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Senior Qualitative Marketing Research Manager

MLN Research is seeking a Senior Market Research Manager to join our qualitative insights team. Our work is primarily focused on kids, teens, and families, with occasional projects involving adult audiences.

This is an insights and strategy role, focused on designing and leading high-quality qualitative research that delivers clear, actionable recommendations to clients. This role is not a project management/operations, field, or sales position.

The Market Research Manager is responsible for owning qualitative research projects end to end—from proposal support and research design through moderation, analysis, storytelling, and client delivery. This role requires strong critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

This is a full-time, fully remote position, with preference for candidates based in the Eastern time zone (NC preferred). Some travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

Qualitative Research Leadership

  • Design and execute qualitative research projects, with a primary focus on children, teens, and families, and occasional work with adult audiences.

  • Develop research plans, project timelines, screening questionnaires, discussion guides, and research instruments.

  • Conduct and moderate qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, dyads, triads, and focus group discussions (virtual and in-person); moderation experience is required.

  • Plan and oversee fieldwork and recruiting efforts in partnership with field facilities.

  • Analyze qualitative data (e.g., transcripts, recordings, notes) to identify key themes and insights.

  • Synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

Analysis, Reporting & Storytelling

  • Independently produce high-quality written deliverables in PowerPoint, with strong attention to structure, grammar, and visual storytelling.

  • Translate qualitative findings into compelling, story-driven reports and presentations.

  • Present insights and recommendations to client teams and stakeholders.

Project & Client Collaboration

  • Own project timelines, milestones, and deliverables for assigned projects, ensuring on-time, high-quality execution.

  • Manage multiple qualitative research projects simultaneously.

  • Partner with external vendors and global qualitative/quantitative research agencies to ensure quality and timeliness.

  • Participate in client and partner meetings and maintain strong working relationships.

  • Work closely with Senior Research Directors to support all aspects of qualitative research and drive projects forward on tight timelines.

Team & Process Contribution

  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of qualitative research processes and methodologies.

  • Collaborate with internal teams to support broader research and insight initiatives.

  • Support business development, marketing, and sales efforts as needed.

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • 3–5+ years of professional experience in market research, consumer insights, or a related field.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Psychology, Business, Marketing, Market Research, Statistics, Economics, or a related discipline.

  • Experience conducting qualitative research with kids, teens, and/or families strongly preferred.

  • Proven experience moderating interviews and focus groups.

  • Strong qualitative research skills, including study design, moderation, analysis, and synthesis.

  • Exceptional written communication skills with strong attention to detail.

  • Advanced PowerPoint skills and comfort with data visualization.

  • Ability to quickly synthesize and interpret qualitative data.

  • Strong organizational and workflow management skills, including time management and prioritization.

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Confidence presenting insights and recommendations to client audiences.

  • Experience with child/teen categories such as toys, games, entertainment, or youth-focused products is a plus.

Location & Compensation

  • Location: Fully Remote (East Coast U.S. only; NC preferred)

  • Salary Range: $85,000 – $110,000, plus performance bonus

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer

Benefits

  • Health Care Stipend

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution

  • PTO and paid sick leave

  • Paid professional development and career training

 

If applying, please submit a cover letter and resume.