Job Title: Italian Market Research Freelancer (Independent Contractor) *Location: Milan, Italy (on-site field visits) | Contract: 6-month Service Agreement | Start: May 2026* About the engagement Please note: this is a freelance, independent contractor position. The selected candidate will sign a Market Research Service Agreement and will not be an employee of Firstunion. All services are delivered as an independent advisor, and compensation is paid per completed research project on a monthly basis. What you'll do Conduct store market research in Milan and other designated Italian regions: visit 30+ vape stores per project, interview staff, capture store/product photos, and collect competitive sales data. Conduct user research by inviting 50+ real users (online via social media and offline in vape stores) to complete digital questionnaires. Actively identify and report market intelligence on trending products and competitor activities. Travel to other regions or countries for research when required and arranged by the company. What we're looking for Fluent in English and Italian (all nationalities welcome). Currently based in Milan and able to work regularly in the field. Strong communication, social and data-gathering skills. Responsible, hardworking, and comfortable with a fast-paced, travel-ready schedule. Preferred: experience in the electronic cigarette/vape industry or prior market research experience. Strongly encouraged to apply: overseas students or recent graduates with no industry experience but high learning ability and motivation. Compensation & payment Store research: €300 per project – one project = 30+ stores visited, report delivered. User research: €100 per project – one project = 50+ valid user questionnaires completed. Monthly settlement: payment within 15 working days after each month's completed quantity is confirmed. Delivery standards apply; compensation may be adjusted if deliverables do not meet the required criteria as per the service agreement. Key brands you'll monitor (examples) Fuyl (Dinner Lady), KIWI, Elf Bar, Vuse, IVG, and other leading products in the Italian market. Why join this project Flexible, project-based field work in the fast-growing vape sector. Build hands-on market research and industry experience in Italy. Clear deliverables and transparent per-project pay. Work directly with an international ODM business team.