Market Research Manager

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 requires 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 manage multifaceted research projects from concept through completion, synthesize data into strategic, visually impactful recommendations, and inform high-level decisions. Superior communication skills and expertise in narrative-driven data visualization and advanced survey/analytics platforms are essential.

Primary Responsibilities

• Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with internal clients across diverse business lines; understand their business challenges and strategic objectives and ensure research initiatives are aligned with priorities, delivering actionable insights that drive impact.
• Serve as a trusted research consultant by facilitating needs assessments, translating stakeholder needs into robust research designs, and applying appropriate qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address complex questions.
• Oversee the execution of strategic competitive benchmarking studies, applying rigorous analytical techniques to extract nuanced insights and identify trends, opportunities, and differentiators.
• Design qualitative research methodologies (e.g., moderator guides) and independently moderate focus groups, in-depth interviews, and other primary research as needed.
• Direct the full lifecycle of research projects: survey instrument development, programming, sample selection, data collection, rigorous analysis, and delivery of actionable insights in clear formats.
• Analyze large, complex data sets to synthesize findings into meaningful, strategic recommendations; identify patterns and market opportunities to inform decisions.
• Develop narrative-driven insight reports and craft visually compelling presentations and comprehensive reports for stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to align research objectives with organizational strategies; manage multiple projects concurrently and meet timelines.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Scope of Responsibilities

This position reports to the Head of Market Research. Projects are typically department-level, involving cross-functional teams with VP-level and below clients; project owners are usually Admin, Group, and Senior VP level and above.

Education and Experience

Required: Bachelor’s degree with 6 years of related experience, or 10 years of related experience in lieu of a degree. Highly proficient in Qualtrics or similar survey software and data visualization tools (e.g., PowerPoint). Working knowledge of SPSS, SAS, or other statistical software and survey development tools. Willingness to travel at least quarterly within the M&T Bank East Coast footprint, primarily to Buffalo, NY; more travel may be required depending on business needs.

Preferred: Master’s degree or PhD with a concentration in Statistics, Psychology, or Marketing. Strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research methods (surveys, focus groups, advisory panels, in-depth interviews) including design, analysis, interpretation, reporting, and presentation of findings. Experience with a wide range of methodologies (customer satisfaction/loyalty, brand awareness/usage, segmentation, ad/concept testing, conjoint, new product development, etc.). Excellent storytelling, organizational, and interpersonal skills; meticulous attention to detail; ability to manage multiple assignments under pressure.

Location: Buffalo, New York, United States of America

Compensation: The pay range for this position is $85,104.04 - $141,840.07 annually. Final compensation will reflect the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience.