policies, and operational processes. Manage workforce planning, resource allocation, and capacity management. Client & Stakeholder Management Serve as the escalation point for critical operational client issues. Build strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders. Partner with Customer Support and Commercial teams to improve client experience. Participate in strategic client discussions and operational business reviews. Drive operational trust and confidence in data quality and delivery processes. Operational Excellence Oversee BAU service delivery and ensure SLA compliance across the team. Monitor operational metrics, quality measures, and client satisfaction indicators. Drive resolution of complex operational issues and high-priority escalations. Lead root cause analysis and implementation of corrective/preventive actions. Ensure consistency and best practices in issue management and service delivery. Project & Change Management Lead operational initiatives, product enhancements, and transformation projects. Coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver operational improvements. Drive adoption of global operational standards and process improvements. Manage risks, dependencies, stakeholder communication, and project governance. Support implementation of new technologies, tools, and automation initiatives. Process Improvement & Governance Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and quality. Establish governance processes for service delivery and escalation management. Drive continuous improvement programs using data-driven insights. Ensure lessons learned are captured, shared, and implemented. Support creation and maintenance of knowledge management assets and operational documentation. Quality & Compliance Oversee quality review processes and compliance with operational standards. Monitor service performance and implement quality improvement initiatives. Ensure accurate and timely resolution of client requests and operational issues. Drive accountability for data integrity, process adherence, and risk mitigation. Experience 4 to 6 + years of experience in client-facing operations, customer success, data operations, or service delivery management. Prior people leadership, team lead, or supervisory experience preferred. Proven experience managing complex client escalations and stakeholder relationships. Experience leading operational projects and process improvement initiatives. Education Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience. Skills & Competencies Strong leadership and people management capabilities. Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills. Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills. Strong operational and technical understanding of production platforms and processes. Project and change management experience. Strong communication and presentation skills. Ability to influence across functions and levels. Data-driven decision-making mindset. Advanced Excel and reporting skills. Knowledge of FMCG/market measurement industry preferred. Success Metrics (AM Role) Team SLA achievement. Client satisfaction and escalation reduction. Quality and productivity improvements. Employee engagement and retention. Project delivery performance. Operational efficiency gains. Compliance and risk management outcomes. This version positions the role as Associate Manager (people leader) rather than an individual contributor Operations Client Partner Role is at M5 Level Our Benefits Flexible working environment Volunteer time off LinkedIn Learning Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP) NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/ About NIQ NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit NIQ.com Want to keep up with our latest updates? Follow us on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion