Manager, Consumer Insights at Popeyes: Complete Job Description & Career Guide 2026
What Does a Manager, Consumer Insights at Popeyes Do?
A Manager, Consumer Insights at Popeyes plays a critical role in understanding customer preferences, market trends, and competitive dynamics within the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. This position bridges the gap between data analytics and strategic decision-making, helping the brand maintain its competitive edge in the fast-paced food service market.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for transforming raw data into actionable insights that drive menu innovation, marketing campaigns, customer experience improvements, and business growth strategies.
Core Responsibilities
Research & Analysis
- Design and execute consumer research studies including brand tracking, product testing, pricing studies, and customer satisfaction surveys
- Analyze customer data from multiple sources including point-of-sale systems, loyalty programs, social media, and third-party research
- Conduct competitive intelligence to understand market positioning and identify opportunities
- Leverage advanced analytics tools and survey research platforms like Conjointly for choice modeling, MaxDiff analysis, and conjoint studies to optimize menu offerings and pricing strategies
- Monitor industry trends and emerging consumer behaviors in the QSR and fast-food sectors
Strategic Partnership
- Collaborate with marketing teams to develop customer segmentation strategies and targeted campaigns
- Support product development by providing insights on flavor preferences, dietary trends, and menu innovation opportunities
- Partner with operations to identify pain points in the customer journey and recommend improvements
- Present findings to senior leadership and franchisees to inform strategic business decisions
Insights Delivery
- Create compelling presentations that translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations
- Develop dashboards and reporting systems to track key performance indicators
- Build consumer personas to help teams better understand target audiences
- Maintain insights repository for easy access to historical research and trends
Required Skills & Qualifications
Educational Background
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Analytics, Statistics, Psychology, or related field (required)
- Master’s degree in Market Research, Business Administration, or Data Analytics (preferred)
Professional Experience
- 5-7 years of experience in consumer insights, market research, or analytics roles
- 2-3 years in the QSR, food & beverage, or retail industry (highly preferred)
- Experience managing research projects from design through implementation and presentation
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Python
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and data visualization
- Experience with survey platforms and research tools like Conjointly, Qualtrics, or SurveyMonkey
- Knowledge of data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker
- Familiarity with social listening tools and sentiment analysis platforms
Soft Skills
- Strong storytelling abilities to communicate insights effectively
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
- Project management capabilities with ability to handle multiple priorities
- Curiosity and passion for understanding consumer behavior
Salary Expectations by Market
Compensation for a Manager, Consumer Insights at Popeyes or similar QSR brands varies significantly by geography and experience level. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
| Market | Entry/Junior Level | Mid-Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore (SGD) | 65,000 - 85,000 | 85,000 - 115,000 | 115,000 - 150,000 |
| United States (USD) | 70,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 120,000 | 120,000 - 160,000 |
| Canada (CAD) | 75,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 125,000 | 125,000 - 165,000 |
| Australia (AUD) | 85,000 - 110,000 | 110,000 - 145,000 | 145,000 - 190,000 |
| Philippines (PHP) | 800,000 - 1,200,000 | 1,200,000 - 1,800,000 | 1,800,000 - 2,500,000 |
| Thailand (THB) | 900,000 - 1,300,000 | 1,300,000 - 1,900,000 | 1,900,000 - 2,600,000 |
| United Kingdom (GBP) | 45,000 - 60,000 | 60,000 - 80,000 | 80,000 - 105,000 |
| Germany (EUR) | 50,000 - 68,000 | 68,000 - 90,000 | 90,000 - 120,000 |
| France (EUR) | 48,000 - 65,000 | 65,000 - 88,000 | 88,000 - 115,000 |
| Netherlands (EUR) | 52,000 - 70,000 | 70,000 - 95,000 | 95,000 - 125,000 |
Note: Salaries are annual figures and may include bonuses, benefits, and stock options depending on the company structure and market.
Career Progression Path
A Manager, Consumer Insights role at Popeyes can lead to several exciting career opportunities:
- Senior Manager, Consumer Insights - Leading larger research initiatives and managing a team
- Director of Consumer Insights - Overseeing the entire insights function for a brand or region
- VP of Marketing Analytics - Strategic leadership role combining insights with broader marketing strategy
- Head of Customer Experience - Focusing on end-to-end customer journey optimization
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) - Executive-level position driving overall marketing strategy
Day-to-Day Work Environment
This role typically operates in a hybrid environment, combining office work with remote flexibility. You’ll spend time:
- 30% analyzing data and conducting research
- 25% in meetings with cross-functional teams
- 20% creating presentations and reports
- 15% managing vendors and research partners
- 10% on strategic planning and team development
Why This Role Matters
In the competitive QSR landscape, consumer insights drive critical decisions about menu innovation, pricing strategies, store design, and marketing campaigns. Your work directly impacts:
- Product development - Which new menu items to launch
- Marketing effectiveness - How to reach and engage target customers
- Customer satisfaction - Identifying and addressing pain points
- Revenue growth - Optimizing pricing and promotional strategies
- Brand positioning - Understanding how Popeyes compares to competitors
Tips for Landing This Role
- Build a portfolio showcasing research projects and the business impact of your insights
- Stay current on QSR industry trends and consumer behavior shifts
- Develop technical skills in advanced analytics and visualization tools
- Network with professionals in the food & beverage insights community
- Demonstrate business acumen - show you understand how insights drive ROI
- Gain category experience through projects in retail, CPG, or food service
Conclusion
A Manager, Consumer Insights position at Popeyes offers an exciting opportunity to influence one of the world’s most beloved QSR brands. This role combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving, requiring both technical expertise and strong communication skills. With competitive compensation, clear career progression paths, and the chance to impact millions of customers globally, it’s an excellent choice for insights professionals passionate about the food industry.
Whether you’re already in consumer insights or looking to transition into this field, understanding the role’s requirements and expectations is your first step toward a rewarding career in QSR insights.