At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects and deliver creative presentations that make a difference.
- Company: Join a leading independent research agency focused on societal impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on team development and performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the education sector while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a background in social/public sectors.
Are you a mid-level researcher with a background within the social and public sectors? Then you could be the perfect fit for this market research agency in this flexible role!
THE COMPANY
We are representing an independent social and market research agency, founded to help government understand business needs, now one of the UK's largest while remaining focused on public value and societal impact. They deliver end-to-end research, combining quantitative and qualitative insight with deep sector expertise to explain what's happening, why it matters, and how to respond.
They are now looking for a Senior Research Manager to join their team:
KEY DUTIES
- Design mixed methods projects, including questionnaires, oversee specifications, analyse data, produce reports, and deliver creative, impactful client presentations effectively.
- Lead multiple projects with CATI fieldwork, applying advanced data techniques, weighting, sampling, and ensuring quality delivery.
- Supervise teams, review outputs, act as client contact, support training, and foster flexible, high-performing collaboration.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Experienced in project management, client management, and delegating tasks appropriately to ensure efficient team workflow.
- Demonstrated background working in the social and public sector, understanding sector-specific challenges and priorities effectively.
- Skilled in managing junior staff, providing guidance, support, and oversight to develop team performance consistently.
Senior Research Manager (Education) employer: Aspire
Aspire Leisure Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its team members. With a vibrant and inclusive work culture, employees enjoy comprehensive training opportunities, including support for obtaining qualifications like the Level 2 Swimming Teacher course, alongside competitive salaries and benefits such as free membership and enhanced parental pay. Join us to make a meaningful impact while having fun in a supportive environment that values teamwork and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Manager (Education)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Aspire.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Aspire!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Aspire, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Aspire or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Manager (Education)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Aspire:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Aspire! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
