Managing Director - Research & Evaluation (Northern Ireland) in Belfast

The Ipsos Northern Ireland team is a core part of our highly respected Public Affairs service line and stands as one of the most innovative and fast‑moving professional services operations in Northern Ireland. The team works with prestigious clients, including Northern Ireland Executive departments and financial organisations. We respond directly to the needs of government, helping to design, deliver, and evaluate vital public policies in areas such as Energy, Education, Early Years, and Housing.

We are recruiting for a commercially minded, visionary business leader at Managing Director level with a track record in delivering large-scale quantitative and qualitative social research and/or evaluation projects.

This is an exceptional and exciting opportunity for an aspiring, visionary leader to take the lead of our Northern Ireland office. You will be the driving force behind our continued success in Northern Ireland, responsible for delivering and overseeing cutting‑edge social research and evaluation projects. Autonomy – you will be empowered to lead, innovate, and grow the business. As Managing Director your role will be pivotal in implementing strategy, achieving ambitious targets, and shaping the future of Ipsos in Northern Ireland. You will have full accountability for the financial performance of the team and the quality of its work, making a tangible impact on both our business and society.

Opportunity to work with an impressive client base – Northern Ireland Executive departments, financial organisations, academics and other NI public and voluntary sector organisations.

The Role

As a business leader, you will develop an excellent understanding of our clients' needs to drive business growth and forge lasting partnerships. You will lead on proposals and revenue generation, championing the Ipsos brand and representing the company in a senior capacity within the Northern Ireland market. As a senior director, you will direct the entire project lifecycle, from inception and questionnaire design to analysis and reporting, overseeing the quality and delivery of all projects.

About you

We are looking for a research and/or evaluation specialist, with experience in business development and managing client accounts. We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with localised knowledge and experience of project delivery in Northern Ireland itself. A broad and insightful understanding of the research and evaluation industry and its specific market in Northern Ireland. Demonstrable success in business development and experience managing a successful business area, including financial aspects. Experience in large-scale quantitative and qualitative social research and/or evaluation. Exceptional communication, client handling, and negotiation skills, with experience working with clients at all levels. Strong leadership qualities with proven enthusiasm for developing high-performing, motivated teams. A well‑known and respected figure in your sector with strong networks and high external profile.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you as an individual. Our standard benefits include 25 days annual leave, pension contribution, income protection, and life assurance. In addition, there are a range of health & wellbeing, financial benefits and professional development opportunities. We realise you may have commitments outside of work and will consider flexible working applications – please highlight what you are looking for when you make your application. We have a hybrid approach to work and ask people to be in the office or with clients for 3 days per week.

We are committed to equality, treating people fairly, promoting a positive and inclusive working environment and ensuring we have diversity of people and views. We recognise that this is important for our business success – a more diverse workforce will enable us to better reflect and understand the world we research and ultimately deliver better research and insight to our clients. We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme, certified as Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Your application will be reviewed by someone from our Talent Team who will be in touch either way to let you know the outcome.

Ready to have an impact? Apply now!