At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative qualitative research projects and shape strategic decisions for clients.
- Company: Join Basis Global, a dynamic agency known for its collaborative and creative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £60,000+, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team that values quality and innovation.
- 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.
About the Role
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 Slough 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 alongside your own. With a commitment to quality and innovation, our team thrives in an environment that values creativity and strategic thinking, making it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful contributions in the heart of a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director (Qualitative) in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opening that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their values and needs. Remember, it’s all about showing them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role. And hey, check out our website for more opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director (Qualitative) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience: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:When writing your application, think of it as telling a story. We love a good narrative that combines analytical rigour with flair. Make your written outputs shine and reflect your unique voice!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to fit the Research Director role. Show us how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our team culture. We appreciate authenticity!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Basis Global
✨Know Your Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your qualitative research methodologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with IDIs, focus groups, and ethnography in detail. Prepare examples of how you've applied these techniques in past projects to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Research Director, you'll be leading teams and managing client relationships. Think of specific instances where you've successfully developed junior team members or navigated complex client dynamics. Highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and foster a positive team environment.
✨Prepare for Client Conversations
Anticipate questions about how you would handle senior client relationships. Be ready to discuss how you’ve shaped strategic decisions for clients in the past and how you can bring value beyond just research. This is your chance to demonstrate your commercial acumen and understanding of client needs.
✨Craft Your Narrative
Since crafting compelling written outputs is key, prepare to discuss your approach to structuring reports and delivering insights. Bring examples of your work that combine analytical rigour with narrative flair. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver high-quality outputs independently.
