Senior Research Manager (18 month contract)

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.  

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us make reading lives better. 

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Research Manager for a 18 month maternity leave contract. Reporting to the Senior Director, User Experience, the Senior Research Manager will oversee a team of 2 Research Analysts and lead Rakuten Kobo’s internal and external research initiatives.  

What You Will Do: 

• Establish on-going customer studies to measure in-market brand health, customer satisfaction, and competitor performance 

• Regularly meet with stakeholders and initiate primary research to inform brand decisions as they relate to product development, marketing or strategy.  Create survey instruments & qualitative guides and collect data using online survey tools or through qualitative methods. 

• Analyze and synthesize customer, market and competitive data; translate findings into business insights and action plans to support business performance. 

• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership 

• Combine high level strategic thinking with “roll-up your sleeves to make it happen” mindset 

• Manage Research Analysts in day to day work, planning and operations 

• Self-starter that thrives in a fast-paced team environment 

What You Will Need: 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, statistics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred with strong background in qualitative and quantitative research and analytics 

• Customer Insight professional with 5+ years of experience (preferably at a top research company, consultancy, or within a client environment) 

• Extensive experience working with internal stakeholders and project sponsors to define business and research objectives, establish project milestones and timelines, provide project updates, review research findings, and use results to develop strategic recommendations 

• Demonstrable project management skills 

• Extensive experience executing all phases of primary market research studies (e.g., programming surveys into online survey platforms, developing and implementing a sampling plan, monitoring data collection, reviewing/checking data quality, analyzing data, charting results, summarizing findings, presenting results) 

• Experience leading qualitative research studies, including personal interview and focus group moderating experience 

• Experience conducting secondary data analysis 

• Experience conducting and interpreting advanced statistical analysis techniques (e.g., regression, cluster, factor, ANOVA, chi-square, t-test, etc.) 

• Experience using tools and languages for quantitative analysis (e.g. R, Python, SQL) 

• Expert/Advanced knowledge and experience with survey tools such as: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms 

• Strong intellectual curiosity with a passion for interpreting quantitative data and creating actionable insights that are applied to business decisions. 

• Experience managing external research vendors 

• Skilled in problem definition and ability to conduct rigorous analyses. 

• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to “tell the story” and influence senior level stakeholders and colleagues 

• Expert/Advanced level Excel and PowerPoint skills 

• The lead on multiple complex projects concurrently and while meeting deadlines 

The Perks: 

• Flexible hours and working environment   

• 4 extended summer long weekends  

• Monthly commuting allowance for hybrid employees   

• Training budget + Udemy account   

• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook   

• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions   

• Daily lunch credit when in-office and in-office snacks   

• Dog friendly office 

About Rakuten Kobo Inc. 

Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative eReading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning eReaders, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies. 

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. 

Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.