Overview

In a new era of AI powered platforms, Research + Insights is transforming how we support Microsoft’s consumer product portfolio, including Xbox, Microsoft 365, Windows, Microsoft Edge, and Copilot. We are building in house research capabilities and streamlined workflows that reduce delivery cycles, elevate quality, and bring researchers closer to the business questions that matter. This shift accelerates momentum for commercial products by reshaping research execution through AI tools, research agents, and modern methods that increase speed, precision, and strategic impact. The Research Manager for AI powered research will help expand our internal execution model, applying cutting edge AI and automation to enhance insight generation across consumer solutions. This role enables R+I teams to focus less on vendor management and more on analysis, interpretation, storytelling, and decision influence. Together, we are building the future of R+I — scaling internal capability, deepening research craft, and operating a hybrid research portfolio where AI automation and strategic human insight work hand in hand to guide Microsoft’s consumer innovation.

Responsibilities:

• As the Research Manager, you will: 1. Lead AI Enabled Research Execution • Run end to end research using AI powered platforms such as AQT to accelerate questionnaire design, sampling, quota management, analysis, and reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce cycle time, and elevate quality through automation. 2. Deliver Strategic Insights at Speed • Translate research signals into clear, compelling narratives that influence product, marketing, and business decisions.
• Guide teams through rapid cycle research, enabling closer proximity to the problem space and stronger interpretation of insights. 3. Operate a Hybrid Research Model • Determine when to use AQT and when to engage vendors.
• Manage and optimize a balanced portfolio that maximizes speed, quality, and impact. 4. Partner Across Teams • Collaborate with research managers, data scientists, marketers, and product leaders to ensure insight alignment and business relevance.
• Act as an ambassador for modern research tools and methods, helping drive adoption and behavior change across the org. 5. Contribute to Strategic Vision • Support R+I’s long term capability building strategy focused on agility, depth, IP protection, and the next generation of research talent.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

2+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 1+ year(s) experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles. Additional Qualifications 5+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 4+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles OR Master's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Social Sciences, Statistics, or related field AND 3+ years experience in data science, research, marketing or business-related roles.1+ year(s) project management experience.2+ years experience working with decision makers to define needs and scope research to answer questions.2+ years creating content that conveys a simple, clear message.

Market Research IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $85,100 - $169,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $112,000 - $185,300 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.