Research Manager - Employment, Welfare & Skills - Government & Society

Job Description

Research Manager – Employment, Welfare & Skills – Government & Society (Public Affairs)

Ipsos UK Public Affairs is a leading social research organization, and we are recruiting two roles in our Society cluster of teams. These teams conduct research into society’s most pressing challenges, focusing on the Employment, Welfare & Skills (EWS) team and the Government & Society (G&S) team.

What is in it for you?

• Work on studies that directly influence government decisions by designing, delivering and evaluating policies and communications.
• Make a rewarding impact across high‑profile government departments (HMRC, DWP, DfE, Cabinet Office, DCMS), regulators (FCA, FSA, Ofcom), universities and charities.
• Learn and grow in an environment with multiple expert colleagues.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the successful running of quantitative and qualitative research projects from inception to delivery, or manage strands of larger projects and evaluations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders.
• Build and manage effective client relationships.
• Draft invitation letters, interviewer instructions, recruitment materials and other project documentation.
• Lead the design of questionnaires and discussion guides to meet study objectives.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and collaborate with internal teams to ensure specifications are met.
• Monitor fieldwork and recruitment for both quantitative and qualitative studies.
• Moderate discussion groups and/or in‑depth interviews.
• Draft quantitative data specifications and verify data files.
• Develop qualitative analysis frameworks.
• Prepare reports and presentations that deliver actionable insights to clients.
• Provide guidance, support and coaching to junior team members.
• Track project financial progress and ensure deliverables meet budget targets.
• Suggest more efficient or effective research approaches.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and proactively develop client knowledge.
• Contribute to business development and proposals.
• Explore new research opportunities and integrate AI and innovative methods into the IPSOS offering.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable expertise in mixed‑methods projects from inception to delivery:
  • Quantitative research skills, including questionnaire development.
  • Qualitative research skills – capacity to develop discussion guides and contribute to analysis and reporting.
• Solid project‑management skills, including supplier coordination and timetable management.
• Highly organised with exemplary time‑management, able to prioritise tasks across multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
• Ability to produce high‑quality, insightful outputs, including reports and presentations.
• Experience writing, supporting or contributing to winning proposals and tenders to grow the business.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective team and client collaboration.
• A positive, can‑do attitude and enthusiasm for public‑affairs research.
• Ability to work well in teams – flexibility and willingness to support colleagues.
• Adaptable and confident to experiment with new methods in a supportive environment.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• Pension contribution
• Income protection and life assurance
• Health & wellbeing, financial benefits and professional development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements with a hybrid approach – office or client visits 3 days per week

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to equality and diversity, treating all people fairly and promoting an inclusive environment. We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and strive to provide an accessible recruitment process. Diversity of people and views enhances our research, drives better insights and supports business success.