Research Manager – Beta Testing & Internal Insights

General Motors•Warren, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Manager – Beta Testing & Internal Insights is a people leader responsible for designing and executing beta testing and internal user research that shapes GM’s products, software, and customer experiences. This role serves as a strategic thought partner and advocate for customers, translating research, feedback, and emerging trends into actionable insights that inform decisions across Engineering, Software & Services, Design, Marketing, and other key functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Market Research, Business, Marketing, Psychology, Human Factors, Data Science, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in Market Research, Insights, UX Research, or related analytics fields, with a track record of designing and executing primary research that informs product, experience, or business decisions.
Demonstrated experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods (e.g., surveys, usability/beta testing, in‑depth interviews, focus groups, diary studies), and the ability to select the right approach for the question at hand.
Strong analytical skills and familiarity with statistical concepts; able to translate complex data sets into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and influence without authority, providing diplomatic consultation and guidance to stakeholders in Engineering, Software & Services, Product, Marketing, and other functions.
Excellent storytelling, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal), with experience presenting to senior leaders and non‑research audiences.
Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high quality and attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to advocate for the voice of the customer and internal user, bringing an objective, independent perspective to discussions and decisions.
Comfort working in dynamic, ambiguous environments and forming a well‑reasoned point of view based on imperfect or evolving information.

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree in Business, Marketing, Behavioral Science, Human‑Computer Interaction, or a related field.
Experience leading beta testing or pilot programs for software, digital products, or connected vehicle features (internal or external audiences).
Prior experience in the automotive industry, mobility, or adjacent technology sectors.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, execution, and analysis of beta testing programs across vehicles, software features, digital experiences, and services providing clear, unbiased, and customer‑driven recommendations
Conduct deep‑dive qualitative and quantitative research to uncover needs, pain points, behaviors, and opportunities that inform product, feature, and experience decisions.
Partner closely with Engineering, Software & Services, Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to frame business questions, define research objectives, and translate them into clear research plans and learning agendas.
Synthesize data and insights from multiple sources to “connect the dots,” identify themes and trends, and build an informed point of view on customer and internal user needs.
Develop compelling narratives and deliver engaging presentations and written reports tailored to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, that turn complex findings into simple, actionable stories.
Collaborate across GCR and with peer research teams to shape integrated learning plans, align on methodologies, and ensure consistent, high‑impact insights across programs.
Manage research suppliers and internal partners to ensure high‑quality, on‑time, and on‑budget delivery of studies, including survey design, sampling, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting.
Champion a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement in beta testing and internal research practices, sharing best practices, playbooks, and learnings across teams.
Work with a variety of analysts across GCR, leading, coaching, and developing to deliver high‑quality research and insights.
Provide clear direction, feedback, and career development support; foster a performance‑based, inclusive, and collaborative team culture.
Balance workload and priorities across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines are met and stakeholder expectations are managed effectively.