Director, Consumer Insights

Austin, TX

We are looking for an experienced insights professional to lead the WFM Consumer Insights team and serve as a thought leader in aiding the development of customer centric business strategies for a mission-driven omnichannel retailer. The ideal candidate will have solid qualitative and quantitative skills, be savvy at translating data into “the story”, have a track record of building strong teams, and be a passionate advocate for the shopper’s point of view. In the context of numerous behavioral metrics, this role will lead a team charged with ensuring that business partners also have a rich understanding of who our shoppers are and what their motivations around shopping and eating. The role supports consumer learning needs across the enterprise, with emphasis on brand equity, advertising, customer segments, shopping and eating behaviors, e-commerce, category knowledge, and private label.

Responsibilities:

Leadership of a team of WFM Consumer Insights researchers
Share insights with a C-level audience.
Partner closely with stakeholders across the organization to proactively identify and inform learning needs.
Develop and present findings to stakeholders.
Consumer advocate ensuring voice of consumer is represented in business decisions.
Manage a portfolio of research partners; ensure data integrity and consistency of learnings across data sources.
Manage projects ensuring that they meet time and budget parameters.
Support team member growth and happiness.
Approximately 15% travel required

Desired Skills & Experience:

Able to recommend and manage various custom and syndicated research techniques to address marketing issues.
Needs working knowledge of marketing fundamentals, market research fundamentals, experimental design, and statistics.
Must be knowledgeable and proficient in the latest custom and syndicated market research tools.
Good working knowledge of new product development, advertising development, and shopper research.
Able to provide decisions making support to the organization and maximizes organizational impact of consumer research.
Strong oral, written and formal presentation skills including ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple way.
Strong partnering skills with internal stakeholders.
Highly self-motivated, assumes personal accountability for results and performance.
Able to adapt quickly in a dynamic organization.
Able to plan and implement strategically as well as tactically and strong organizational and decision-making skills.
Earn trust and establish credibility with senior level leaders across the organization.
Serves as a leader in service of her or his team, and is a strong advocate for our broader team vision and goals.
Operates as a change leader, with a high degree of resiliency and ability to navigate ambiguity.
Able to think strategically while moving at the speed of retail.
Experience in appending survey data to customer data is a plus.
Sense of humor is a must.

Education & Experience

BA/BS degree and 8-12 years’ relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Retail or CPG industry experience preferred.
3-5 years' people management experience.
Experience with both qualitative and quantitative consumer research techniques.
Some experience with syndicated data and analysis preferred: IRI, Nielsen, NPD
Proven ability to objectively interpreting research, extracting insights, linking to strategies, and communicating in a motivating way.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.