Location: Hybrid within footprint. Footprint includes, but is not limited to: Buffalo, NY, Baltimore, MD, Bridgeport, CT, Boston, MA, Wilmington, DE, Washington, D.C., New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA

Overview:

We are looking for an innovative and results-driven research leader to spearhead comprehensive competitive benchmarking initiatives and deliver tailored market intelligence solutions. This position calls for deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, with a passion for transforming complex information into actionable strategic opportunities that support business priorities across Retail, Small Business, Commercial, and Wealth Management divisions.

The successful candidate will possess a proactive, consultative approach and demonstrate mastery in managing multifaceted research projects from concept through completion. They will excel at synthesizing data into strategic, visually impactful recommendations that inform high-level decisions. Superior communication skills, a talent for narrative-driven data visualization, and fluency with advanced survey and analytics platforms are essential to thrive in this role.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with internal clients across diverse business lines by engaging in regular communication to understand their unique business challenges and strategic objectives. Ensure that all research initiatives are thoroughly aligned with organizational priorities and deliver well-defined, actionable insights that drive business impact and inform critical decisions.
• Serve as a trusted research consultant to stakeholders by facilitating in-depth needs assessments that clarify and refine research objectives. Translate these stakeholder needs into robust research designs, thoughtfully selecting and applying the most suitable qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address complex business questions and deliver meaningful, high-value results.
• Oversee the execution of high-impact, strategic competitive benchmarking studies, applying advanced analytical techniques and a rigorous attention to detail to extract nuanced insights from complex data. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to methodological excellence by conducting comprehensive analyses that identify emerging trends, market opportunities, and areas for competitive differentiation.
• Exhibit advanced proficiency in qualitative research methodologies by independently designing moderator guides and moderating focus groups, in-depth interviews, and other primary research.  
• Direct the full lifecycle of research projects, including the development of survey instruments, programming, sample selection, data collection, rigorous statistical analysis, and the delivery of actionable insights.  Employ best practices and ensure all research activities adhere to established methodological standards.
• Analyze and Interpret Complex Data Sets.  Utilize advanced analytical techniques to examine large and multifaceted data sets, synthesizing key findings into clear, meaningful, and impactful strategic recommendations. Demonstrate expertise in identifying patterns, trends, and market opportunities to inform high-level business decisions.
• Develop Narrative-Driven Insight Reports.  Transform raw data into engaging and insightful stories, crafting visually compelling presentations and comprehensive reports that clearly communicate research outcomes to stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure alignment of research objectives with organizational strategies.  Manage multiple projects concurrently, maintaining a high standard of quality and delivering results within established timelines.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities:

This position reports to the Head of Market Research.  Project scope is typically on the department level.  Projects are a mix of strategic and tactical in nature.  Working team clients are normally VP level and below.  Project owners are normally Admin, Group and Senior VP level and above. 

Education and Experience Required:

Bachelors’ degree and 6 years’ of related experience, or in lieu of degree 10 years’ related experience.

Highly proficient in Qualtrics or similar web survey software plus data visualization software such as PowerPoint.

Working knowledge of SPSS, SAS or other statistical software and survey development tools.

Employees in this position should be prepared to travel at least once per quarter within the M&T Bank east coast footprint (primarily to Buffalo, NY). Travel may occur more often than this and is based upon the needs of the business and project