Being a good investor and being a good firm are two different things. We want to be both.
We are an Atlanta-based private equity firm with $42 billion in assets under management specializing in franchise and franchise-like business models. Our portfolio companies span multiple sectors including restaurants, business and consumer services, health and wellness, and education and youth activities.
Since our founding in 2001, we have been guided by the same core values – do what’s right and long-term smart, regardless of conventional wisdom…even when it’s hard, and even when no one’s looking.
We view investing as a team sport. Our goal is shared success – for customers, employees, franchisees, strategic partners, service providers, management teams, and shareholders. We have a focused investment strategy that provides pattern recognition and a deep belief in win-win partnerships.
We partner with market-leading companies and management teams and believe in value creation through operational excellence. Currently, they generate $100 billion in annual system sales from 117,000+ locations across the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Roark is rapidly growing its in-house Data and Analytics team, with the goal of better leveraging advanced analytic solutions and insights to make sound investment decisions and guide owned businesses to profitable growth. We believe analytics is a game-changer in the industries we operate in, and we’re seeking an Analyst/Associate – Consumer Insights & Research to help execute research and deliver meaningful insights that guide business strategy. We are a fast-paced, entrepreneurial team – this role offers the opportunity to work across a range of brands and consumer categories, supporting both the investment team in evaluating new opportunities and business leaders in understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior.
This role will focus on contributing to the execution of consumer research and insights initiatives. The Consumer Insights team has established core tools, processes, and datasets; this position will play a key role in running custom and ad hoc surveys, managing data collection, performing analyses, and contributing to ongoing improvements in Roark’s insights capabilities.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience assisting with quantitative consumer research, analyzing survey data and consumer feedback, and helping translate findings into clear summaries or visualizations. They should be detail-oriented, eager to learn advanced research and analysis techniques, and capable of communicating data-driven takeaways clearly to colleagues across different functions and experience levels.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the growth of Roark’s Consumer Insights & Research function by helping develop research tools, processes, and partnerships that enhance the firm’s understanding of consumers and market trends.
- Stay current on how consumer insights and research are used within private equity and across Roark’s portfolio industries
- Maintain and improve research tools, datasets, reporting templates, and internal processes.
- Partner with Roark’s investment teams and business leaders to execute quantitative consumer research projects that uncover actionable insights.
- Assist in defining research objectives and methodologies in collaboration with senior team members.
- Write, test question language and programming notes for quantitative surveys that address key business questions while maintaining data quality and minimizing bias or respondent fatigue.
- Manage day-to-day coordination with survey panel vendors (e.g., Dynata, IncQuery) to ensure high-quality sample collection, data accuracy, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
- Conduct data cleaning, validation, and analysis to surface key trends and insights.
- Work with syndicated or third-party datasets (e.g., foot traffic, transaction, or panel data) to complement survey findings.
- Contribute to the synthesis of findings and development of presentations that translate results into clear business implications.
- Research topics will include brand equity and perceptions, competitive differentiation, and category dynamics.
- Own an end-to-end survey project, including a final presentation to the team.
- Support diligence workstreams, including fast-turn requests tied to live deals.
- Handle sensitive and non-public deal information with strict confidentiality.
- Primary industries of focus include restaurants, retail, health & wellness, fitness, youth enrichment, and consumer and business services.
- Collaborate cross-functionally across Roark to share insights, enhance research literacy, and promote best practices in consumer research.
- This position is expected to be in-office to maximize collaboration, learning opportunities, and culture-building.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Psychology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of experience in Consumer Insights, Market Research, or related quantitative research roles (client-side or agency / consulting).
- Experience supporting or executing custom quantitative research projects end-to-end.
- Working knowledge of survey sampling and fielding best practices, including quotas, weighting, and data quality QA.
- Strong analytical skills with experience interpreting data and identifying meaningful insights.
- Clear communication and presentation skills with the ability to translate data into business-relevant stories.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Exposure to survey analysis and statistical tools like SPSS, Q, R, or Python.
- Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for storytelling and dashboards.
Ideal candidates may also possess the following qualifications:
- Masters of Marketing Research (MMR) or related field
- Finance, consulting or corporate strategy research experience is a plus, as well as industry exposure to Restaurants, Retail, CPG or Consumer Services.
- Experience working with research vendors and online panel providers.
- Working knowledge of survey design tools (e.g., Qualtrics, Decipher, or similar).
- Some experience with qualitative or secondary/syndicated research is a plus.
- Interest in analytics tools such as SQL or Alteryx is a plus but not required.
Desired personal and leadership characteristics include:
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong curiosity and analytical mindset with a desire to connect data to business implications.
- Comfortable balancing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proactive, resourceful, and eager to learn from senior insights & analytics professionals.
- Comfortable asking questions, seeking feedback, and taking ownership of assigned work.
- Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-starter who thrives in a growth-oriented, entrepreneurial culture.
- Genuine interest in consumer behavior and the industries Roark invests in.
BENEFITS
Roark provides a highly competitive package that includes, but is not limited to:
- Base salary plus annual performance bonus
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- 401k with employer match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided daily in the office