Research Manager

Research Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Legal 500

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to deliver high-quality research on the US legal market.
  • Company: Join Legal 500, a key player in legal market insights.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in management and project delivery, preferably in research or editorial roles.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Location: Leeds (central, near Leeds station)

Hybrid working – 3 days a week in the office, 2 days remote

Working hours: 11am–7pm (to align with US stakeholders)

About the role

The Research Manager role is central to Legal 500’s strategic growth, leading the delivery of high‑quality, lawyer‑led coverage of the US legal market. Based in our new Leeds office, you will manage a team of research analysts, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of editorial projects, and fostering a high‑performing, supportive team culture. This hands‑on leadership position combines people management, project oversight, and stakeholder engagement. You will work closely with the US Editor, Research Director, and commercial colleagues to identify priority markets, manage research cycles, maintain quality standards, and build relationships with partner‑level lawyers and business development teams in leading law firms. The role requires excellent organisational skills, a proactive and results‑driven mindset, and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

What we're looking for

  • Proven line management experience, including performance reviews and development planning
  • Track record of delivering project‑based work to deadlines
  • Experience in research‑led, editorial, or data‑informed environments
  • Comfortable operating independently in a deadline‑driven context
  • Background in market research, publishing, insight generation, or similar industries
  • Exposure to professional services, B2B environments, or legal markets (advantageous but not essential)
  • Experience liaising with commercial or client‑facing teams

From a competency perspective, we’re looking for someone who is:

  • An effective supervisor: sets clear goals, motivates the team, and delivers constructive feedback
  • A strong communicator: able to engage confidently with law firm partners, business development professionals, and internal stakeholders
  • Results‑oriented: able to keep projects on track and maintain team focus across competing deadlines
  • Organised and detail‑oriented: ensures all research output meets accuracy and consistency standards
  • A relationship builder: credible, approachable, and able to maintain strong professional relationships at all levels
  • Adaptable and resilient: thrives in a fast‑moving environment and responds positively to change
  • A culture contributor: fosters an inclusive, respectful, and high‑performing team culture

Research Manager employer: Legal 500

Legal 500 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Leeds with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Our culture prioritises collaboration and professional growth, providing employees with opportunities to lead impactful projects while fostering strong relationships within the legal community. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values innovation and excellence in delivering high-quality research.

Legal 500

Contact Details:

Legal 500 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal and research sectors, especially those who might know about opportunities at Legal 500. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren't even advertised.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their approach to the US legal market and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine when you get that interview!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and keep things on track, as this is key for the Research Manager role.

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, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Legal 500.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager

Line Management
Performance Reviews
Development Planning
Project Management
Research Skills
Editorial Skills
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Research Manager role. Highlight your line management experience and any project-based work you've delivered on time. We want to see how you can lead a team and manage deadlines!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your experience in research-led environments and how you’ve successfully managed teams. We love a good story, so make it engaging!

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, give examples of how you've effectively engaged with clients or partners in the past. We want to see that you can build relationships!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best 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 Legal 500

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s background and the specifics of the Research Manager role. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially those related to the US legal market. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to discuss your line management experience. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams, set clear goals, and provided constructive feedback. Highlighting your ability to foster a supportive team culture will resonate well with the interviewers.

Demonstrate Your Organisational Prowess

The job requires excellent organisational skills, so come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed competing deadlines in previous roles. Discuss specific strategies you’ve used to keep projects on track and ensure quality standards are met, especially in fast-paced environments.

Build Relationships

As a Research Manager, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Be ready to talk about your experience in building professional relationships, particularly with law firm partners or business development teams. Share anecdotes that illustrate your strong communication skills and your ability to engage confidently with different audiences.