Associate Manager, Consumer Insights

Yum!•Irvine, CA

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

Taco Bell is seeking an inspiring and collaborative partner to join the Consumer Insights team, reporting to the Manager of Consumer Insights. The Assistant Manager is responsible for designing and conducting consumer research related to food, beverages and restaurant experiences, analyzing data and translating findings into actionable insights for Product and Brand Marketers and the Food Innovation Team. The successful candidate will have proven success in managing and conducting quantitative and qualitative consumer research leveraging industry-leading tools, innovative techniques, and advanced methodologies. The Assistant Manager will be a strong critical thinker, collaborator, and innovator who is comfortable with, can deliver clarity to and provide direction from often ambiguous, gray and nuanced test results. They will be able to interpret and work 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. They must be able to work on-site at the Taco Bell headquarters located in Irvine, California for 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) with the ability to work remotely on Monday and Friday.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with courses in consumer behavior, psychology, statistics, science, engineering or a business-related field required; Master’s degree preferred
Experience in a consumer insights role supporting a product development pipeline with a focus on concept testing and both quantitative and qualitative consumer feedback
Minimum of two years direct experience programming quantitative surveys, drafting qualitative discussion guides and analyzing statistical data; moderator experience a plus
Strong working knowledge of consumer research and analytical techniques, tools, software, and industry developments and their application to business challenges and opportunities, including Qualtrics, aytm, decipher or other similar survey platform; Familiarity with SPSS and Tableau a plus
Experience using GenAI (such as ChatGPT) desired, but not required
Prior experience in usability testing to uncover user pain points and guide iterative product enhancements, including the use of eye-tracking software a plus
Experience working with and managing external research partners and vendors
Experience in partnering and managing an engaged customer community to design, distribute, and analyze surveys, gathering actionable feedback to inform product and experience improvements desired, not required
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with, build trust and partnerships with peers across a matrixed organization
Demonstrated ability to integrate multiple data sources (including primary and secondary research, social media) into clear, actionable insights and stories for a senior leadership audience
Ability to thrive with autonomy and successfully perform through ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment with comfort in shifting gears and navigating quick pivots and constant work changes.

Responsibilities

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
Think and act with a broader business lens, delivering actionable consumer insights to inspire growth across the organization
Play a collaborative role in a product and brand marketing teams, supporting the CI Managers in developing and executing learning plans
Conduct concept testing and product development research to support the Taco Bell product development pipeline, including programming quant questionnaires, drafting qualitative discussion guides, interpreting results into concise recommendations and preparing easy to read, digestible reports and presentations tailored to both working teams and senior executives
Ensure the 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 practices and optimal business outcomes
Contribute to a culture of innovation by finding new and better ways of doing things: identify, create, and employ innovative research approaches

Benefits

Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, carwash,
Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
Discounts, free food, swag and… honestly, too many good benefits to name