Job Summary

Highlight is looking for talented and energetic individuals who are motivated and driven. We are a fast-paced, rapid-growth early-stage start-up changing how brands test physical products and digital concepts.

We are focused in 2025 on bolstering our team of functional experts whose contributions will deepen relationships with core customers, defend the unique value we’re providing today, and propel future growth by embedding that expertise into our product.

Today as part of the Customer Enablement & Research team, you will ensure Highlight is operating according to industry standards, presents our capabilities with a unique point of view, and goes to market with a best in class product insights toolkit. In addition to overseeing delivery for top strategic accounts assigned to you (such as Nestle and P&G), you will work with leaders in Sales, Enablement, Marketing, Product, and Data to create and action on a vision for Highlight’s path to product intelligence, as the system-of-record for physical product research and insights.

In addition to bringing a wealth of product testing knowledge to the table, the ideal candidate will have strong strategic thinking, project management and problem resolution skills, and be driven to create tools, best practices and methods that position Highlight as the experts in product testing. Ability to adapt to changing priorities in an effort to meet multiple project timelines and stakeholder needs is a must. This role comes with the freedom to explore and test new capabilities that set Highlight up to grow our total addressable market and build a competitive data advantage. Ultimately, we envision this person to grow with the company, continuing to build and develop a strong product intelligence foundation for the company.

Oversee key account delivery and mentor junior researchers

Oversee delivery of project work tied to key accounts by guiding junior researchers in survey writing, analysis and synthesizing complex data into clear, compelling insights and actionable recommendations for customers
Step in to run projects (or portions of projects, i.e. analysis and reporting) on your own as needs arise, ensuring all project deliverables meet quality standards and timelines; support team in adhoc needs as they come up (i.e. survey review, report review)
Teach, enable, and mentor junior researchers on product research principles related to design, execution and data interpretation

Unlock growth opportunities with new and existing customers

Lead research design and scoping for deals associated with highly technical buyers, and partner with sales and customer development teams in the pitch as needed
Develop additional sales and pitch materials (as needed) that aid in selling in Highlight’s solutions and lead associated training sessions that enable Sales and Customer Development teams to pitch confidently
Partner with the Customer Development team on customer onsites for your set of key accounts, focused on thought leadership, research roadmapping, and expansion efforts, and new ways in for Highlight

Infuse subject matter expertise into new products and offerings

Partner with other SMEs to create internal and customer-facing enablement materials and documentation that communicate the Highlight research and methodology point of view and demonstrate proof of value (i.e. data quality standards, best practices, case studies, research design guides)
Partner with other SMEs to create and pilot new methodologies, templates, and approaches that can scale across our customer base and expand our TAM (i.e. benchmarking, forecasting)
Support Product in defining the requirements associated with new features and functionality in development, based on your knowledge of customer needs, industry best practices, and the competitive landscape

About You

7+ years experience designing and executing research studies, including expertise in survey design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, qual and quant analysis, report writing, and presentation of results.
Deep expertise in physical product research, across quantitative and qualitative methodologies, both traditional and innovative methods is a plus.
Experience in statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Python, with a strong understanding of statistical concepts and techniques including Penalty analysis, TURF analysis, MaxDiff, and understanding of various ways to address forecasting and benchmarking needs.
Demonstrated ability to program survey questionnaires using software like Alchemer, Qualtrics or CompusenseExcellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and storytelling reports.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex findings and recommendations to customers.
Experience leading workshops, training, and enablement sessions.
Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy and quality in research and analysis.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Degree in Market Research, Psychology, Sensory Science, Integrated Innovation, Statistics, Behavioral Science or related field

Benefits

Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with 100% of employee premiums covered
Unlimited PTO
Flexible, remote WFH culture
Access to the iconic Hearst Tower & its facilities in NYC (should you choose to ever be in person)
Based on previous experience and skillset, the starting salary range for this position: $90,000 - $115,000 annually

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. At Highlight, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful. We are committed to building a team that comes from a wide range of backgrounds - including but not limited to - race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, religion, disability, and veteran status. If you’re someone who can think rigorously and isn’t afraid to challenge assumptions, join us.

Weve built a world-class team with decades of experience in the space. We’ve encountered the problems we’re trying to solve first hand and care deeply about making better products. We’ve been fortunate to raise a seed round from First Round Capital as well as experienced angels and insiders to help us further our mission. We’re also a passionate, capable, and empathetic team who live by our Humans First value. We have fun, we care about one another, and we’re all in on tacos.