At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful economic research and analysis for creative sectors.
- Company: Join BOP Consulting, a leader in cultural economics and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and flexible working.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the creative economy while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in research or consultancy with strong quantitative analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 30750 - 38950 £ per year.
Note for applicants: We are hiring two roles at this level with different focus areas. Read both descriptions carefully, then apply for the role that fits your skills and experience best.
At BOP we’re committed to building an inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re happy to accommodate your needs to help ensure a fair and accessible experience for every applicant. We actively encourage applications from people who can bring diverse perspectives to our work, especially those whose lived experiences are underrepresented in our sector.
Details
- Salary (commensurate with experience): £30,750 – £38,950 for Senior Researchers. There is structured scope for progression for each role.
- Contract type: Full time, Permanent
- Location: Manchester or London (Manchester preferred). Minimum two days per week in the office following probation, three days during probation.
- Travel: Regular UK and international travel.
- Reporting to: Chief Economist
- Annual leave: 25 days holiday (including 5 days during the Christmas closure period) plus bank holidays.
- Pension: 5% matched.
What we look for
Summary of required skills: Strong quantitative and economic analysis skills, comfortable with impact studies, Green Book business cases and evaluations, and proficient using Excel for modelling. Requires sharp critical reasoning and clear writing to translate complex analysis into well-structured reports for clients.
The role of a senior researcher at BOP
A senior researcher is responsible for conducting research and analysis and communicating it clearly in reports and slide decks. Every researcher works within multiple project teams and must coordinate and plan their own workload.
Illustrative day in the life of a senior researcher at BOP
- Conduct economic impact analysis on a major venue, festival or sector.
- Provide economic modelling as part of an evaluation of a creative sector intervention.
- Consult with stakeholders to understand the latest trends in the theatre sector.
- Draft a set of slides based on a survey of creative businesses, to show the key factors driving their business growth.
- Talk a client through early findings to help develop and refine our analysis.
As a senior researcher you will be expected to undertake a range of research and consultancy tasks across our portfolio of economics, research and evaluation work.
- Set up and run economic impact models.
- Provide punchy, insightful, and clear analysis, including the use of specialist software if relevant.
- Set up surveys and field work (e.g., building online surveys and arranging programmes of interviews).
- Undertake telephone and in-person interviews, focus groups and analysis.
- Report and presentation writing, including helping to shape a clear and coherent narrative.
Project manage smaller studies and parts of other studies, working closely with Project Directors, and maintaining high quality while keeping projects profitable. Client management, ensuring our clients are engaged in the consultancy process. Contribute to the tendering process (bidding and pitch preparation). Additional duties may include project administration, communications and marketing activities, or wider operational activities such as knowledge management and cross-company projects.
The role is primarily Monday to Friday during normal UK office hours, but flexibility is required to accommodate clients in different time zones or regions. A flexi-working policy is in place. Travel may be required as projects demand.
Key requirements
- 3+ years’ work experience in a consultancy business, research organization, or a BOP client area.
- High-level quantitative research and analysis skills, including economic analysis, proficiency in Excel for modelling, and exceptional critical reasoning.
- Experience in impact studies, economic analysis, HM Treasury Green Book business cases, evaluations, or market/audience research.
- Strong report-writing skills. Ability to write crisp business English, prepare well-formatted reports, and present sharp analysis quickly.
Skills and experience
- A relevant (post-)graduate level qualification, with an economics or related component.
- Experience with data analysis software.
Knowledge and expertise
Subject areas: Economic and social analysis and modelling (impact assessment, Green Book business cases, etc.), Market research, Existing datasets related to our work, e.g., government datasets. Languages: languages other than English are valuable but not essential (e.g., Arabic, Mandarin, or Spanish).
Personal attributes
- Passionate about personal growth.
- Detail-focused with a belief in rigour and excellence.
- Client-focused – engaged and responsive.
- Committed to progress and positive change in the sector.
- Well prepared, organised and efficient.
- Proactive and self-organising.
About BOP
BOP Consulting is a global research and consulting practice for culture and the creative economy. Our economics, research and evaluation practice is a market leader and, for 25 years, has delivered robust, rigorous analysis and research that measures, understands and evidences the impact of the sector. Our flagship reports include work for UNESCO, Edinburgh Festivals, DCMS, and many major cultural institutions. We are open to applicants in both our Manchester and London offices, but are primarily seeking candidates for our Manchester office, established in March 2026. This is a great opportunity to help BOP develop its presence in the city, supporting the Office Heads to deliver work across the UK and overseas from the Manchester base. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We want to make sure our workforce is diverse and representative of the communities we work with, and that our opportunities are open to all.
Applying for the role
If you have any questions or wish to organise a discussion about the role and working at BOP, please email. To apply, submit your survey response and short CV by 23:59 on Friday 7th August 2026.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher (Economics and Impact) in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at BOP Consulting, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like BOP Consulting. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher (Economics and Impact) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at BOP Consulting. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at BOP Consulting. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at BOP Consulting
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at BOP Consulting. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at BOP Consulting to drive research projects forward.