Consumer Insights Manager

INCPG; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruiting firm in Chicago is seeking a talented Consumer Insights Manager to drive analytical initiatives and translate data into actionable insights. This role requires 5+ years in consumer insights, proficiency with data tools like IRI and Nielsen, and strong strategic thinking. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to inform business decisions and guide growth strategies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in consumer insights, market research, or analytics.
• Proficiency in working with syndicated data sources and strong quantitative skills.
• Strong business acumen connecting insights to commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead research initiatives to uncover insights that drive strategy.
• Analyze large datasets to identify growth opportunities.
• Translate insights into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.

Skills

Experience with consumer insights

Quantitative analysis

Survey design

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Tools

IRI

Nielsen

Numerator

Job description

Consumer Insights Manager

Are you a talented CPG &/or Retail Insights Analyst/Manager that is interested in a client facing role? We are seeking a highly analytical and strategic Consumer Insights Manager to translate data into actionable consumer and market insights, inform business decisions, and guide the development of commercial growth strategies. The ideal candidate will work across multiple categories and collaborate with cross-functional teams—marketing, sales, product, and operations—to ensure our offerings are aligned with evolving consumer behaviors and market trends.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead primary and secondary research initiatives including consumer segmentation, surveys, focus groups, channel feedback, competitor benchmarking, and trend reporting to uncover insights that drive strategy.

• Analyze large datasets (e.g. IRI, Nielsen, Numerator, retail POS, e-commerce metrics) to identify growth opportunities, margin levers, and areas for product innovation or assortment optimization.

• Translate insight into strategic recommendations and storytelling; present findings to senior leadership, driving alignment and influencing decisions.

• Partner with marketing, category management, digital, and sales teams to ensure that insights are integrated into campaign planning, product launches, shelf planning, and omni-channel promotional activities.

• Monitor consumer behavior, market shifts, and competitive activity on an ongoing basis; identify risks and opportunities and propose proactive adjustments to address them.

• Maintain clear dashboards and reporting systems for tracking performance, KPIs, consumer feedback, and market share; provide forecasts and scenario planning when required.

Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in consumer insights, market research, analytics, or a related field—preferably within CPG, retail, or shopper marketing.

• Proficiency in working with syndicated data sources (e.g., IRI, Nielsen, Numerator) and internal sales/retail/point-of-sale data; strong quantitative skills.

• Highly skilled in survey design, qualitative research methods, segmentation, and competitive intelligence.

• Strong business acumen—able to connect insights to commercial outcomes (sales, margin, conversion, distribution, etc.).

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.

• Creative problem solver with curiosity, ability to think strategically, and experimental mindset.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities; strong project management skills.

Preferred

• Experience in both in-store and digital/shopping experiences.

• Track record of driving innovation—new product development, assortment resets, shelf planning, or omni-channel promotional programs.

• Familiarity with forecast modeling, scenario analysis, and financial impact estimation.