Sr. Manager, Custom Research
2 months ago
New York
Job Description Sr. Manager, Custom Research Location – NYC Data-Driven Research and Insights MarketCast combines the power of research, technology, and data science to help marketers and researchers maximize their advertising impact and unlock brand fandom. Our insights help clients understand how audiences connect with digital experiences, brands, and media—especially in today’s dynamic technology and social media landscapes. We work with the biggest names in entertainment, tech, consumer brands, and gaming, and we bring a deep obsession with fandom and emerging behaviors. If you're passionate about how people engage with experiences—especially digital ones—and how research can drive product and UX strategy, read on. #FandomIsOurJam A qualitative research leader to join our growing UX-focused custom research team. This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who can both design and guide qualitative research, manage client relationships, and mentor a small team of researchers in delivering high-impact work. You’ll be a key player in our rolling research programs—bringing agility, rigor, and insight to help our clients continuously improve their digital experiences. The Right Candidate Will: • Be excellent at managing the design and execution of UX and strategic qualitative research projects—from upfront planning and study design to moderation and insight delivery., • Have deep experience in UX research, be a strong moderator who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment. Comfortable doing usability testing, in-depth interviews, and exploratory methods focused on digital product experiences and emerging technologies., • Be able to see patterns in qualitative data and deliver insights that go beyond the obvious—clearly articulating what users need, what it means, and what to do next., • Be a confident communicator (written and verbal) who brings clarity, structure, and storytelling to everything from discussion guides to final reports and workshops., • Have experience working in agile or rolling research environments, with an ability to flex quickly while maintaining research quality and focus., • Enjoy collaborating across teams—including working with Research Operations on participant recruitment, scheduling, and logistics., • Be excited about mentoring and managing junior team members, providing thoughtful feedback and guidance throughout the research process., • Thrive in a client-facing role, with a consultative mindset and commitment to building long-term relationships based on trust and thought partnership., • Be passionate about social media, Gen AI, and technology trends—and curious about how people navigate new digital experiences., • 6+ years of experience in custom primary qualitative research, with a strong portfolio of UX-focused and strategic projects., • Proven expertise conducting research on digital experiences, AI tools, and usability studies for product innovation or experience design., • A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Psychology, HCI, Business, Marketing, or a related discipline., • Experience with rolling or agile research programs, particularly in fast-paced client environments., • Strong collaboration habits—with both clients and internal teams such as project managers, analysts, and operations., • Proficiency in Office/Google tools; familiarity with research platforms like io, Lookback, dscout, or similar is a plus., • Medical, Dental, Vision, • 401(k), • Unlimited PTO, • Health & Wellness Events & Benefits, • Professional & Personal Growth & Learning Opportunities, • And, more Our Vision: We are creating the most tech and data-forward research business on the planet, where primary research, AI, and big data work together to solve complex marketing, content, and product development challenges. Our Values: Radical Candor Caring personally while challenging directly – offering feedback that is honest and clear but always rooted in genuine empathy and respect for the individual. Client Obsession Maintaining an unwavering focus on understanding and exceeding client needs and expectations, consistently delivering value, and building lasting partnerships through proactive communication, responsiveness, and a relentless commitment to client success. Unmatched Expertise A level of deep, specialized knowledge and skill that exceeds industry standards, allowing delivery of innovative, tailored solutions to complex client challenges driving superior outcomes. Fostering growth for our talent and establishing a reputation for excellence. Our Vibe: We are social scientists, data geeks, brand junkies, and movie fanatics. We obsess on audience segments, norms, models, and methodologies. This passion transforms client problems into breakthroughs and investments into impact. At MarketCast, we don't just accept difference - we embrace it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our global culture and success. MarketCast is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. Check us out: Legal Notices: MarketCast is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. At MarketCast, we don't just accept difference - we embrace it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our global culture and success. MarketCast is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. Per the pay transparency law, the hiring compensation for this position is $90,000 to $98,000. As a candidate for this position, your salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, skill set, and any other factors MarketCast considers relevant to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, MarketCast believes in providing a competitive total rewards package for its employees. MarketCast offers employees a holistic and wide array of benefits such as subsidized medical, dental and vision, enhanced mental health resources (Modern Health), free access to the HealthJoy, Everyday Inclusion, and Calm Apps, 401K match from day one, “freedom time off”, career and personal growth outlets, such as Coursera, and two free monthly movie tickets. All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and the terms of our official plan may be modified or amended from time to time. CCPA NOTICE: In accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act, please note that we collect some or all the below categories of personal information from you as part of the application process and use it for the purposes indicated. Category of Personal Information: 1. Name, Contact Information (phone, email, address) Purpose: To be able to contact you 2. Information on work history and education Purpose: To be able to assess qualifications for the role 3. Race/ethnicity information (optional) Purpose: To comply with governmental reporting obligations 4. Veteran and military Status (optional) Purpose: to comply with governmental report