Kirwin Hawkins
@kirwinhawkins
Experienced market research manager with a focus on strategic insights.
What I'm looking for
I am a seasoned market research manager with over 20 years of experience in driving strategic insights and implementing innovative research methodologies. Currently, I lead a team at Gale – A Cengage Company, where I manage over 40 multi-methodology primary research projects annually, achieving a 4.75/5 satisfaction rating and 100% on-time delivery. My efforts have saved the company $51,000 annually by transitioning supplier-led projects in-house, and I have successfully led initiatives that improved collateral lead times by 40% and increased subscription renewal rates by 8%.
Previously, I served as a Market Research and Insights Manager at Steelcase, where I co-led the establishment of the Customer Experience Measurement program and administered a Global Dealer Survey across 80+ countries. My analytical skills have consistently driven strategic decisions, resulting in significant cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction. I am passionate about leveraging data to inform business strategies and have a proven track record of integrating insights into actionable plans.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Market Research Manager/Lead
Gale – A Cengage Company
Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 5 months)
Scoped and implemented over 40 multi-methodology primary research projects annually, providing implications and recommendations with high satisfaction and on-time delivery. Achieved significant cost savings by bringing supplier-led projects in-house and attained LSS Black Belt certification, leading process improvement initiatives.
Market Research and Insights Manager/Sr. Researcher
Steelcase
Jan 2010 - Jan 2018 (8 years)
Co-led the establishment of the company's Customer Experience Measurement program and administered the annual Global Dealer Survey across 80+ countries. Managed the win-loss program to enhance customer win rates and created Strategic Marketing Fact Packs for sales guidance.
Insights & Intelligence Manager/Business Partner
Whirlpool
Jan 2007 - Jan 2009 (2 years)
Developed consumer insights using various data sources to influence senior leadership decisions in refrigeration. Managed category research projects, disseminated findings, and oversaw the North American Refrigeration consumer research budget.
Associate Consultant
Proactive Worldwide
Jan 2004 - Jan 2007 (3 years)
Partnered with Fortune 200 companies to assess business intelligence and market research needs, consistently exceeding repeat client revenue goals. Designed and managed competitive intelligence projects, including strategy assessments and product launch viability analyses.
Category Manager
Newell Rubbermaid – Lowe’s Division
Jan 2002 - Jan 2004 (2 years)
Partnered with Lowe’s Logistics to optimize turn rates and store-level allocation, performing detailed sales and inventory analysis. Developed a store prioritization forecast tool that improved gross margin and operating income.
Manager, Competitive Intelligence
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
Jan 1997 - Jan 2001 (4 years)
Developed the competitive intelligence function for the Affordable Housing Division, recruiting and training a team of analysts. Created and disseminated the monthly CI Alert, contributing to an 8% increase in market share through comprehensive analysis.
Banker Trainee
Wells Fargo Bank
Jan 1995 - Jan 1997 (2 years)
Managed multiple projects across major operational divisions and subsidiaries, including Finance, Credit, Marketing, and Commercial Real Estate. Participated in the Human Resources Alternative Delivery Task Force, identifying new delivery methods for HR products.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Notre Dame
Master of Business Administration, Marketing - Consumer Behavior
Focused on advanced marketing strategies with a specialization in consumer behavior. Gained expertise in market analysis, brand management, and consumer insights to drive business growth.
Drake University
Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance - Corporate
Studied core principles of finance with a focus on corporate financial management. Developed strong analytical skills in investment analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
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