Manager, Global Creative Strategy & Research - Theatrical

About the role

Lead and support high-impact global research initiatives that inform production, creative, and marketing strategy across the theatrical lifecycle. Serve as a strategic thought partner to senior research leadership by translating quantitative and qualitative insights into actionable recommendations. Manage complex cross-functional projects, oversee external research vendors, influence marketing decisions across global stakeholders, and mentor junior team members. Serve as title lead or support on select high-profile film campaigns while driving continuous improvement of research methodologies and team processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end quantitative and qualitative research programs across multiple high-profile global theatrical releases, serving as the primary research lead or support on assigned titles.
• Partner with Vice Presidents and Co-Heads on the Global Creative Strategy and Research teams to shape research strategy and marketing decisions.
• Provide strategic recommendations by synthesizing survey results, creative testing, domestic and international tracking, exits, consumer trends, social insights, and analytics into cohesive title strategies.
• Design research methodologies, questionnaires, discussion guides, vendor briefs, and reporting frameworks while ensuring high analytical rigor and data quality.
• Coordinate localization of creative materials for research stimulus as needed.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior marketing leadership and global stakeholders, influencing campaign direction and investment decisions.
• Manage relationships with external research vendors, ensuring quality, timelines, budgets, and continuous process improvement.
• Identify emerging audience, consumer, and marketplace trends and proactively recommend new research approaches and innovation opportunities.
• Oversee weekly global tracking, box office forecasting inputs, custom studies, and executive reporting.
• Attend and communicate findings from focus groups as needed. Occasional domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• Develop scalable reporting templates, best practices, and knowledge-sharing resources for the department.
• Coach and mentor junior analysts and coordinate work with the Administrative Assistant, providing day-to-day guidance and supporting professional development.
• Lead or contribute to department-wide strategic initiatives and special projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in market research, consumer insights, strategy, or entertainment research.
• Deep expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including advertising testing, brand positioning, audience segmentation, tracking, and focus groups.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, high-visibility projects and influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent strategic thinking with the ability to translate research into actionable business recommendations.
• Strong presentation and executive communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Experience managing research vendors and project budgets.
• Experience leveraging AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, synthesize insights, improve efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Advanced analytical capabilities; proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, survey platforms, and Tableau.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree a plus.
• Proficiency with statistical tools such as SPSS preferred.

Pay

The anticipated base salary for this position is $92,879 - $120,743. This role may also qualify for annual incentive and/or comprehensive benefits. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, certifications, and location.