Manager, User & Market Insights (Hybrid - Vernon Hills. IL)

The Mom Project is excited to partner with Rust-Oleum in their search for a Manager of User & Market Insights. This role is hybrid (3 days in-office and 2 days remote/week) in Vernon Hills, IL.

Rust-Oleum Corporation is a worldwide leader in protective paints and coatings for both home and industry. We offer a wide range of products, including decorative fashion paints and finishes, durable industrial, roof repair, and flooring coatings, and, of course, our famous rust-fighting formula that started it all.

This position will lead the collection and analysis of user data to guide strategic decisions across Rust-Oleum’s consumer and professional brands. Reporting to the Vice President of Insights & Category Management, this role partners with product, sales, and marketing to turn user behaviors and market trends into actionable strategies that drive innovation and growth. The ideal candidate is curious, research-driven, and passionate about championing the voice of the user. Occasional travel for research purposes or for other business purposes required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead User Research Initiatives: Design and execute qualitative and quantitative research programs, including surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and usability testing, to uncover deep insights into user behaviors, pain points, and preferences across DIY consumers, professional contractors, and industrial applicators.
• Analyze and Synthesize Data: Leverage advanced analytics tools to interpret complex datasets from multiple sources (e.g., market reports, sales data, social listening, and competitive intelligence), identifying trends and opportunities to inform product development, pricing, and positioning.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with product managers and sales teams to integrate user insights into business cases, new product launches —ensuring solutions align with real user needs and deliver measurable ROI.
• Communicate Insights Effectively: Develop compelling storytelling through reports, dashboards, and presentations to senior leadership, translating data into strategic recommendations that support brand growth goals and enhance brand loyalty.
• Manage Vendor and Team Relationships: Oversee external research partners, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning while ensuring projects stay on budget and timeline.
• Drive Innovation: Champion user feedback loops in NPD processes, from concept ideation to post-launch evaluation, contributing to Rust-Oleum's legacy of problem-solving innovation.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Market Research, Business Analytics, Psychology, or a related field; MBA or advanced certification in Consumer Insights strongly preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years in consumer insights, market research, or user experience roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity managing research projects or small teams. Proven track record in CPG, manufacturing, or coatings industries; experience with diverse user segments (consumer and B2B) is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in research tools (e.g., Toluna, Recollective), analytics platforms (e.g., Power BI), and statistical software (e.g., SPSS). Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills for data visualization and storytelling.
• Soft Skills: Natural curiosity and passion for understanding user motivations; excellent verbal and written communication to influence stakeholders; ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Experience conducting in-field research with hands-on applicators (e.g., contractors using industrial coatings).
• Familiarity with sustainability and other current trends in consumer products and their impact on user decision-making.
• Background in agile methodologies for rapid insight iteration.
• Endorsed strengths in strategic thinking, project management, and cross-functional partnership, as demonstrated in prior roles.

Salary Range Target: $110,000 - $130,000, bonus eligible

From big benefits to small, we take care of our associates! After 30 days of employment, you will be eligible for a benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, disability and business travel insurance, flexible spending accounts, EAP, stock purchases and vacation/sick days/parental leave.

We also offer a 401(k) plan after three months of employment and offer a company match. Associates are vested in the RPM Pension plan after completing five years of service. Rust-Oleum offers 9 paid holidays and two floating holidays per year. You are also eligible to earn three weeks of vacation on an annualized basis.

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.