Senior Researcher, Consumer Insights

Highlight is looking for talented and energetic individuals who are motivated and driven. We are a fast-paced, rapid-growth early-stage start-up changing how brands test physical products and digital concepts. We are focused in 2024 on bolstering our team of functional experts whose contributions will deepen relationships with core customers, defend the unique value we’re providing today, and propel future growth by embedding that expertise into our product. Today as part of the Delivery & Solutions team, you will ensure Highlight is operating according to industry standards, presents our capabilities with a unique point of view, and goes to market with a best in class consumer insights toolkit. In addition to overseeing delivery for top strategic accounts assigned to you (such as Nestle and P&G), you will work with leaders in Sales, Enablement, Marketing, Product, and Data to create and action on a vision for Highlight’s path to product intelligence, as the system-of-record for physical product research and insights. Your time will be focused on the three core areas below, with a primary focus over the next 6-12 months on driving CSAT via expert research delivery. As Highlight’s product matures, you’ll begin to spend more time with sales and product on cross-functional priorities. Your Impact• Oversee key account delivery and mentor junior researchers (70% time): 1) Oversee delivery of full service project work tied to key accounts by guiding junior researchers in survey writing, analysis and synthesizing complex data into clear, compelling insights and actionable recommendations for customers. 2) Step in to run projects (or portions of projects, i.e. analysis and reporting) on your own as needs arise, ensuring all project deliverables meet quality standards and timelines; support team in adhoc needs as they come up (i.e. survey review, report review). 3) Teach and mentor junior researchers on how to a) organize, clean, and manipulate large datasets using SPSS, b) run TURF, Crosstab, and MaxDiff analyses, and c) program survey questionnaires using survey software (e.g., Alchemer, Typeform)• Unlock growth opportunities with new and existing customers (15% time): 1) Lead research design and scoping for deals associated with highly technical buyers, and partner with sales and customer development teams in the pitch as needed. 2) Develop additional sales and pitch materials (as needed) that aid in selling in Highlight’s solutions and lead associated training sessions that enable Sales and Customer Development teams to pitch confidently. 3) Partner with the Customer Development team on customer on-sites for your set of key accounts, focused on thought leadership, research roadmapping, and expansion efforts, and new ways in for Highlight• Infuse subject matter expertise into new products and offerings (15% time): 1) Partner with other SMEs to create internal and customer-facing enablement materials and documentation that communicate the Highlight research and methodology point of view and demonstrate proof of value (i.e. data quality standards, best practices, case studies, research design guides). 2) Partner with other SMEs to create and pilot new methodologies, templates, and approaches that can scale across our customer base and expand our TAM (i.e. benchmarking, forecasting). 3) Support Product in defining the requirements associated with new features and functionality in development, based on your knowledge of customer needs, industry best practices, and the competitive landscape.About You• 7+ years experience designing and executing research studies, including expertise in survey design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, qual and quant analysis, report writing, and presentation of results• Experience in statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Python, with a strong understanding of statistical concepts and techniques• Experience with TURF analysis, Crosstabs analysis, MaxDiff analysis, and understanding of various ways to address statistical testing, forecasting, and benchmarking needs• Demonstrated ability to program survey questionnaires using software like Alchemer• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and storytelling reports• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex findings and recommendations to customers• Experience leading workshops, training, and enablement sessions• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and quality in research and analysis• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneouslyBenefits• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with 100% premiums covered• Unlimited PTO• Flexible, remote WFH culture• Access to the iconic Hearst Tower & its facilities in NYC (should you choose to ever be in person)• Starting base salary for this position is :$100,000 - $130,000