Senior Research Director
Senior Research Director

Senior Research Director

Full-Time 54000 - 126000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Harnham

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful research projects and shape client strategies across diverse sectors.
  • Company: Fast-growing, entrepreneurial research and analytics consultancy in London.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, hybrid work model, and leadership opportunities.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor the next generation of researchers.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing senior decision-makers with your insights.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in custom research with expertise in qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 126000 £ per year.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Director to lead the delivery of high-impact research and insight programmes for a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple sectors. This is a senior leadership role within a fast-growing, entrepreneurial research and analytics consultancy, offering the opportunity to shape client strategy, drive business development and lead complex research engagements. The role combines deep methodological expertise with strong client partnership, strategic thinking and commercial acumen, working closely with both local and international teams.

THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead end-to-end delivery of custom research projects, from design and methodology through to analysis and final recommendations.
  • Design and execute a range of qualitative methodologies including focus groups, in-depth interviews, online research and ethnographic studies.
  • Develop and oversee quantitative research programmes, including surveys and research clinics.
  • Translate complex datasets into clear, compelling insights and strategic recommendations for senior stakeholders.
  • Act as a senior client partner, building strong relationships and serving as the primary point of contact on key accounts.
  • Drive business development activity, including identifying opportunities, proposal development and pitching research solutions.
  • Collaborate effectively with global teams across multiple time zones to ensure seamless project delivery.
  • Provide leadership, mentoring and guidance to junior and mid-level team members.

YOUR SKILLS:

  • Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in custom research, market analytics or insight consulting.
  • Strong expertise across qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
  • Deep sector knowledge, ideally including experience within the automotive category alongside broader consumer or brand research.
  • Proven ability to deliver insight-led storytelling that influences senior decision-makers.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with experience presenting to executive audiences.
  • Strong commercial mindset with experience supporting or leading business development initiatives.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Comfortable working with global teams and adapting to different cultural and market contexts.
  • Experience with data visualisation tools, research automation or innovation within research workflows is an advantage.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply by sending your CV to Joe by the link below.

Senior Research Director employer: Harnham

As a Senior Research Director at our dynamic and entrepreneurial consultancy in London, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and strategic thinking. We offer competitive salaries, hybrid working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to lead impactful research projects while mentoring the next generation of talent. Join us to shape client strategies and drive meaningful insights in a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters creativity.
Harnham

Contact Detail:

Harnham Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Research Director

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Research Director role. Personal recommendations can make all the difference, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their needs and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you showcase your strategic thinking and client partnership skills during the conversation.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling! As a Senior Research Director, you'll need to translate complex data into compelling insights. Use mock interviews to refine your ability to present findings clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.

✨Tip Number 4

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

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Director

Custom Research
Qualitative Research Methodologies
Quantitative Research Methodologies
Data Analysis
Insight-led Storytelling
Communication Skills
Presentation Skills
Business Development
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Mentoring and Leadership
Data Visualisation Tools
Research Automation
Cultural Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Director role. Highlight your extensive experience in custom research and any specific methodologies you've mastered. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how your insights have influenced decision-making. This will help us understand your ability to drive business development and client strategy.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing personality and enthusiasm, so let that come through!

Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest 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 at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Harnham

✨Know Your Research Methodologies

Make sure you brush up on both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with focus groups, surveys, and data analysis. This will show that you have the deep methodological expertise they’re looking for.

✨Showcase Your Client Partnership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've built strong relationships with clients in the past. Highlight your ability to act as a senior client partner and how you've influenced decision-making through insight-led storytelling. This is crucial for a role that involves significant client interaction.

✨Demonstrate Your Business Development Acumen

Think about times when you've identified new opportunities or developed proposals that led to successful pitches. Being able to articulate your commercial mindset and how you've contributed to business growth will set you apart from other candidates.

✨Be Ready for Global Collaboration

Since this role involves working with international teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing projects across different time zones and cultures. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with global teams to ensure seamless project delivery.

Senior Research Director
Harnham

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