Market Research & Consumer Insights Business Partner

Project Management Institute; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Management Institute seeks a seasoned Market Research and Consumer Insights Business Partner who turns data into actionable strategies driving growth and innovation. You will shape research plans, lead advanced studies, and influence product, marketing, and strategy decisions at the highest levels.

You will oversee vendors, synthesize diverse data, and translate insights into clear recommendations, partnering with executives and cross-functional teams to advance PMI’s go-to-market and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in market research, business, marketing, psychology, statistics, economics, or related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or a strategic consulting role.
• Proven track record of leading complex research projects and delivering insights that drive business outcomes.
• Experience working with senior leadership and managing high-stakes projects.
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with advanced analytical techniques.
• Advanced experience with techniques such as discrete choice, MaxDiff, regression, factor and cluster analysis.
• International experience with sensitivity to cultural differences is highly desirable.
• Ability to influence and drive alignment among stakeholders through storytelling and evidence-based recommendations.
• Travel - 10-20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead upfront problem framing with stakeholders to translate business questions into clear, decision-oriented research objectives.
• Design and execute advanced market research studies, including segmentation, conjoint analysis, pricing research, brand equity studies, and consumer satisfaction research.
• Oversee external research agencies and vendors to ensure the quality and reliability of research deliverables.
• Synthesize insights from primary research, secondary data, and market trends to build a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape.
• Translate complex research findings into strategic recommendations that influence product development, marketing strategies, and business growth initiatives.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and other key stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and buy-in.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and analysts, providing support in research design, data analysis, and professional growth.
• Travel - 10-20%.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Advanced analytics

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or MBA

Tools

SPSS

R

Python

Job description

How will you make a difference to PMI?

PMI is seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Market Research and Consumer Insights Business Partner who is passionate about turning data into powerful insights that drive meaningful business impact. In this senior-level role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders, uncovering emerging market trends, understanding consumer needs and behaviors, and identifying opportunities to shape the organization’s future. You’ll lead high-impact research initiatives, challenge conventional thinking, and translate complex findings into actionable strategies that influence key business decisions, fuel innovation, and support long-term growth.

The ideal candidate brings a strong strategic mindset, advanced analytical expertise, and the ability to influence and inspire stakeholders at all levels of the organization. You’ll work closely with executive and senior leadership, as well as marketing, product development, community, strategy, and growth teams, to ensure insights are not only aligned with business priorities but are actively shaping the decisions that move the organization forward. This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative, insights-driven leader who thrives at the intersection of research, strategy, and business impact and is eager to make a lasting difference.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Lead upfront problem framing with stakeholders to translate business questions into clear, decision-oriented research objectives. Challenge assumptions and ensure research focuses on decisions, not just information needs.
• Lead the design and execution of advanced market research studies, including segmentation, conjoint analysis, pricing research, brand equity studies, and consumer satisfaction research.
• Develop research frameworks and methodologies tailored to the business’s strategic objectives, ensuring that insights are actionable and relevant.
• Oversee external research agencies and vendors to ensure the quality and reliability of research deliverables.
• Synthesize insights from various data sources, including primary research, secondary data, and market trends, to build a comprehensive understanding of the market landscape.
• Translate complex research findings into strategic recommendations that influence product development, marketing strategies, and business growth initiatives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insight and guidance on consumer trends, market opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify emerging trends, competitive shifts, and new market opportunities.
• Leverage emerging analytics tools, automation, and GenAI where appropriate to accelerate insight generation and storytelling.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market conditions, competitors, and industry developments to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Work closely with marketing, product, and sales teams to align consumer insights with brand strategies, product innovation, and go-to-market plans.
• Lead workshops and brainstorming sessions to integrate consumer insights into product development and marketing campaigns.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making across the organization by promoting the value of insights in strategic planning.
• Develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executive leaders, product managers, and external partners.
• Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and other key stakeholders, ensuring clear understanding and buy-in.
• Serve as the point of contact for high-impact research initiatives and strategic consulting.
• Serves as the primary insights partner for assigned functions, escalating enterprise-wide or cross-portfolio issues to the Director as needed.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and analysts, providing support in research design, data analysis, and professional growth.

Role Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in market research, business, marketing, psychology, statistics, economics, or a related field.
• Master’s degree, MBA, or a relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in market research, consumer insights, or a strategic consulting role.
• Proven track record of successfully leading complex research projects and delivering insights that drive business outcomes.
• Experience working with senior leadership and managing high-stakes projects.
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a deep understanding of advanced analytical techniques.
• Advanced experience with identifying research objectives, methodology planning, and maximizing data reliability for complex research initiatives.
• Advanced experience in presenting market research analysis to an executive audience.
• Advanced experience with techniques such as discrete choice, MaxDiff, regression, factor and cluster analysis.
• International experience with sensitivity to cultural differences is highly desirable.
• Experience working in a highly matrixed global organization is beneficial.
• Ability to think strategically and holistically about market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive dynamics.
• Proven experience in developing actionable strategies that drive business impact.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in statistical analysis and modeling techniques.
• Expertise in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python)
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex findings in a clear, concise, and compelling manner.
• Ability to influence and drive alignment among stakeholders through storytelling and evidence-based recommendations.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• High level of attention to detail and ability to ensure the quality and accuracy of research deliverables.
• In-depth knowledge of data collection and measurement methodologies. Complex quantitative survey design and qualitative discussion guide experience required.
• Proficiency in the business language for PMI (English)
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior team members, fostering their growth and success.
• Travel - 10-20%