Senior Analyst, Strategic Market Research

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

Vail Resorts is looking to hire a Strategic Market Research Senior Analyst. The Strategic Research team sits within Vail Resorts’ Analytics and Insights capability. The team leverages both internal and external data sources to generate insights about guest behavior and motivators that drive value for the business. The team informs strategic decisions across the enterprise and is a key partner to many stakeholders, including Marketing and Finance.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Strategic Research, this role is responsible for executing end-to-end market research studies informing strategic decisions across various lines of our business. Focused on quantitative methods, this role will support data-driven decision-making by supporting the design, execution, analysis, and reporting of research related to guest experiences & preferences, brand & resort perceptions, and business & market performance. The role requires strong analytic & technical skills, the ability to connect research to business goals, strong communication and interpersonal skills in a hybrid work environment, and experience managing projects and stakeholders with independence and a leadership mindset at various levels of the organization. You will also be expected to demonstrate learning agility and drive to take on new topics or projects. 

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Design and Develop Research Studies: Collaborate with stakeholders to identify research objectives and lead the strategic thinking to design custom and recurring studies that align with strategic business goals; take ownership of ensuring insights are generated to meet research objectives
• Data Collection & Analysis: Use both qualitative (e.g., focus groups) and quantitative (e.g., custom surveys) research methods to gather data in tandem with secondary data sources, and recommend & conduct best practice analyses to translate data into insights
• Report & Present Insights: Create high-level summary plus detailed research reports; ideate and present data storylines & actionable recommendations to stakeholders at various levels of the organization
• Trend Monitoring: Keep a pulse on industry and business trends, competitors, and emerging customer preferences, incorporating knowledge of significant market developments into the work
• Tool & Technique Optimization: Continuously develop professionally and operationally, refining research methodologies, tools, and processes to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and relevance of insights delivered
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various teams to align research outcomes with strategic initiatives
• Upward & Peer Management: Proactively update manager regarding own work, be willing to receive and provide team feedback, and demonstrate ability to review and enhance the work of others

Why this role is special:

• Vail Resorts is at the forefront of the Travel and Tourism industry – redefining the ski industry in the 21st century
• Leveraging analytics is a core pillar of Vail Resorts’ strategy moving forward – a critical driver of our success leading to a strong willingness to invest
• We are a data-driven business with a proprietary guest database unmatched by any other company in the industry – a great foundation for building out advanced analytics
• Direct exposure to leaders of the business – a unique opportunity to team with our business leadership to reimagine analytics
• All the free skiing / riding you and your dependents can handle – free Epic passes, discounted lodging and retail

Department purpose: Analytics & Insights

The Analytics & Insights (A&I) team’s purpose is to empower data-driven decision making and strategic innovation for the Vail Resorts Enterprise. We have a shared passion for problem-solving, innovation, tackling complex enterprise challenges, and positively impacting business results. We approach problem-solving from perspectives that are data-driven as well as grounded in business intuition.

The A&I team fosters an environment that’s inclusive and diverse, supporting all team members to be themselves. We value everyone’s ideas and perspectives and believe that our team’s diversity is critical to our ability to deliver exceptional work products and experiences. 

Job Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Statistics, Math, Analytics, or a related field
• Experience: 3+ years of experience in market research, analytics, or a similar role focused on data collection, analysis, and insight development
• Skills:
  • Strength in using Excel as a data analysis tool, and leveraging Microsoft 365 tools in general
  • Experience with survey platforms (specifically Qualtrics)
  • Strong communication skills for presenting findings clearly and concisely
  • Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Other Requirements: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of ski industry-specific trends and an interest in staying updated on ski market trends, competitive landscape, etc.
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, ThinkCell
• Experience with querying databases (SQL)
• Experience as a focus group moderator for qualitative research studies
• Experience using advanced statistical or predictive modeling techniques

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $76,841.70 - $100,034 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  505917
Reference Date: 11/05/2024 
Job Code Function: Marketing  
Job Type: [[JobType]]