Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-profile studies in social research for public sector clients.
- Company: Ipsos UK is a leader in social research, working with major government departments.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make an impact in public policy while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in research or evaluation, especially in Employment, Welfare, and Skills is essential.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Role… Ipsos UK Public Affairs are leaders in social research. This role involves working within the Employment, Welfare & Skills team. Our clients include major government departments such as HMRC, DWP, DfE, DCMS, and MaPS. Recent studies include assessing Universal Credit service delivery, public perceptions for Pensions Dashboards, experiences with Tax Free Childcare, and evaluating DWP employment programs.
What will I be doing? This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced researcher or evaluator to lead high-profile studies for public sector clients, expand the business, and develop the team. We seek candidates with strong social policy research and evaluation experience relevant to policy areas. The main responsibilities include:
- Leading proposals and revenue generation, including pricing recommendations.
- Managing contracts with UK government departments.
- Leading studies and maintaining client relationships.
- Delivering research and evaluation projects from design to conclusions.
- Communicating effectively with clients, policymakers, and colleagues.
- Supporting junior team members' development.
- Signing off on deliverables that meet objectives, applying creative approaches.
- Managing relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
- Understanding client needs and identifying growth opportunities.
- Contributing to team success and a positive environment.
- Working with senior management on team strategy and operations.
What do I need to bring with me? This role suits candidates who enjoy client interaction and fast-paced delivery. Relevant experience in research or evaluation, especially within policy areas, is required. Requirements include:
- Experience in delivering research/evaluation projects end-to-end.
- Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Experience in writing proposals and delivering projects in Employment, Welfare, and Skills.
- Desire to build client relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor juniors.
- Understanding of research methods.
- Ability to meet deadlines and ensure quality.
- Skills in analyzing complex data and providing insights.
- Excellent client handling and negotiation skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
What is in it for me? Ipsos UK offers a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, pension, flexible benefits, and private healthcare for senior roles. We also provide extensive learning and development opportunities and support flexible working arrangements. We are committed to diversity, equality, and an inclusive workplace, reflecting our belief that diverse teams deliver better research and insights.
Associate Director - Employment, Welfare & Skills employer: Ipsos
Contact Detail:
Ipsos Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director - Employment, Welfare & Skills
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in social policy research, particularly in Employment, Welfare, and Skills. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector and research community. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and clients, which can give you insights into the role and the organisation's culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past research projects, especially those that involved client interaction and project management. Highlight how you successfully navigated challenges and delivered results, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to mentor and support junior team members. Think of instances where you've helped others grow in their roles, as this is a key aspect of the position and will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director - Employment, Welfare & Skills
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social policy research and evaluation. Focus on projects you've led, especially those related to Employment, Welfare, and Skills, and quantify your achievements where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to Ipsos and how your skills align with the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and deliver high-quality research.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Use clear language and professional tone to convey your ideas effectively.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise any experience you have in leading teams or mentoring junior staff. This role requires supporting team development, so showcasing your leadership skills will make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsos
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in delivering research or evaluation projects, especially those related to Employment, Welfare, and Skills. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led and the methodologies you employed.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Skills
Since this role involves significant client interaction, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past. Discuss any strategies you've used to understand client needs and deliver tailored solutions.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Brush up on your knowledge of these techniques and be ready to explain how you've applied them in your work, particularly in relation to policy areas.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Mentoring
This position requires managing junior team members, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style and any mentoring experiences. Share how you've supported the development of others and contributed to a positive team environment.
