Analyst, Consumer Insights

Job Purpose 

Panera is seeking a highly motivated Analyst, Consumer Insights to support the Brand Insights team and serve as a key partner in helping the organization make consumer-centric decisions. Reporting to the Director, Consumer Insights & Foresight, this role will contribute to critical research initiatives including Brand Health Tracking, Advertising Testing, and strategic RISE priorities. 

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with intellectual curiosity, storytelling ability, and a passion for understanding consumer behavior. This individual will help translate complex data into actionable business recommendations and serve as a trusted voice of the consumer across the organization. 

Location: Boston, MA (hybrid) 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

The primary responsibilities of this job include, but are not limited to: 

Research Design & Project Execution 

• Support the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of consumer and market research projects that address key business questions. 

• Partner with key stakeholders across Marketing, Development, and to identify business opportunities and translate them into actionable research objectives. 

• Manage research projects from initial briefing through final recommendations, working closely with internal teams and external vendor partners. 

Insights Generation & Storytelling 

• Analyze research findings and synthesize data into clear, compelling, and action-oriented insights. 

• Develop presentations and reports that connect consumer behaviors, attitudes, and market trends to business strategies. 

• Apply critical thinking to uncover meaningful implications and recommendations that drive growth and improve decision-making. 

Stakeholder Partnership 

• Build strong relationships with cross-functional partners and become a trusted thought partner within the business. 

• Provide consultative support for day-to-day business questions, serving as an objective advocate for the consumer perspective. 

• Collaborate closely with research vendors to ensure high-quality research execution and deliverables. 

• Support the continuous evolution of Panera's consumer knowledge base and insights capabilities. 

Qualifications (Education & Experience): 

Prior Experience 

• 2 to 5 years of prior job-related experience in Consumer Insights required 

• Food service, restaurant, retail or consumer packaged good (CPG) insights experience would be highly regarded 

• Experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including 

• Brand Health Tracking  

• Ad Testing  

• Segmentation, market structure and other strategic consumer analyses eg. drivers for growth 

• Market research project support or management, including data analysis, interpretation, survey design and implementation, and report writing.  This is a DIY environment.  

• Experience working in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to present analytical material in a concise and compelling manner 

• Ability to work independently with support from manager 

• Skill in data analysis, preferred experience in statistical and competitive evaluation and synthesis 

• Working knowledge of syndicated store and/or panel data (such as from IRI, Crest or Nielsen) 

• Proficiency with basic computer skills (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) 

• Proven project management and organizational skills 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Strong writing and presentation skills 

Education 

• BA/BS in business, market research, statistics, or other related field 

• MBA a plus 

• Food service industry experience a plus