Sr Researcher - Play Lab, Consumer Insights

Company Description

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Because we don’t just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard—when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.

Job Description

The Opportunity: 

The Global Consumer Insights department at Mattel, Inc. is looking for a Play Lab Sr. Researcher with qualitative and UX research experience to support the tech innovation team. The ideal candidate is detail oriented with strong interpersonal skills, who thrives in a fast-paced environment.  This individual will work closely with their manager and Mattel’s qualitative research team to execute a variety of types of qualitative research.

What Your Impact Will Be: 

The Consumer Insights Play Lab Researcher is responsible for duties including but not limited to the following:

Qualitative Research Execution:

• Recruit and Screen participants for qualitative research and UX Testing
• Build internal panel of testers and segment into key testing groups for tech-oriented products
• Work with cross functional teams to prepare stimulus for qualitative research including focus groups, IDIs, and UX research
• Consult on methodology, screeners, developmental needs & activities
• Ensure research deadlines are adhered to in order to maintain high quality research
• Moderate qualitative research sessions

Reporting and Advising:

• Craft reports and documents to deliver qualitative research results, particularly related to UX reports
• Understand usability concerns of tech items targeted towards both kids and adults to serve as an advisor to the team
• Provide consultation on new concepts to ensure strong usability of products and services being developed

Additional Responsibilities:

• Attend meetings and collaborate with cross functional partners to ensure smooth execution of qualitative research
• Stay informed on emerging consumer trends and industry shifts that could influence the business.
• Collaborate with Innovation Programs & trends team to stay up to date on latest innovations and trends in the tech space.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For: 

Qualifications:

• Ability to efficiently manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining attention to detail and adaptability to shifting priorities.
• Experience with qualitative methodologies, including focus groups, IDIs and UX research
• Previous moderation experience with both kids and adults
• Strong writing and presentation skills
• Ability to synthesize data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Confident and articulate presenter who can effectively represent the ‘voice of the consumer’ in meetings.
• Positive, cooperative interpersonal skills with a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities while maintaining high-quality work.
• Demonstrates curiosity and a forward-thinking mindset, with an interest in agile research methodologies and emerging technologies, including AI, to drive innovative insights.
• Ability to moderate in both virtual and in-person testing settings.
• Confidence working in a variety of digital platforms & Tools (Zoom, Miro, Canva, Adobe, MS Suite, Qualtrics, AI Tools)

Experience and Education Required:

• Undergraduate degree (BS, BA) with about 4-5 years of experience is required. 
• Prior experience with qualitative and UX research methodologies
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, particularly in creating compelling presentations and reports.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Experience in a tech related field and with UX testing
• Experience recruiting participants for research, including writing screeners, email blasts, segmenting groups, and building testing panels.  

The annual base salary range for this position is between $78,400 and $115,000.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however annual base salary will be determined based on a candidate’s work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Additional Information

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How We Work:

We are a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:

• We collaborate: Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
• We innovate: At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
• We execute: We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.

Our Approach to Flexible Work:

We embrace a flexible work model designed to empower a culture of growth, optimism, and wellbeing, where every employee can reach their full potential. Combining purposeful in-person collaboration with flexibility, our focus is to optimize performance and drive connection for moments that matter.

Who We Are:

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.

Mattel’s award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at https://jobs.mattel.com/ and www.instagram.com/MattelCareers.

Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch:
The Culture at Mattel
Corporate Philanthropy