Research Manager - Political and Social

Research Manager - Political and Social

Full-Time 62000 - 62000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Harnham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful research projects from start to finish, turning data into compelling insights.
  • Company: Fast-growing research and tech scale-up at the forefront of data and behavioural science.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, 25 days' leave, and pension contributions.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with exposure to high-profile clients and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in political and social research while working with innovative tools.
  • Qualifications: 4 years' experience in quantitative research, strong survey design, and data analysis skills.

The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.

A fast-growing research and technology scale-up is looking for a Research Manager to join its expanding insights team. The business works at the intersection of data, technology, and behavioural science, delivering high-impact research for political, social, and commercial clients. This is a fully client-facing role where you will take ownership of projects end-to-end, acting as the main point of contact from initial brief through to final delivery. You'll be responsible for designing research, managing fieldwork, analysing data, and turning complex findings into clear, compelling insights.

Key responsibilities:

  • End-to-end ownership of quantitative research projects
  • Designing questionnaires and analysis specifications
  • Managing fieldwork and overseeing data quality
  • Producing insight-led reports and presentations
  • Leading client communications and relationship management
  • Supporting proposals and business development activity
  • Contributing to process improvement and mentoring junior team members

Project work includes political polling, social research for NGOs and think tanks, and commercial insight studies across a wide range of sectors. There is also increasing use of AI-enabled tools and innovative methodologies in research delivery.

What we're looking for:

  • ~4 years' experience in social or political quantitative research
  • Strong experience in survey design, data analysis, and interpretation
  • Experience with political polling highly desirable
  • Confident client-facing and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong organisational ability across multiple projects
  • Experience producing data visualisations and insight outputs
  • R or Python experience beneficial but not essential
  • Interest in AI applications within research

The role offers full ownership of projects, exposure to high-profile clients, and the opportunity to work in a modern, tech-enabled research environment within a growing team. Benefits include private healthcare, 25 days' annual leave, and pension contribution. Hybrid working: 4 days per week in the London office.

Research Manager - Political and Social employer: Harnham

Join a dynamic and innovative research and technology scale-up in London, where you'll thrive in a collaborative work culture that values creativity and professional growth. With competitive benefits including private healthcare and generous annual leave, this role offers you the chance to lead impactful projects for high-profile clients while utilising cutting-edge AI tools in a supportive environment that encourages mentorship and development.

Harnham

Contact Details:

Harnham Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Manager - Political and Social

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and showcasing your experience in quantitative research. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've turned complex data into actionable insights.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you’ve got examples of your work, whether it’s reports, presentations, or data visualisations, bring them along to interviews. It’ll help you stand out from the crowd.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager - Political and Social

Quantitative Research
Survey Design
Data Analysis
Data Interpretation
Political Polling
Client-Facing Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Research Manager. Highlight your experience in quantitative research, survey design, and any client-facing roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about political and social research. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage projects and deliver insights.

Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to mention any tools or programming languages you’re familiar with, like R or Python. Even if you’re not an expert, showing your willingness to learn can go a long way with us!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham

Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and methodologies in political and social research. Brush up on your knowledge of quantitative research techniques, especially survey design and data analysis, as these will be key topics during your interview.

Showcase Your Client Management Skills

Since this role is client-facing, prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing client relationships. Think about times when you’ve successfully communicated complex findings or navigated challenging stakeholder interactions.

Prepare Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to AI in research or their recent projects. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.

Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills

With multiple projects on the go, it’s crucial to show how you manage your time and priorities. Be ready to discuss specific tools or methods you use to stay organised and ensure high-quality outcomes in your research projects.