At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative qualitative research projects and shape strategic decisions for clients.
- Company: Basis Global, a dynamic agency known for its quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding clients with your expertise and creativity.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in qualitative research with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
A Research Director at Basis Global is a senior craftsperson and trusted client lead. You run major qualitative projects from kick‑off to debrief, set the quality bar for the work that leaves your team, and partner with senior clients to shape their strategic decisions. You manage and develop Research Managers and more junior team members, contribute meaningfully to new business, and act as a cultural leader within the practice.
What You’ll Do
- Research Leadership
- Design and lead complex, multi‑method qualitative projects independently from kick‑off through to final debrief.
- Set the analytical and creative direction on projects — defining the story, the structure, and the recommendations that move clients to action.
- Craft outstanding written outputs that combine rigour with narrative flair, with no intervention from seniors.
- Moderate and facilitate senior‑stakeholder workshops and debriefs that consistently raise the bar.
- Bring deep methodological expertise across IDIs, focus groups, ethnography, online communities, and creative qual techniques.
- Client & Account Leadership
- Own senior client relationships at director level — trusted as a strategic partner, not just a research lead.
- Anticipate client needs, surface opportunities, and shape the direction of accounts beyond individual projects.
- Take full ownership of project costings, profitability, and resourcing decisions — protecting margin without compromising quality.
- Experienced in proposal writing and new business pitches, producing compelling, winning responses.
- Team Leadership
- Manage and develop Research Managers and more junior team members, with a measurable positive impact on their growth and retention.
- Set the quality standard on projects you oversee — providing sharp, generous feedback that pushes the team forward.
- Be a positive, energising presence — modelling Basis values for the team to follow.
- Help shape internal practice — sharing methodological innovations and contributing to ways of working.
- Business Contribution
- Partner with senior leadership on business development, identifying and converting growth opportunities within existing accounts.
- Contribute to Basis thought leadership and marketing — helping build our reputation in the market.
Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in qualitative research within an agency or consultancy, typically 6+ years.
- Mastery of qual methodologies — IDIs, focus groups, ethnography, online communities, and creative or projective techniques.
- Outstanding moderation, facilitation, and analytical skills, credible at the most senior client level.
- A track record of leading complex, multi‑strand qual projects independently and to an exceptional standard.
- Significant experience structuring, writing and delivering debrief reports, with minimal to no senior input.
- Experience in setting expectations, guiding and reviewing RE‑AD researchers work.
- Demonstrated experience managing senior client relationships and growing accounts beyond individual projects.
- Experience managing, developing, and getting the best out of a project team.
- Strong commercial acumen — comfortable owning costings, profitability, and resourcing decisions.
- Active contribution to business development: proposal writing, and pitching.
- A collaborative, ambitious mindset and a genuine care for the quality of the work that leaves your team.
What Makes You Basis Material
Research Directors are senior practitioners we trust to fly the flag for Basis quality. You will embody our values — bright, quick, warm, ambitious, creative, independent, and resourceful — and bring them to every project, every client interaction, and every team you lead.
Salary £60,000+
Research Director (Qualitative) in London employer: Basis Global
At Basis Global, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and collaborative work culture. As a Research Director, you will not only lead impactful qualitative projects but also have the opportunity to mentor and develop junior team members, ensuring their growth within a supportive environment. With a focus on innovation and quality, our team is dedicated to pushing boundaries while enjoying the benefits of a competitive salary and a commitment to professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director (Qualitative) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or clients on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and methodologies. Whether it’s case studies or project summaries, make sure it reflects your analytical and creative flair. This is your chance to shine and show what you can bring to the table!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in qualitative research. Practice common questions and think of examples that demonstrate your leadership and strategic thinking.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Basis Global.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director (Qualitative) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your significant experience in qualitative research. We want to see how you've led complex projects and the methodologies you've mastered. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills!
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Your written outputs should reflect both rigour and narrative flair. We love a good story! Make sure your application flows well and showcases your analytical skills while keeping it engaging for the reader.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to align with our values and the job description. Show us how you embody qualities like ambition, creativity, and resourcefulness in your work.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Basis Global
✨Know Your Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your qualitative research methodologies, especially IDIs, focus groups, and ethnography. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in past projects and how they can benefit the company.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've managed and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your feedback has positively impacted team performance and growth, as this will resonate with their focus on team leadership.
✨Be a Strategic Partner
Think about how you've built and maintained senior client relationships. Be prepared to share stories that demonstrate your ability to anticipate client needs and contribute to their strategic decisions, showcasing your role as a trusted partner.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Since the role involves producing outstanding written outputs, practice summarising complex information into clear, engaging narratives. Bring samples of your work to the interview to illustrate your writing skills and analytical prowess.
