At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead customer research projects to help clients understand their audiences and market opportunities.
- Company: Collingwood, a unique advisory firm for B2B information and media businesses.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, enhanced pension, private medical insurance, and personal development investment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions with industry experts in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in B2B publishing with strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The opportunity
Do you know B2B publishing from the inside? Have you spent time close to the audience, whether through research, editorial, or marketing, and built strong instincts about what subscribers actually value? Collingwood is the only advisory firm purpose-built for B2B information, media, and events businesses. We help ambitious founders and leadership teams scale, create value, and exit well. We are looking for a Principal Adviser with a specialism in customer research to join our Advisory team.
The role
This is a generalist advisory role with a clear specialism. You will lead and deliver Insights projects: primary research programmes that help our clients understand their audiences, assess market opportunity, and make better decisions about their products and businesses. You will design surveys and interview guides, lead qualitative and quantitative research, and turn findings into sharp, actionable recommendations. You will also contribute to broader advisory work across content, marketing, sales, and value creation strategy.
The role is hands-on. You will work directly with founders and senior leadership teams, present findings, and facilitate difficult conversations. You will be a core part of the delivery team, collaborating with Client Directors and Advisers across multiple engagements at a time.
Essential
- At least 10 years in B2B publishing, either in customer or market research, or in a function with similar demands such as editorial or marketing
- Direct experience with subscription or paid content products: you understand what drives acquisition, retention, and churn
- Highly experienced in qualitative and/or quantitative market research
- Strong data analysis, report writing, and client communication skills
- Proven ability to deliver findings workshops and present recommendations to senior audiences
- Project management capability: able to run multiple Insights projects concurrently to schedule
- London-based, able to work from our Bloomsbury office 3+ days per week
Preferred
- Background in a research agency or in-house insights function
- Commercial awareness: able to identify growth opportunities within accounts and contribute to new business conversations
- Experience mentoring clients or teams on research methodology
Why Collingwood
Our team comes from the industry we serve. The work is real and fast-moving. You will be advising businesses on decisions that matter, with colleagues who understand the sector as well as you do.
We will train you in Collingwood's Advisory methodology, including our Insights approach. Your domain expertise is what we need. The rest we can teach.
What We Offer
- Hybrid working from our Bloomsbury office (3+ days per week)
- Enhanced pension contribution
- Private medical and group life insurance (4x salary)
- Enhanced family and medical leave
- Personal development investment
- Bike2Work scheme
- Regular team socials
Principal Adviser - Insights in London employer: Collingwood
Collingwood is an exceptional employer for those passionate about B2B publishing and insights, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Bloomsbury. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training in our Advisory methodology, alongside generous benefits such as enhanced pension contributions and private medical insurance. Our collaborative culture fosters meaningful engagement with industry leaders, ensuring that your expertise directly influences impactful business decisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Adviser - Insights in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Principal Adviser - Insights at Collingwood!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Collingwood or be willing to refer you for that Principal Adviser - Insights position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Collingwood who’s on the lookout for their next Principal Adviser - Insights star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Principal Adviser - Insights role at Collingwood!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Adviser - Insights in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Collingwood. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collingwood
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Collingwood. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
