Manager of Consumer Research

Ruddfabricationservices; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

Ruddfabricationservices in Irvine, CA is seeking a Manager of Consumer Research to lead consumer, shopper, and market insights that drive brand strategy, product innovation, and growth.

You will manage quantitative and qualitative studies, synthesize data into actionable recommendations, and partner with Marketing, Sales, and global teams. Strong analytical skills and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in consumer insights or market research.
• Experience with POS and panel data sources.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Experience with AI in research is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead consumer, shopper, and market research projects.
• Identify business opportunities through data analysis.
• Plan and manage primary and secondary research.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, and global teams.
• Present findings to management and stakeholders.
• Manage external research agencies and budgets.
• Develop new research capabilities.
• Utilize AI tools to enhance insights.

Skills

Consumer insights

Market research

Analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Presentation skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Statistical tools (SPSS/R)

AI tools for research

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Circana

Nielsen

Numerator

R

SPSS

Job description

Manager, Consumer Research

Location: Irvine, CA

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 3 days onsite and up to 2 days remote

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $100,000 to $120,000 per year

Bonus Eligible

Company Overview

A well-established global consumer products company is seeking a Manager of Consumer Research to support its North American business.This position will play an important role in identifying consumer, shopper, customer, and market insights that support brand development, marketing strategy, product innovation, and overall business growth.

The Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and global counterparts to translate research and market data into clear, actionable recommendations.

Position Summary

The Manager of Consumer Research will lead and support a variety of consumer and market research initiatives, using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

This role requires strong analytical skills, business acumen, and the ability to communicate research findings clearly to internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead consumer, shopper, and market research projects supporting business and brand strategy
• Identify business opportunities through consumer, market, and competitive analysis
• Plan and manage primary and secondary research using qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Support brand strategy, segmentation, market understanding, and product innovation initiatives
• Conduct or manage concept testing, package testing, product validation, and related innovation research
• Analyze and synthesize information from multiple data sources into actionable business recommendations
• Leverage syndicated data such as POS, panel, consumer trend, and other market data
• Partner closely with Marketing, Sales, and other internal teams to ensure research supports business priorities
• Support U.S. market research for broader global initiatives
• Manage external research agencies, project timelines, and budgets
• Present research findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders
• Help develop new research capabilities, tools, and best practices
• Utilize AI tools where appropriate to improve research, analysis, and insight development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in consumer insights, market research, marketing analytics, or a related field
• Experience working in a consumer products, food, retail, research agency, or consulting environment preferred
• Strong experience with quantitative consumer research
• Experience with qualitative research and translating findings into business insights
• Experience using POS and panel data such as Circana, Nielsen, Numerator, or similar sources
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to combine multiple data sources and develop clear recommendations
• Strong project management and presentation skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Experience working with cross-functional or global teams preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
• Experience with SPSS, R, or other statistical tools is preferred
• Experience using AI tools for research or analytics is preferred
• Japanese language ability is a plus but not required

Preferred Background

• Experience in consumer packaged goods, food, beverage, retail, or other consumer-focused industries
• Experience supporting brand strategy, shopper insights, product innovation, or portfolio analysis
• Experience managing external research agencies and multiple concurrent projects

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Bonus program
• Hybrid work arrangement