Manager of Consumer Research at Glico

We are seeking a Manager of Consumer Research who can deliver valuable consumer, customer, and market insights that drive business growth. The Manager will play a key role in informing brand and business strategies by uncovering, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating actionable research findings. This position reports to the VP, Consumer Research, who oversees all consumer research initiatives for North America and works closely with Global and HQ Consumer Research teams.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in consumer insights, market research, or related fields, preferably within a leading FMCG company, market research agency, or consulting firm.
• Key experience includes
  • Uncovering and activating consumer and shopper insights to drive business decisions.
  • Conducting primary and secondary research utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
  • Developing business and marketing strategies underpinned by consumer insights and market analytics.
  • Leading product innovation research, including concept screening, package testing, and product validation.
  • Analyzing and synthesizing data and information from multiple sources into actionable recommendations.
  • Leveraging syndicated data sources, including POS, panel, consumer trend, and sensory research data.
  • Experience in the snacking, food, or consumer packaged goods industry is a plus.

Consumer Insights & Analytics

• Strong expertise in quantitative research, including market understanding, segmentation, brand equity measurement, and product innovation validation.
• Strong experience working with POS data (Circana, Nielsen) and panel data (Circana, Numerator).
• Ability to integrate qualitative research findings into actionable consumer and business insights.
• Strong experience in issue identification and root cause analysis.
• Solid knowledge of brand strategy, including STP, brand communication, and portfolio analysis.
• Statistical knowledge and experience with SPSS, R, or similar analytical tools preferred.

Business & Leadership

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong facilitation, influencing, coaching, and presentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills and experience collaborating with global teams.
• Strong proficiency and hands‑on experience leveraging AI tools to enhance research, analytics, and insight generation.

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Additional Qualifications

• Japanese language proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking) is a plus but not required.

• Identifies business opportunities with strong consumer/market insight‑based analysis. Presents the findings to key stakeholders in broad context and with foresight.
• Leads consumer based design thinking process and innovation initiatives by improving the understanding of its consumers and Brand.
• Defines, structures, plans, and requests market research not yet addressed through internal knowledge and experience and/or secondary data sources. Ensures all market insight activities are conducted in an effective manner.
• Ensures market research is derived with high‑quality insights and integrated into the Company’s business strategies. Works closely with the HQ and leadership team.
• Supports global projects by conducting the US market and consumer research.
• Develops and promotes best‑practice models and new insight capabilities leveraging internal and external expertise.
• Manages agency communication and cost management for assigned projects.
• Works closely with the Marketing and Sales departments to ensure consumer research activities align with the Company’s brand marketing &…