Qualitative Research Manager

We’re seeking a seasoned qualitative research manager to design qualitative studies, develop discussion guides, moderate, analyze and synthesize transcripts and video, and report results with an emphasis on storytelling. You will bring a thorough understanding of qualitative research techniques, tools, and processes.

• →Design qualitative research studies for clients across a wide variety of industries. Projects will vary not only by industry, but also by general approach (IDIs, in-person and online focus groups, online communities/bulletin boards, ethnographies, shop-alongs, etc.) and project type (exploratory/discovery, concept and message testing, journey mapping, positioning, persona development, etc.)
• →Translate client business objectives into creative, effective qualitative research designs
• →Develop discussion guides that move beyond direct questioning — incorporating projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other approaches to surface underlying motivations and dynamics
• →Moderate in-depth interviews and focus groups, in person and over the internet, with skill, warmth and adaptability
• →Analyze and synthesize transcripts and video to identify the themes, tensions and insights that matter most to the business question
• →Report qualitative findings in PPT and other formats (memos, white papers, video reels, etc.) with an emphasis on storytelling
• →Select and manage qualitative vendors and facilities, and oversee recruiting against target specifications
• →Lead discussions and debriefings with clients in person or over the internet
• →Provide professional development training for colleagues/junior staff
• →Develop and present webinars for clients/prospects

• 5+ years of relevant experience in qualitative research with a demonstrable track record of high performance
• A portfolio of past work you can share — including discussion guides, video clips and reports (redacted as necessary to preserve client confidentiality)
• A demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into creative and effective qualitative research designs
• Mastery of moderation, including projective techniques, visual and enabling exercises, and other methods for getting beyond surface responses to capture underlying dynamics
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, manage, and effectively deliver on multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent client-management and presentation skills
• Strong storytelling and reporting skills, with fluency in PowerPoint as well as a sense of how best to leverage AI
• Experience with qualitative analysis and transcription/video tools a plus
• Strong customer focus, and willingness to work off-hours on occasion to support client needs
• A can-do, positive and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to support the development of team members across the organization