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) 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)
✨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 folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your skills in qualitative research. We recommend including case studies of projects you've led, as this will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table. Make sure to keep it updated!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their values and projects. We suggest practising common interview questions and coming up with examples from your experience that demonstrate your leadership and analytical skills. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Directly Through Us
Don’t forget to check out our website for open positions! Applying directly through us not only shows your interest but also gives you a better chance of being noticed. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who embody our values.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director (Qualitative)
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, so don’t hold back on those details!
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Your written outputs should reflect both rigour and narrative flair. We love a good story, so weave in your analytical insights with engaging language that showcases your personality and approach to research.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Research Director role. Use the job description as a guide to align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for, showing us why you’re the perfect fit!
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 out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Basis Global
✨Know Your Methodologies Inside Out
As a Research Director, you'll need to demonstrate your mastery of qualitative methodologies. Brush up on IDIs, focus groups, and ethnography. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these techniques in past projects and the impact they had on client outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing and developing teams, so highlight your experience in mentoring junior researchers. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted team growth and retention, and how you set quality standards on projects.
✨Prepare for Client Conversations
Since you'll own senior client relationships, practice articulating how you've anticipated client needs and shaped project directions. Think of instances where you've acted as a strategic partner rather than just a research lead, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Craft Compelling Written Outputs
Your ability to produce outstanding reports is crucial. Bring samples of your work that showcase your analytical skills combined with narrative flair. Be prepared to discuss your writing process and how you ensure minimal input from seniors while maintaining high standards.
