Consumer Insights Consultant

Title: Consultant, Consumer Insights

Location: Irvine, CA – Hybrid (Onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Rate: $60/hr

Note: This is a contract on W2. THIS IS NOT OPEN TO C2C.

Job Description

• Our client is seeking an inspiring and collaborative partner to support the Consumer Insights team, reporting to the Director, Consumer Insights. The Consultant will provide information that drives, inspires, and influences decision making that propels the business forward.
• The successful candidate will have proven success in designing, executing, managing, and leveraging actionable consumer research leveraging industry-leading tools, innovative techniques, and advanced methodologies.
• The Consultant will be a strong critical thinker, collaborator, and innovator who can effectively drive results in a matrixed organization, and who can deliver clarity and direction from an often ambiguous and complex consumer space. They will be comfortable with statistical data, but also someone who is on trend, pays attention to the zeitgeist and realizes that sometimes you’ve got to go with your gut.

The Day-to-Day

• Assist with aligning the Consumer Insights department’s focus and efforts with the organization’s broader goals and strategies, playing an active role in strategic decision-making and thought leadership
• Support with reimagining the next iteration of the Insights function
• Conduct concept testing and product development research to support the client pipeline
• Think and act with a broader business lens, delivering actionable consumer insights to inspire growth across the organization
• Infuse consumer centricity into every aspect of the organization
• Ensure Consumer Insights department is known and valued for subject matter expertise, insatiable curiosity, creativity and innovation, objectivity, actionable storytelling, technical excellence, business acumen, strategic mindset, thought leadership, and a passion for change
• Effectively balance Consumer Insight’s internal research and analytical capabilities with usage of external vendors and consultants, to efficiently deliver best practice and optimal business outcomes
• Present insights and recommendations to project partners, and leadership as needed
• Contribute to a culture of innovation by finding new and better ways of doing things: identify, create and employ innovative research approaches

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years experience in consumer insights
• Experience in the QSR, fast-casual or restaurant industry
• Experience with concept testing and product development research for a consumer-facing brand
• Experience conducting taste tests a plus
• Track record of working with vendors and agencies in the development of positioning and other consumer communications
• Able to translate information across multiple sources into clear, concise, and actionable insights
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, effectively build partnerships and influence stakeholders and decision making at all levels of a matrixed organization
• Demonstrated ability to integrate multiple data sources (including primary and secondary research, social media) into clear, actionable insights and stories
• Proven advanced working knowledge of consumer research and analytical techniques, tools, software, and industry developments and their application to business challenges and opportunities
• Demonstrated creative and analytical thinking
• Ability to successfully perform through ambiguity and a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to work with marketing project teams and leadership to identify business issues and provide relevant insights that make an impact to business plans