Market Research Lead

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• Target Customer & Addressable Market Segmentation:
  • Develop a deep understanding of Scout’s addressable market. Advance the definition of Scout’s target customers and vehicle segmentation, supported by robust quantitative and qualitative analysis. Translate customer archetypes into personas and deliver strategic recommendations to guide product, brand, and commercial decisions.
• Execute Critical Product & Company Research:
  • Lead research initiatives to answer key questions across the organization – covering product features, pricing sensitivity, brand acceptance, sales and service preferences, vehicle nomenclature, and more. Summarize research results with actionable recommendations to increase customer focus, product and service quality and market share growth.
• Cross-functional Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing:
  • Build strong relationships with colleagues across Scout Motors, collaborating closely with Engineering, Product Planning, Design, Brand Marketing, Communications, Commercial Operations, and Legal teams. Ensure market research is integrated into cross-functional decision-making and knowledge is shared across the organization.
• Research Vendor Management:
  • Serve as the primary liaison for external research partners. Manage the full lifecycle of external research engagements – from vendor identification and sourcing to onboarding and execution. Ensure seamless coordination between internal stakeholders and external vendors to deliver high-quality and timely results on all research activities.
• Budget Management:
  • Oversee Scout’s market research budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and alignment with strategic priorities. Monitor expenditures and optimize investments to maximize research impact.

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role may be based out of the Scout Motors corporate headquarters in Charlotte, NC. This role may be remote to start but will transition to an in-office setting at the headquarters within 6 months of start date. This role is not eligible for remote work in New York City.
• The responsibilities of this role require 4-5 days attendance in office with in-person meetings and events regularly. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time including to Production Center in Blythewood, South Carolina and Product Innovation Center in Novi, Michigan.
• Travel: Domestic and international travel required, approximately 10-20% of the time. Valid driver's license required. Passport required

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, Marketing Research or a related field required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in the automotive industry, with deep expertise in quantitative and qualitative market research, consumer insights and strategic research planning
• Experience in running product clinics and focus groups
• Ability to manage and collaborate with external data providers and research vendors
• Strong analytical skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholder needs simultaneously in a fast-paced, start-up environment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and willing to roll up your sleeves to get things done
• Passion for automotive, innovation, and building something from the ground up

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Scout addressable segments (SUVs and pickup trucks).
• Familiarity with the EV ecosystem, automotive technology, and industry trends.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required, approximately 10-20% of the time. 
• Valid driver's license required.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $150,000.00 - $181,250.00

Internal leveling code: IC7