Oliver Wyman -Lead Researcher, Product Strategy - Mexico City

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Researcher, Product Strategy

Company: Oliver Wyman (a Marsh McLennan business)

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Strategy / Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end market, qualitative, and quantitative research initiatives to inform product, capability, and AI strategy.

• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.

• Serve as a trusted thought partner, ensuring product and strategic decisions are grounded in rigorous user research and behavioral analysis.

• Develop and leverage personas, archetypes, and behavioral frameworks to deeply understand end-users and their contexts.

• Drive a strong end-user focus across the Product Strategy team, championing empathy and practical application of insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Quotient Inside, a specialized research function within Oliver Wyman, focusing on product and AI strategy. The emphasis on "Product Strategy" and "AI Strategy" indicates a need for researchers who can not only gather data but also translate it into strategic business imperatives and product roadmaps, a key aspect of advanced operations roles. The requirement to be a "trusted thought partner" and "shape strategy decks" highlights the strategic influence expected, moving beyond pure research execution to strategic advisory.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative research projects, including surveys, interviews, diary studies, and behavioral analysis.

• Develop compelling personas, archetypes, and behavioral frameworks that accurately represent end-user needs and motivations.

• Prepare and present evidence-based insights, strategic recommendations, and narrative-driven materials for executive-level stakeholders.

• Translate research findings into concrete implications for product direction, concept development, initiative prioritization, and AI strategy.

• Proactively collaborate with Product Strategy, Design, and Product teams to embed user insights early in the development lifecycle and influence decision-making.

• Champion a deep understanding of end-users, specifically consultants and practitioners, ensuring their perspectives consistently inform strategic direction.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research methodologies and best practices within the Product Strategy team.

• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality insights and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full research lifecycle ownership, from design to synthesis and strategic application. The mention of "AI strategy" and "capability strategy" alongside "product strategy" points to a forward-looking role that requires understanding emerging technologies and their impact on consulting services. The need to "translate research findings into implications" and "shape strategy decks" highlights a crucial operations skill: bridging data insights with business strategy and executive communication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, Business, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or PhD is advantageous.

Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in user research, consumer insights, human-centered research, behavioral research, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Advanced qualitative research leadership, execution, and synthesis capabilities for complex problem statements.

• Demonstrated proficiency in survey design and applied quantitative analysis to support strategic decision-making.

• Proven ability to independently lead complex research projects from inception through to actionable recommendations.

• Expertise in developing and utilizing personas, archetypes, and behavioral frameworks to inform strategy.

• Strong track record of translating research findings into clear implications and compelling materials for senior stakeholders.

• Excellent research documentation, insight synthesis, and storytelling skills.

• Proficiency with essential research and collaboration tools, including survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), digital whiteboarding tools (e.g., Miro, Mural), and advanced presentation software. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within or closely with management consulting firms, with a nuanced understanding of consultant workflows, decision-making processes, and client-business priorities.

• Familiarity with AI strategy and its implications for product development and service offerings.

• Experience with behavioral economics principles and their application in research.

• Ability to mentor and guide junior researchers.

• Fluency in Spanish is a significant asset for user interaction within Mexico.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" experience requirement, coupled with the emphasis on independently leading complex projects and influencing senior stakeholders, positions this role at a senior or principal level within research operations. The preference for consulting experience is critical, as it implies an understanding of the unique operational cadence and strategic demands of a professional services firm. The inclusion of specific tools like Miro and Mural signifies a need for modern, collaborative research practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end research projects, highlighting the design, execution, synthesis, and strategic impact of your work.

• Include examples of how research insights directly informed product strategy, capability development, or strategic decision-making.

• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem, methodology, key findings, and actionable recommendations, emphasizing measurable outcomes or strategic shifts.

• Showcase your ability to translate complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, compelling narratives and visualizations suitable for executive review.

• Provide evidence of developing and utilizing user personas, archetypes, or behavioral frameworks to drive strategic clarity. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to designing and executing mixed-methods research studies, ensuring rigor and relevance to strategic objectives.

• Illustrate your methods for synthesizing diverse data sources (qualitative interviews, surveys, behavioral data) into cohesive insights.

• Explain your process for translating insights into actionable recommendations and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.

• Document your experience in managing research projects, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and risk mitigation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role of this seniority, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just research execution but strategic impact. The emphasis on translating insights into "product strategy," "capability development," and "strategic decision-making" aligns with advanced operations functions that drive business outcomes. The request for "measurable outcomes or strategic shifts" is a key indicator of performance expectations in this operations-centric role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Principal Researcher/Lead User Researcher roles in Mexico City with 8+ years of experience in consulting or professional services, the estimated annual salary range is MXN $1,000,000 - MXN $1,500,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of the role, the strategic impact expected, and the cost of living in Mexico City.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation days, sick leave, and national holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

• Professional development allowance for training, conferences, and certifications relevant to research and strategy.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• Access to Oliver Wyman's extensive internal knowledge base and research resources.

• Opportunities for international collaboration and exposure within the Marsh McLennan network.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid model is in place, flexibility may be required to accommodate global teams, project deadlines, and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research on compensation for senior research and strategy roles in Mexico City, considering the consulting industry context and the specific skill set required. The benefits are tailored to a professional services environment, emphasizing health, development, and flexibility, which are key considerations for attracting and retaining talent in specialized operations roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Management Consulting, Professional Services (part of Marsh McLennan, a global leader in risk, reinsurance and capital, people and investments).

Company Size: Oliver Wyman is a significant global management consulting firm. As part of Marsh McLennan, the parent company boasts over 95,000 colleagues worldwide and annual revenues exceeding $27 billion. This scale provides stability and extensive resources.

Founded: Oliver Wyman traces its roots back to 1854. Its current form emerged from the merger of Oliver, Wyman & Company and Braxton Associates in 1984. This long history signifies a deep-seated expertise and established reputation in the consulting landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Principal Researcher will be part of the Product Strategy team within Quotient Inside, a specialized research unit at Oliver Wyman.

• This team likely comprises other researchers, strategists, and analysts focused on driving product and AI innovation.

• Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design (UX/UI), Engineering, and various business units across Oliver Wyman and Marsh McLennan.

• Reporting is expected to be to a senior leader within Quotient Inside or Product Strategy. Methodology:

• Oliver Wyman is known for its data-driven, analytical, and client-centric approach to problem-solving.

• The Product Strategy team will leverage rigorous qualitative and quantitative research, mixed-methods approaches, and behavioral science to inform strategic direction.

• Emphasis is placed on generating actionable insights that lead to tangible business impact and competitive advantage for clients and the firm.

• A culture of intellectual curiosity, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving is paramount.

Company Website: https://www.oliverwyman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Oliver Wyman's position as a leading management consultancy is crucial. The "Product Strategy" and "Quotient Inside" context highlights a focus on innovation and market intelligence, which are critical operational functions for a consulting firm. The scale of Marsh McLennan suggests robust operational infrastructure and opportunities for broad impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Lead Researcher, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and influence. It requires deep expertise in research methodologies and strategic application, serving as a subject matter expert and thought leader within the Product Strategy domain. The "Principal" title suggests a level of seniority comparable to a senior manager or director in other organizations, focused on driving key strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Researcher will report into a senior leader within the Quotient Inside or Product Strategy team. They will work closely with peers in Product Management, Design, and across various Oliver Wyman business units, requiring strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the firm's strategic direction, product development, and AI initiatives. By providing evidence-based insights into user behavior and market trends, the Lead Researcher will shape offerings, identify new opportunities, and ensure that Oliver Wyman's products and services remain competitive and relevant, ultimately contributing to revenue growth and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research areas, AI strategy, or particular industry verticals relevant to Oliver Wyman's consulting practice.

• Leadership: Transition into management roles within Quotient Inside, leading teams of researchers and strategists, or move into broader product leadership positions.

• Strategic Influence: Expand influence across different business units and contribute to firm-wide strategic planning and innovation initiatives.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Strategy Consulting, or even business development roles within Marsh McLennan.

• Learning & Development: Access to ongoing training, workshops, and conferences to stay at the forefront of research methodologies, AI, and market trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant platform for career advancement within a specialized operations function. The growth paths highlight a blend of deepening expertise in research and strategy, moving into leadership, and leveraging the broader Marsh McLennan ecosystem for diverse career opportunities. The emphasis on "strategic influence" and "operations impact" is key for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the Oliver Wyman office located in Mexico City. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Mexico City, Mexico (specifically Paseo). This location offers a vibrant urban setting with access to business networks and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office will provide a professional and collaborative workspace equipped with modern technology and amenities to support hybrid work.

• Expect a dynamic environment where team members can connect, brainstorm, and engage in strategic discussions.

• The workspace will facilitate interaction with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and other strategists, fostering a culture of shared innovation.

• Access to meeting rooms, quiet zones, and collaborative spaces will be available to support various work styles and project needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model provides flexibility, but there's an expectation of being present in the office on designated "anchor days" for team-wide collaboration, alongside client-facing work or personal preference for office presence on other days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key differentiator. The expectation of 3 days in the office emphasizes Oliver Wyman's commitment to in-person collaboration, which is vital for complex strategic work and team building in operations roles. The Mexico City location adds a specific geographical context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, research philosophy, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to discuss your approach to complex research challenges and stakeholder management.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, showcasing 2-3 key research projects. Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end research process, strategic impact, and ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.

• Case Study/Research Exercise: You may be asked to complete a take-home exercise or an in-interview case study simulating a real-world product strategy challenge. This will assess your analytical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to synthesize information under pressure.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Designers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and fit within the team.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior leader, to finalize the decision and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the business problem, your role, the research methodology, key findings, strategic implications, and, most importantly, the impact or outcome of your work.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your research. Use metrics related to product adoption, strategic shifts, revenue influence, or efficiency gains.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Go beyond just detailing your research process. Explain why you made certain methodological choices and how your insights directly influenced strategic decisions.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with product strategy, AI, behavioral research, and working within a consulting or professional services context.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to follow. Use clear language and avoid excessive jargon.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Oliver Wyman's business, its consulting areas, and recent strategic initiatives. Understand the typical challenges faced by consulting firms and their clients.

• Practice Synthesis: Be ready to quickly analyze information (provided in the case) and synthesize it into a coherent strategy. Practice identifying key drivers, potential solutions, and trade-offs.

• Articulate Recommendations: Focus on developing clear, actionable, and well-justified recommendations. Consider the feasibility and potential impact of your proposed solutions.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If the challenge involves team interaction or stakeholder management, be prepared to discuss how you would approach collaboration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong demonstration of strategic thinking and practical application of research skills. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to showcase not just research execution but its direct contribution to business strategy and outcomes – a hallmark of effective operations professionals. The case study preparation highlights the need to think strategically and analytically, mirroring the demands of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Survey Platforms: Advanced proficiency in designing and deploying surveys using platforms like Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar enterprise-grade tools.

• Digital Whiteboarding: Expertise in collaborative tools such as Miro or Mural for ideation, synthesis, journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

• Presentation Software: Mastery of tools like PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling strategy decks, reports, and executive summaries.

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with tools that aid in the analysis of qualitative data (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Synthesis: Ability to synthesize insights from various quantitative data sources and reporting tools.

• Statistical Software: Basic understanding or proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, Python libraries) for quantitative data interpretation.

• Dashboarding Tools: Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI for creating insightful reports is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM management role, understanding how user data is captured and managed within CRM systems (like Salesforce) can be advantageous for context.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello) for managing research workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack emphasizes tools for data collection, synthesis, collaboration, and communication – core components of a modern research operations function. Proficiency in collaborative whiteboarding tools like Miro/Mural is particularly important for strategic planning and ideation sessions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Intellectual Curiosity: A drive to deeply understand user behavior, market dynamics, and emerging trends, pushing beyond surface-level understanding.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to grounding strategic recommendations in robust evidence and rigorous analysis.

• User Centricity: A deep-seated empathy for end-users, ensuring their needs and perspectives are at the forefront of product and strategy development.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A proactive and constructive approach to working with diverse stakeholders across the organization to achieve shared goals.

• Impact & Actionability: A focus on generating insights that are not only informative but also actionable, driving tangible business outcomes and strategic change.

• Integrity & Rigor: Upholding high standards of research ethics, methodological soundness, and objective analysis.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Partnership: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with Product Strategy, Design, Product, and business unit teams to integrate insights early and often.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of transparent communication, constructive feedback, and shared learning.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly across different disciplines, translating research findings into language and formats relevant to various functions.

• Facilitation: Effectively leading workshops and discussions to bring together diverse perspectives and drive consensus on strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlighted are critical for success in a strategic operations role within a consulting firm. They emphasize a blend of analytical rigor, user empathy, collaborative spirit, and a results-oriented mindset, all essential for driving effective product strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Ambiguity: Navigating complex, ambiguous business problems and translating them into clear research questions and actionable insights.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively persuading senior leaders and cross-functional teams to adopt research-backed recommendations, especially when they challenge existing assumptions.

• Balancing Rigor and Speed: Delivering high-quality, impactful research within the fast-paced and demanding environment of a consulting firm.

• Integrating AI Insights: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving AI technologies and effectively researching their strategic implications and user adoption challenges.

• Cross-Cultural Research: Conducting research and synthesizing insights effectively for a diverse user base, potentially across different regions within Latin America or globally.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and master cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including behavioral economics and AI-driven insights.

• Strategic Framework Development: Deepen expertise in developing and applying strategic frameworks for product innovation, market entry, and competitive analysis.

• Executive Communication & Storytelling: Hone skills in crafting compelling narratives and presentations for C-suite audiences.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within Oliver Wyman and Marsh McLennan, gaining insights into career progression and strategic leadership.

• Industry Exposure: Engage with diverse client challenges and industry trends, broadening your understanding of the consulting landscape and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in strategic operations, requiring strong problem-solving, influencing, and adaptability skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding strategic influence, aligning with a career trajectory in product strategy and consulting leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex research project from end-to-end that significantly influenced product strategy or a major business decision. What was your process, what were the key insights, and what was the ultimate impact?" (Focus on your process, synthesis, and quantifiable outcomes.)

• "How would you approach understanding the unmet needs of consultants using AI-powered tools? What research methods would you employ, and how would you validate your findings?" (Demonstrate your approach to AI research and mixed-methods application.)

• "Imagine you've uncovered insights that contradict a widely held belief within a senior leadership team. How would you present these findings and advocate for a strategy shift?" (Highlight your stakeholder management, communication, and persuasion skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Oliver Wyman's approach to product strategy and AI, and how does your research philosophy align with our data-driven and user-centric values?" (Showcase your research into the company and your personal alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working in a consulting environment or with consulting stakeholders. What are the unique challenges and opportunities in this context?" (Emphasize your understanding of the professional services operational landscape.)

• "How do you ensure your research remains objective and unbiased when faced with pressure to deliver specific outcomes?" (Address your commitment to research integrity and methodological soundness.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Frame each portfolio piece as a story: the challenge, your approach, the critical insights, and the resulting impact.

• Highlight Strategic Contribution: Clearly articulate how your research informed strategy, product decisions, or business outcomes. Quantify impact where possible.

• Demonstrate Methodological Breadth: Showcase your ability to use a range of qualitative and quantitative methods appropriately for different research questions.

• Showcase Synthesis Skills: Emphasize how you synthesized complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and encourage discussion. Show your passion for understanding users and driving strategic impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, research expertise, stakeholder management capabilities, and understanding of the consulting operations environment. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes the need for clear, impact-oriented storytelling, which is crucial for operations roles that need to demonstrate value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Researcher, Product Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 8+ years of experience in user research, consumer insights, or behavioral research, emphasizing leadership in complex projects and strategic impact. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Strategy," "AI Strategy," "Qualitative Research," "Quantitative Research," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 of your strongest research projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end research capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to drive actionable insights. Focus on projects that show impact on product or business strategy.

• Research Oliver Wyman: Familiarize yourself with Oliver Wyman's consulting areas, recent work, and their approach to innovation and product strategy. Understand the Marsh McLennan ecosystem.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating strategic impact, and quantifying results where possible. Be ready to discuss your research philosophy and approach to challenging situations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.