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- Tasks: Lead exciting research projects in UK education policy, focusing on diverse topics like mental health and apprenticeships.
- Company: Join a respected research consultancy dedicated to impactful work across public, private, and charity sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, 28 days leave, and a supportive culture with career progression.
- Why this job: Work on meaningful projects that make a difference while collaborating with passionate professionals in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in education policy research, project management, and data analysis is essential; evaluation experience is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, ideally 2 days in the Central London office.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly respected research consultancy, who help their partners across the public, private and charity sectors. They are a full-service, mixed methods agency who are looking to hire a Research Manager with experience within UK Education policy.
Areas of focus:
- Education, Learning and Skills (employer research, apprenticeships, school research and local government initiatives)
- Higher Education (government department policy research on how to evaluate and inform HE policy, student research)
It’s an opportunity to work on an incredibly interesting range of projects, for clients with hugely different interests and investments in the studies. For example, this could be addressing teacher workloads, pupil mental health to employment options for people partaking in higher education courses.
The Role:
- Mixed method full service research role.
- We are open to researchers who lean on quantitative or qualitative research, who are looking for a more balanced mixed method approach.
- Experience in designing questionnaires, conducting focus groups and interviews.
- Experienced analysing data.
- Oversee project management and timescales, working on multi-year to shorter term projects in the sector, often 4+ projects at a time.
- Experience working on evaluations is a bonus.
- Managing Research Executives.
We are looking for researchers with experience working at a research agency in education policy for organisations such as DfE. Experience with evaluation is a bonus.
Why Join?
- High Retention – People join and stay, thanks to a supportive and engaging environment.
- Open, Honest Culture – Work with great people who are passionate about what they do.
- Career Progression & Development – Clear pathways for progression, plus strong support for learning.
- Diverse, Impactful Projects – Collaborate on large-scale, multi-strand initiatives with major UK government departments and youth/employment charities.
- Stable & Purpose-Driven – A stable and growing organisation with commitments to sustainability, equity and charitable giving.
Salary and Benefits:
- £39,000 – £44,000
- 5% employer pension contribution
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Central London office, hybrid and flexible working. Ideally 2 days a week in the office.
Please apply for next steps. For successful applicants, a recruitment consultant will be in touch via email to schedule a briefing call. We will explain the role in more detail and share the company details before creating a formal application. Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Research Manager – Education Policy employer: Elizabeth Norman
Contact Detail:
Elizabeth Norman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager – Education Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with current UK education policies and recent research findings. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education policy sector. Attend relevant conferences or webinars, and connect with people on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide insights into the industry and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with mixed methods research. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you've successfully combined qualitative and quantitative approaches, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your project management skills. Be prepared to talk about how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager – Education Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Research Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in education policy and research methodologies.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with mixed methods research, project management, and any specific work related to UK education policy. Mention any previous roles where you managed projects or teams, especially in a research agency setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that connects your background to the role. Discuss your passion for education policy and how your skills align with the company's mission. Be sure to mention any specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a research role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elizabeth Norman
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Research Manager position and its focus areas, such as education policy and mixed methods research. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects mentioned in the job description, like teacher workloads and pupil mental health.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in designing questionnaires, conducting focus groups, and analysing data. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously, as this role requires overseeing 4+ projects at a time.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education Policy
Express your enthusiasm for working in the education sector and your commitment to making a positive impact. Highlight any relevant experience you have with organisations like the DfE or in evaluations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the company culture, career progression opportunities, and the types of projects you might be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
