VP Content Research

Job Description

The Job

The HBO Max Content Research team aims to be trusted partners for our unique businesses through a lens that is unbiased and unfiltered. We objectively translate consumer voices to help make strategic business objectives and decisions.

The team is looking for a VP of Content Research to test, understand and advise on HBO Max and HBO content needs, supporting areas such as programming, development and strategy. This role will work across genres which may include comedy, adult animation, drama, reality, international, and more.

We're looking for a seasoned content research professional who is passionate about different types of content and has a proven track record working across genres and audiences. We're looking for someone who is flexible and ready to help guide and evolve the Content Research team.

Working directly with Development, Programming, Strategy and Marketing in addition to other research disciplines, the VP will be the lead advisor to help inform content priorities for HBO Max. The VP will plan and direct all primary and secondary research related to development, production and renewal considerations of platform content. They will also oversee research for target audiences, content segmentation and overall content strategy.

This leadership role will be responsible for effectively managing the department resources by setting operational goals/priorities, developing research strategies, creating action plans and timelines, assigning resources, monitoring projects, communicating progress, managing client & management expectations, delivering results and managing budgets.

The position will also play a key role on the broader leadership team, including other Research team leaders across the company, and must be able to partner with internal/external stakeholders and work in a highly matrixed organization to build a center of excellence for content research.

The Daily
• Lead content research testing including but not limited to the design, fieldwork, analysis and interpretation of episode testing, pilot testing, fan feedback studies, landscape studies, and title studies.
• Digest and convey research reports on best target audiences for different types of content.
• Establish and create new testing methodologies and databases for HBOM content testing to narrow gaps.
• Develop and present strategic, long-range research regarding the competitive landscape and the evolution of the media industry; provide practical, business-oriented and actionable findings.
• Research and help predict upcoming genre trends/fads/what's hot in support of timely development and production in developing areas.
• Manage staff including on-going training and development - providing guidance, coaching and feedback, in addition to performance management.
• Dynamically lead meetings and initiatives with senior level stakeholders both internal and external.
• Build and establish stakeholder relationships. Be an advisor and provide thought leadership.
• Manage vendor relationships and look for opportunities to innovate.
• Some travel is required.

The Essentials
• 15+ years of primary research experience in both qualitative and quantitative
• 10+ years of experience building, managing and leading a high performing team
• Experience at a Direct-to-Consumer/SVOD/AVOD or research company working on a Direct-to-Consumer/SVOD/AVOD business
• Must understand a variety of market research methodologies and their applications
• Experience working with Creatives; direct work with Showrunners and Filmmakers a plus
• Experience with conducting research on creative testing, content strategy, pilot studies
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including development and implementation of new ways to display data in a manner that is more visual and easier to understand. Professional communication of findings through written and stand-up presentations
• Ability to use a data-driven approach to problem solving and scaling
• Strong client-management skills; ability to adapt to a variety of individual styles and approaches in order to deliver the appropriate insights and support each requires
• Experience managing direct reports
• A passion for television shows and movies
• Analytical problem-solving skills, including the ability to break down data/information into meaningful findings and developing recommendations that lead to informed decision-making.
• Ability to use internal and external social analytics and other internal data to support the business's strategy and detect new opportunities

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gmeb83-18-188-40-207-42 in your application.