Market Research Manager IC3

Marketing Research Manager

Do you want to learn how research systems power the world’s biggest brands to new heights? Are you passionate about how market research data drives bold business decisions?

The Research + Insights team at Microsoft is looking for a skilled researcher with proficient analytical and project management capabilities to collaborate on uncovering insights across key audiences and brand perceptions.

Our team plays a critical role in shaping Microsoft’s global brand strategy by turning data into actionable impact. We partner with core businesses to influence decisions that matter across audiences, products, and markets.

About the Team

Microsoft’s Research and Insights team is among the most innovative in the industry. We ask tough questions and work together to find answers that have global reach and impact. Our professionals thrive on solving complex business challenges, influencing decision-makers, and developing future leaders in research and analytics all within an open, inclusive, and transparent culture.

About the Role

As a Marketing Research Manager, you will help tell holistic stories about Microsoft’s brands and products. A key responsibility is leading the operations of our brand health tracking system and building frameworks for practical insight generation. These insights inform strategic decisions on brand activations, creative messaging, and media planning.

You’ll gain deep experience in quantitative and qualitative methods, creative research design, and transforming data into actionable narratives. The ideal candidate is naturally curious, understands market research fundamentals, excels at project management, and collaborates effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of large-scale research systems, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Oversee budgets and timelines to deliver projects on schedule and within scope
• Lead vendor communications and negotiations to maintain strong partnerships
• Build and foster relationships with business partners across Microsoft
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external teams to drive research initiatives
• Support marketing strategies (messaging, positioning, audience insights) by leveraging existing data and leading new research studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
• Contribute to all stages of research and communication, identifying business needs and addressing knowledge gaps with actionable insights.
• Drive innovation within Research + Insights to implement best-in-class solutions.
• Embody our Culture and Values

Qualifications

Required/minimum qualifications

• 2+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles.
• 1+ years of Project Management Skills.

Additional or preferred qualifications

• 5+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 4+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles
  • OR Master's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 3+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles.
• 1+ year(s) project management experience.
• 2+ years experience working with decision makers to define needs and scope research to answer questions.
• 2+ years creating content that conveys a simple, clear message.
• Experience working with brand tracking data.
• Experience with B2B market research, products, or product management.
• Experience working with market research agencies or in a market research agency to design and execute different types of research.
• Proficiency with productivity software (e.g., Microsoft 365/Office 365, Google Apps/Workspaces) and communication/collaboration platforms. (e.g.,