VALENTINE MATHENGE
Summary
A data-driven, customer-obsessed market research professional with over 12 years of experience uncovering consumer trends and delivering actionable insights. Proven track record of driving client growth through exceptional service, exceeding revenue targets, and leading high-performing teams. Highly skilled in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data analysis (SPSS) and reporting. Recipient of multiple top-performer awards in the Market Research field. Fluent in English, Kiswahili, and German with a basic written and spoken French and Spanish level.
Seasoned professional well-versed in research management, with focus on delivering comprehensive insights and fostering innovation. Skilled in leading diverse teams and managing complex projects to completion. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability to evolving project requirements.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Research Manager
Ipsos Ltd
Nairobi, Louisiana
11.2025 - Current
- Lead and participate in regular project update meetings providing detailed status updates on timelines deliverables risks/issues and action items.
- Manage budgets for multiple concurrent research projects carefully allocating resources to meet objectives while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Manage cross-functional teams to successfully complete complex research projects on time and within budget.
- Design custom surveys and questionnaires to collect targeted data from diverse populations effectively.
- Mentor junior researchers, fostering professional growth and facilitating knowledge transfer between team members.
- Present research findings in clear, concise reports that informed business decisions and strategies.
Senior Research Manager, Client Service
NielsenIQ Kenya
08.2017 - 10.2025
- Driving revenue growth by leading the expansion of the largest client account in East Africa, increasing its value from $288,000 in 2017 to $577,000
- Maintaining a dominant position as the head of the largest vertical/department, contributing 57% of the company's revenue
- Providing pitching and pricing support to Senior managers at client meetings to ensure solutions proposed respond to client needs
- Consistently providing actionable insights and recommendations that drive significant improvements in client satisfaction and business outcomes
- Adeptly developing and executing research proposals and budgets aligned with evolving client needs and market trends
- Contributing to research design by implementing innovative quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments to capture accurate and relevant data
- Conducting in-depth data analysis and interpretation to extract valuable insights and identify emerging trends
- Authoring impactful research reports that provide actionable recommendations to guide client decision-making and strategic planning
- Recognised for excellent client service and exceeding revenue targets, and awarded the Managing Director Award 2020 & 2021
- Career progression:
- Promoted to Senior Research Manager in 2022
- Started as a Senior Research Executive and was promoted to Manager in 2020
- Led a team of junior researchers, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure their professional development and success within the organization.
- Designed customized surveys and questionnaires to gather qualitative data from diverse populations, facilitating valuable insights into consumer behavior.
Commercial Research & Development Manager
Property Reality Company
Arabi, Louisiana
03.2017 - 07.2017
- Provided strategic leadership by developing a robust research strategy to inform critical innovations and performance goals; conducted a feasibility study for the provision of student housing
- Curated a teamwork culture for the commercial research & development section to collaboratively deliver on ambitious annual work plans and leverage available budgets
- Regularly monitored and evaluated marketing performance to measure effectiveness, impact, as well as derive learnings for future consideration
- Identified and determined the scope of marketing research needs, including secondary research and research design/implementation to set the stage for informed decision making
- Expertly crafted research briefs and identified and managed top-tier research vendors to ensure the highest quality results
- Coordinated group research work, including Brand Tracker Research, Customer Satisfaction, and Employee Satisfaction studies, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the market and stakeholder base
- Excelled in project management by making careful considerations of all aspects of research projects, including field team training, moderation, and interview quality checks, while making necessary interventions to uphold the highest standards of quality in our research endeavours
- Provided data analysis and interpretation and created insightful reports with actionable recommendations, driving effective decision-making and strategic growth
Project Manager
Sagaci Research
04.2015 - 02.2017
- Provided data analysis and interpretation packaged into coherent reports and made actionable recommendations, setting the stage for effective decision-making and strategic growth
- Empowered clients (L’Oreal, Kellogg’s, United Nations, etc.) to make favourable data-driven decisions to strengthen and expand their operations
- Successfully managed project teams of up to 15, from start to finish, ensuring high-quality results and timely delivery by prioritising team cohesion and building communication skills
- Designed qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments for thorough desk and pre-field research
- Provided trusted resource management of research budgets totalling USD 200,000 annually
Research Consultant
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
12.2014 - 03.2015
- Successfully led and coordinated the 2015 Livestock Stakeholders’ Workshop activities
- Provided professional rapporteur services and prepared comprehensive desktop review reports
Research Executive
Consumer Insights Africa Limited
06.2013 - 11.2014
- Recognised as Employee of the Year, 2014, for achieving an impressive number of client attendance at an internal company-sponsored event and a self-sponsored proprietary Workshop
- Successfully planned and executed two high-impact company promotion marketing events, attracting record attendance
- Developed and implemented research proposals for Nation Media, Takaful Insurance, Jubilee Insurance, Coca-Cola, First Community Bank, Ketepa and Airtel, addressing complex market research needs
- Designed and deployed effective quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments for Nation Media, Jubilee Insurance, Airtel, and Coca-Cola, referenced above
- Managed research projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and timely delivery
- Conducted comprehensive data analysis and reporting, providing actionable insights to drive business growth.
- Career progression:
- Started as a Research Intern and was confirmed as a Research Executive Trainee in December 2013
- Was promoted to Research Executive in July 2014
Education
Certificate - Basic Data Science PowerBI & Tableau
Digital Regenesis
Kenya 04.2001 -
HumanQ Coaching program – Manager Purpose and Impact
NielsenIQ
Kenya01-2022
Great Manager Lab Masterclass
NielsenIQ
Kenya01-2022
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics - undefined
The University of Nairobi
Nairobi, KE01-2012
Graduate Diploma - Human Resources Management
The Association of Business Executives
UK01-2011
Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Problem-solving
Team management
MS office
Excellent communication
Flexible and adaptable
Timeline
Research Manager
Ipsos Ltd
11.2025 - Current
Senior Research Manager, Client Service
NielsenIQ Kenya
08.2017 - 10.2025
Commercial Research & Development Manager
Property Reality Company
03.2017 - 07.2017
Project Manager
Sagaci Research
04.2015 - 02.2017
Research Consultant
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
12.2014 - 03.2015
Research Executive
Consumer Insights Africa Limited
06.2013 - 11.2014
Certificate - Basic Data Science PowerBI & Tableau
Digital Regenesis
04.2001 -
HumanQ Coaching program – Manager Purpose and Impact
NielsenIQ
Great Manager Lab Masterclass
NielsenIQ
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics - undefined
The University of Nairobi
Graduate Diploma - Human Resources Management
The Association of Business Executives