Research Manager – Beta Testing & Internal Insights

Job description

Job Description Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, Michigan three times per week, at minimum or other frequency dictated by the business. The Role The Research Manager – Beta Testing & Internal Insights is a people leader responsible for designing and executing beta testing and internal user research that shapes GM’s products, software, and customer experiences. This role serves as a strategic thought partner and advocate for customers, translating research, feedback, and emerging trends into actionable insights that inform decisions across Engineering, Software & Services, Design, Marketing, and other key functions. What You’ll Do Lead the design, execution, and analysis of beta testing programs across vehicles, software features, digital experiences, and services providing clear, unbiased, and customer‑driven recommendations Conduct deep‑dive qualitative and quantitative research to uncover needs, pain points, behaviors, and opportunities that inform product, feature, and experience decisions. Partner closely with Engineering, Software & Services, Product Development, Marketing, and other stakeholders to frame business questions, define research objectives, and translate them into clear research plans and learning agendas. Synthesize data and insights from multiple sources to “connect the dots,” identify themes and trends, and build an informed point of view on customer and internal user needs. Develop compelling narratives and deliver engaging presentations and written reports tailored to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, that turn complex findings into simple, actionable stories. Collaborate across GCR and with peer research teams to shape integrated learning plans, align on methodologies, and ensure consistent, high‑impact insights across programs. Manage research suppliers and internal partners to ensure high‑quality, on‑time, and on‑budget delivery of studies, including survey design, sampling, fieldwork, analysis, and reporting. Champion a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement in beta testing and internal research practices, sharing best practices, playbooks, and learnings across teams. People Leadership Work with a variety of analysts across GCR, leading, coaching, and developing to deliver high‑quality research and insights. Provide clear direction, feedback, and career development support; foster a performance‑based, inclusive, and collaborative team culture. Balance workload and priorities across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines are met and stakeholder expectations are managed effectively. Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications) Bachelor’s degree in Market Research, Business, Marketing, Psychology, Human Factors, Data Science, or a related field. 7+ years of experience in Market Research, Insights, UX Research, or related analytics fields, with a track record of designing and executing primary research that informs product, experience, or business decisions. Demonstrated experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods (e.g., surveys, usability/beta testing, in‑depth interviews, focus groups, diary studies), and the ability to select the right approach for the question at hand. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with statistical concepts; able to translate complex data sets into clear, actionable insights and recommendations. Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and influence without authority, providing diplomatic consultation and guidance to stakeholders in Engineering, Software & Services, Product, Marketing, and other functions. Excellent storytelling, presentation, and communication skills (written and verbal), with experience presenting to senior leaders and non‑research audiences. Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high quality and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to advocate for the voice of the customer and internal user, bringing an objective, independent perspective to discussions and decisions. Comfort working in dynamic, ambiguous environments and forming a well‑reasoned point of view based on imperfect or evolving information. What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications) MBA or advanced degree in Business, Marketing, Behavioral Science, Human‑Computer Interaction, or a related field. Experience leading beta testing or pilot programs for software, digital products, or connected vehicle features (internal or external audiences). Prior experience in the automotive industry, mobility, or adjacent technology sectors. GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel About GM Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all. Why Join Us We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team. Benefits Overview From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources . Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.) General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire . Accommodations General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.