Director, Market Research & Consumer Insights

 Director, Market Research & Consumer Insights Company Background Now you can have it all! Advance your career and balance work, family and fun at Plantronics. Working at Plantronics gives you the rare opportunity to make a difference and feel valued, respected and supported, both personally and professionally. You’ll find the ideal blend of a casual, fun, friendly atmosphere with a strong commitment to the company’s success.  Since 1961 Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) people have been bringing sound innovation to the world.  We design and manufacturer leading lightweight communications headset products for consumer and business markets worldwide.  Our reputation for excellence is built on innovative products, a people-centered workplace and strong ethics.  Headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, Plantronics and its Clarity and Altec Lansing businesses have offices in 20 countries, including facilities in Mexico, China, Hong Kong and Europe.  Plantronics offers a generous mix of health, financial and lifestyle benefits as well as career development opportunities to its associates.  Discover Plantronics. PEOPLE – PLACE—PURPOSE—POTENTIAL Position Summary The Director, Market Research & Consumer Insights will play a key role in contributing to marketing and product development strategy for the company. As the company undergoes a shift from an engineering-led mindset to a customer-driven one, this person will be looked to help drive that transition. The culture of the company, and the marketing organization, is one of data-driven decision-making and provides the ultimate venue for the right insights leader to shine.While managing a small team, this individual will interface with a broad range of staff including business unit GMs, product and portfolio managers, marketing leaders, industrial designers and the executive team.  This leader will drive research programs on behalf of the Plantronics brand value proposition as well support the business units in their product development and validation, audience segmentation, and market intelligence efforts.  He/she will build a strong portfolio of outside research vendors and consultants in executing both quantitative and qualitative research programs.  He/she will oversee a range of projects from focus groups to expert panels to ethnographic studies and will be looked to increasingly build a deeper consumer insights department over the coming years.  The individual will also oversee the creation of a centralized knowledge management tool to house the many pieces of research occurring within the company globally. Responsibilities:  · Lead product and customer research efforts worldwide · Manage research team, including both internal and external partners· Work closely with segment managers on creation and execution of primary research to meet business objectives and drive product development strategy.· Develop product test plans and metrics to determine customer preference and provide feedback loop to product teams.· Create expert panels and user groups for product testing.· Independent of segment teams, design and execute research projects (quantitative and qualitative). Research may include segmentation studies, motivational research, in-store testing and other types of research to better understand the end-user, the overall market and trends.· Lead and coordinate ethnographic research efforts.· Interface with quality, engineering, ID and product management groups in gathering, analyzing and reporting data.· Manage 3rd party research, monitor trends and provide insightful analysis to management and segment teams on a regular basis.· Help drive consumer focus within the organization.· Champion pursuit of simplicity and ease-of-use in Plantronics customer experience (packaging, product, etc.).· Build worldwide knowledge management system for sharing insights, research reports and other data across the company  The Ideal candidate:· 10-12 years work experience in any combination of Product Management, Marketing, Market Intelligence (or related field)· 8+ years of experience in contributing to marketing and product development strategy through consumer insights perspective and data.· Consumer electronics experience, preferably in marketing, product management, or Market Research/Intelligence· Excellent verbal and written communications skills· Excellent analytical skills· MBA desirable, emphasis on marketing  Basic Requirements: · Bachelor's degree from a 4-year university· 10+ years of work experience in any combination of Product Management, Marketing, Market Intelligence (or related field)· 5+ years of experience in contributing to marketing and product development strategy through consumer insights perspective and data.· 3+ years of managing direct report teams · 5+ years experience working in a research provider and / or in-house in market research conducting both qualitative and quantitative research.  Click here to APPLY ON LINE  Plantronics is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  To all recruitment agencies: Plantronics does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Plantronics employees or any other company location. Plantronics is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.  Req # 6320S031902   Additional InformationStatus: Full Time, EmployeeEmail this job to a friend logET();PauseFooter(false);