Qualitative Research Manager

About the Opportunity:

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.

What You'll Do:

• 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

What We’re Looking For:

• 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

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary: $100,000-$120,000/year
• Flexible vacation policy – take the time you need to recharge
• Comprehensive health, vision & dental insurance
• 401k with company contribution
• Beautiful downtown Denver or Back Bay office with company-paid commuter benefits (parking or MBTA/RTD EcoPass)

What to Expect:

• 1st Round: 30-45 minute interview with the Recruiter
• 2nd Round: 60-minute interview with the Hiring Manager
• 3rd Round: 2 hours of onsite interviews with the Hiring Team

Please note that we are fully onsite work environment, and require daily presence at our LoDo/Union Station or Back Bay (Boston) office. We are not considering remote, hybrid, or out-of-area candidates, and do not work with outside recruiting agencies.

MarketOnce will accept applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

MarketOnce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to hiring individuals based on their skills and qualifications, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds.