Principal Research Manager

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

Position Summary:

The Principal Research Manager will be an embedded partner to Wizards’ Magic: The Gathering teams specifically those responsible for brand and franchise strategies, product development, and marketing. The ideal candidate has capabilities across quantitative and qualitative primary research, data analysis, and project management. The person in this role will develop research studies, recommend solutions, and advocate for insight adoption with stakeholders.

The anchoring motivation of the person in this role is a deep passion and curiosity about the needs and motivations of gamers, fans, and collectors, which you use to fearlessly share consumer truths, trends, and insights with partner teams.

What You'll Do:

• Be the voice of current and prospective Magic: The Gathering players, using consumer and competitive insights to influence franchise strategies, products, and marketing

• Collaborating with your manager, prioritize business questions and requests for Magic across audience, category/competitive, brand/franchise, creative, and commercial needs.
• Scope, design, and lead consumer research studies using custom and standardized approaches, including mixed-method foundational studies, audience segmentations, and TAM research
• Recommend optimal approaches to consumer sampling within insights initiatives, based on objectives determined in partnership with key team members
• Manage third-party vendors who support the research execution to ensure quality deliverables
• Adeptly and proactively provide brand and design teams with primary and secondary research, strategic consulting, and research presentations
• Provide strategic storytelling and presentations that scale up to senior levels
• Develop deep, research-based product expertise

What You'll Bring:

• 10+ years of experience in consumer insights or market research roles
• To be successful in this role, you must have practical experience with games, collectibles, or entertainment categories, and a strong familiarity with Magic: The Gathering is preferred

• Experience translating advanced analytics into insights – e.g., choice modelling, segmentation, driver analysis, price elasticity – with support from vendor partners and AIM Analytics peers

• Best-in-class ability to tell compelling stories with data and insights with a level of polish that can translate to GM-level presentations.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and the ability to effectively collaborate with all professional levels
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 tools and familiarity with survey programming tools (ex: Alchemer)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities among multiple teams
• A consistent track record of innovation, flexibility, and critical thinking

Education and Training:

• BA/BS or equivalent experience required, preferably in social sciences, marketing/market research, or a related field
• MBA, other advanced degree, or additional education in consumer insights/analytics a plus

Compensation Range, Currency USD:

• Starting Pay Range: $121,700.00
• Pay Range End: $182,500.00

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

Wizards is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.