Overview

The Chick-fil-A Customer & Market Insights (CMI) team is the trusted source and strategic thought partner for consumer, Customer, and competitor insights. This role is an experienced research professional who is passionate about deeply understanding Customers and driving brand growth. The Senior Lead Researcher candidate should be a confident and agile leader who can effectively lead and consult across opportunities for the Chick-fil-A brand including the creation of strategic research plans, insights design, analytics, and activation. This role supports Supply Chain with Customer research to inform supply continuity and supply innovation projects including vetting new suppliers, existing suppliers, and transformational Supply initiatives that impact restaurant procedures to understand impact to the Customer experience. This role will partner with the Supply Chain team to create learning plans, execute Customer research, partner with Customer listening and Sensory, and lead reporting and socialization of insights. This role will also support the Cost Council and any Customer facing initiatives to understand impact to Customer experience. 

Responsibilities

• Partner with Supply Chain to create learning plans, identify knowledge gaps, and appropriate methodologies to address business questions within timing and budget expectations.
• Serve as primary research lead in support of all supply continuity projects to ensure consistent Customer experience across suppliers and the chain. 
• Serve as primary research lead in support of all transformational supply chain projects including new procedures, equipment, and product. 
• Strategic Partner for Sensory team to understand how best to integrate insights from trained panelists and Customer research
• Partner with Customer Listening team to understand impact of supply initiatives on Customer experience in addition to primary research 
• Enhance and innovate research methodologies and reporting in support of Supply Chain initiatives
• Partner with CMI Food Analytics team to provide holistic viewpoint of impact to Customer experience and sales because of Supply Chain and Cost Council initiatives
• Partner with CMI Food Researchers to support Marketing Food initiatives as capacity allows

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Proven track record of excellence in communication, leadership, problem solving, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to influence key stakeholders along the project decision track and across multiple areas of the organization
• Ability to thrive in a highly collaborative work environment
• Exceptional written and oral communication abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Hospitality, foodservice, or retail research background
• Design Thinking process experience and expertise
• Experience with sensory and/or food science

Required Years of Experience4 Preferred Years of Experience7 Travel Requirements25% Required Level of EducationBachelor's degree or equivalent experience Preferred Level of EducationMaster's Degree Preferred Major/ConcentrationMMR, MBA, and/or MFS Relocation Assistance ProvidedNo