Manager Consumer Insights - Shark Product Development

Reporting directly to the Director of the Consumer Insights for Shark, the Manager of Consumer Insights is on the front-line supporting the growing demands for consumer insight critical in our mission of developing 5-star products and services. Working in conjunction with Marketing, Product Development, Engineering and Consumer Services teams, this is a “hands-on” role, conducting, executing, and managing quantitative and qualitative research projects. 

Essential Functions: 

• Proficiency with consumer insight methodologies across Qualitative and Quantitative fields, with thought leadership to design new/creative methodologies to advance insights
• Establish appropriate processes & methodologies for customer research projects including research partner collaboration as required.
• Be a thought leader and guide analysts when assisting in the development, management and execution of research plans and insight report creation and presentation
• Manages internal and external resources within established budget guidelines
• In collaboration with Marketing and Product Development, develop research plans and conduct qualitative and quantitative customer research for trends, insights, and new product development. 
• In addition to overseeing the delivery of direct reports’ research workstreams the candidate will also be responsible for conducting research of their own to link product development projects to customer and market needs. 
• Identify potential unmet customer needs that form the basis for new product/feature offering and marketing strategies. Listen with empathy, observe – seeing the non-obvious, to guide very early product development.
• Expertly synthesizes insights to communicate the bigger picture with a focus on strategic influence.
• Confidently and regularly presents key findings and represents the authentic voice of the consumer to all levels of the organization including C-Suite leadership
• Problem solve and be proactive in recommending solutions as needed
• Brings experience moderating focus groups and one-on-one interviewing
• Manage and deliver various market research studies in various categories
• Operates autonomously and as a subject matter expert within the consumer insights team

Desired Skills and Experience 

• Consumer insights experience in service of the design and market delivery of connected (IoT) devices is a STRONG PLUS
• Thrives in a hands-on, dynamic, agile environment.
• Nimble with early-stage product development, taking a broader “consumer & business” stand to define new product directions with multifunctional partners.
• The ideal candidate will be naturally inquisitive, have strong project management skills, hands on research experience and demonstrate strong strategic and critical thinking skills. Some travel will be required. 
• Demonstrable and proven track record managing Consumer Insights Analysts with an ability to give constructive feedback that is timely and actionable leading to personal growth of those direct reports
• Effectively collaborates with Insight analyst counterparts to develop and publish a comprehensive understanding of consumer wants/needs. 
• Effectively represents/balances the customer perspective when providing insight and recommendations to improve customer experience 
• Leverages strong organizational and analytical skills to synthesize information from various sources focusing on relevancy and impact opportunity. 
• Demonstrates and evokes creative and innovative thinking 
• Demonstrates empathy and patience and adapts style to his/her audience.  
• Identifies the needs & expectations of others (personal & business) and acts upon them. 
• Effectively manages shifting priorities, resources. Understands that not all paths are defined and leverages his/ her experience to create” and add value. 
• Creates mutually acceptable solutions 
• Builds understanding and trust with cross functional teams by meeting commitments 
• Provides prompt, efficient and personalized service to both internal & external customers 
• Develops a solid network through all levels of the organization related to internal & external customers. 

Education & Experience: 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on Marketing, Finance, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics or other applicable quantitative discipline. 
• 5-7 years of research experience in qualitative and quantitative custom research (Marketing Position) 
• Exposure to the CPG industry preferred. 
• Creative problem solver while working with established budget. 
• Highly analytical, familiarity with statistical modeling and analysis. 
• Strong communication and presentation and PC skills, 
• Exceptional influencing skills. 
• The ideal candidate will be naturally inquisitive and command strong writing skills. 
• Data analysis and synthesis. 
• Familiar with statistical techniques and ability to explain results in a clear manner. 
• Report and Presentation Development. 
• Translate complex data sets into easily digested and understood formats to identify and understand customer needs and uses data for new product ideas and benefits.