Projects and Research Manager

About the Projects and Research Department

The Projects and Research team at Lightstone delivers high quality market research, customer experience measurement and bespoke project solutions. We manage complex, high value projects across multiple industries, with a particular focus on the automotive sector. Our department includes skilled Project and Research Managers, a dedicated Quality Auditing team and a professional outbound research team.

We work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where accuracy, insight and delivery are key. Our focus is on translating data into meaningful stories that support decision making for our clients. The team thrives on curiosity, adaptability and a commitment to continuous improvement, while maintaining a strong connection to Lightstone’s values of participation, responsiveness and winning together.

As an Intermediate-level Projects and Research Manager, you will be responsible for managing and delivering research and bespoke projects from start to finish. You will play a key role in ensuring projects are scoped correctly, timelines are met, and outputs meet quality standards.

You will work closely with Senior Managers, internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate delivery, resolve issues, and communicate progress clearly. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, has a passion for data-driven insights, and takes pride in seeing projects through to completion.

While not a formal leadership role, you will guide project contributors, collaborate across departments, and contribute to process improvements. The position demands focus, ownership and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage research and bespoke projects from initial scoping through to final delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope and to the required quality standards.
• Develop project plans, timelines, budgets and deliverables, and monitor progress throughout the project lifecycle.
• Work closely with clients to understand their requirements, provide regular updates and ensure expectations are effectively managed.
• Coordinate internal teams, including Project and Research Managers, Quality Auditors and research teams, to ensure seamless project execution.
• Develop and maintain strong project documentation, including project briefs, schedules, progress reports and status updates.
• Identify project risks, issues and dependencies, and proactively implement solutions to minimise impact on delivery.
• Oversee data collection and research activities, ensuring accuracy, consistency and adherence to agreed methodologies.
• Review project outputs and ensure that deliverables meet quality, accuracy and client requirements before final submission.
• Analyse research findings and contribute to translating data into meaningful insights and recommendations for clients.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritising competing deadlines and maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve project processes, methodologies and ways of working.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and contribute to project planning, problem-solving and decision-making.
• Support junior team members through guidance, knowledge-sharing and coaching where required.
• Maintain strong awareness of industry and market trends, particularly within the automotive sector, to enhance project outcomes and client value.

Requirements

Qualifications /Requirements

• Matric/Grade 12 is a minimum requirement
• Computer literate in MS office
• Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing Management Degree or equivalent
• A valid driver’s license and own transport advantageous.

Experience

• 3+ years’ experience in a project or research management role.
• Experience managing multiple client or internal projects simultaneously.
• Exposure to customer experience or market research environments preferred.

Technical Skills  

• Proficient in working with, analysing and reporting on data.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Excel (including formulas, pivot tables and basic data modelling).
• Confident using Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Exposure to BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau advantageous.
• Professional approach to report writing and documentation.
• Able to communicate findings clearly and confidently to stakeholders.
• Skilled at managing all phases of a research project from scoping to delivery.
• Good understanding of workflow planning and resource coordination.
• Keen interest in customer experience measurement, data quality and insight generation.
• Commitment to process improvement and delivery efficiency.

Benefits

Benefits

• Provident Fund, Life and Disability Insurance
• Incentives/Performance Bonuses (based on meeting specific targets)
• Professional Development/Study Assistance
• Training and Progression: There is a strong emphasis on skill development, career progression, and "care and growth"
• Office Perks: In-office benefits have included "wellness days" and "Braai month" celebrations
• Leave: 25-days annual leave entitlement
• 2-month paid sabbatical every 5 years of continued service
• Employee Wellness Programme

Company Overview

Lightstone Auto is an intelligent solutions company with strong, automotive industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in Dealer systems (Sales, Stock, Marketing and F&I), market performance and forecasting analytics and data management.

We specialise in delivering integrated, online knowledge solutions, batch and real-time data quality solutions, and a broad range of dealership-focused analytical products to a range of automotive manufacturers, dealerships, government and financial services clients.

We hire exceptional people and provide them with an environment where they can excel. Our non-corporate culture encourages flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

We pride ourselves on our core values to Encourage Participation, Respond to Changing Needs and Win Together, which are reflected in each development, project, product or service we undertake to deliver.