Market Research Specialist

Introduction

To develop and analyse market research studies to uncover insights into defence market trends, competitor activity, and industry dynamics.

Duties & Responsibilities

Market Intelligence & Foresight

• Conduct research on global and regional defence markets, procurement trends, technology shifts, and industry dynamics.

• Develop and maintain proprietary forecasting models (econometric and scenario-based) for revenue planning, export target setting, and future trend prediction.

• Deliver actionable intelligence to support business development, procurement, and strategic planning.

• Provide geopolitical, regulatory, and economic risk assessments for market entry, exit, and technology investment decisions.

• Maintain a comprehensive market intelligence repository and provide early-warning alerts on competitor strategies, pricing, product roadmaps, partnership activities, and foreign market entries.

Opportunity Identification & Business Support

• Identify, evaluate, and prioritise new market opportunities, strategic customers, and regions of interest.

• Identify emerging markets, customer needs, competitor trends, and technology shifts to support organisational decision-making.

• Support revenue and income generation initiatives by aligning research insights with business development and marketing objectives.

• Evaluate market feasibility for new products, services, or capabilities in line with national security priorities and international compliance.

• Collaborate with business development teams to support go-to-market strategies and investment cases.

Research Design, Analysis & Reporting

• Design, execute, and analyse quantitative and qualitative research studies to provide insights into market trends, customer needs, and competitive positioning.

• Produce high-impact reports, dashboards, and strategic briefings for senior management and key stakeholders.

• Track and benchmark the export performance and competitiveness of South African defence products in priority markets.

• Translate complex technical, geopolitical, and economic signals into clear recommendations to inform multi-year strategic decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation.

• Represent Armscor as the defence market intelligence subject-matter expert at high-level forums, defence exhibitions, trade shows, and strategic engagements.

• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government departments, military attaches, SADI partners, event organisers, and international clients.

• Provide guidance to internal teams on interpreting research findings for operational, marketing, and business development decisions.

Planning & Risk Management

• Develop and implement a Market Intelligence Roadmap aligned with Armscor’s strategic objectives and defence priorities.

• Provide strategic foresight for multi-year resource allocation, technology investments, and business development initiatives.

• Support risk management and compliance frameworks to mitigate operational, geopolitical, and market risks.

• Define and manage the annual market intelligence budget and ensure alignment with organisational objectives.

Desired Experience & Qualification

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Grade 12.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Defence Studies, Marketing, Data Analytics, or related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in market research, business intelligence, competitive analysis, or strategic analysis, preferably within defence, government, or regulated sectors.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and analysing market research studies, delivering actionable insights, and informing strategic business decisions.

• Proven experience in forecasting, scenario planning, and multi-year opportunity identification, supporting revenue generation and investment prioritisation.

• Experience in defence or security markets, with knowledge of procurement processes, technology trends, and competitive dynamics in the South African or international defence sector.

• Exposure to research methodologies, data analytics and market intelligence platforms.

KNOWLEDGE & FUNCTIONAL SKILLS:

• In-depth understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, data collection techniques, survey design, competitor analysis, and market trend evaluation.

• Strong knowledge of regional and global defence markets, procurement processes, technology trends, and strategic opportunities in the South African Defence Industry (SADI) and international markets.

• Expertise in long-term market forecasting, opportunity identification, scenario analysis, and multi-year revenue and technology investment planning.

• Proficiency in analytical tools, data interpretation, reporting, and visualization platforms (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau) to generate actionable insights.

• Understanding of business development processes, revenue generation strategies, pricing frameworks, and competitive positioning.

• Ability to interpret geopolitical, regulatory, and economic landscape that impact market access, business strategy, and export potential.

Interested?

Short-listed candidates will be subjected to reference checking, verification of personal data and security clearance as part of the selection process. In line with Armscor’s commitment to compliance with the Employment Equity Act, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.