Director, Research and Insights

Director, Research and Insights

Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead research on payments and fintech trends, creating impactful reports and presentations.
  • Company: Join Mastercard, a global leader in digital payments and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on clarity and impactful insights.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of payments while influencing strategy and thought leadership.
  • Qualifications: Exceptional writing skills and knowledge of banking and fintech required.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Our Purpose Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Overview You will play a central role in shaping how the organization understands and communicates innovation across payments, banking, and fintech. This is a senior, writing‑led role focused on translating complex research and emerging signals into clear, authoritative insights that inform strategy and reinforce thought leadership.

Role The role is responsible for leading research into key technology and payments trends and turning that work into high‑quality outputs, including published reports, executive briefings, and presentations for senior leaders. The Director will develop strong points of view, craft compelling narratives, and ensure insights are clear, relevant, and decision‑ready, while working closely with subject‑matter experts and communications partners.

All About You / Experience You are an exceptional writer and communicator with knowledge of payments, banking, and fintech innovation. You have experience producing long‑form thought leadership and executive‑level content, strong editorial judgement, and the ability to distil ambiguity into clear perspectives. You are comfortable engaging senior leaders, shaping insights collaboratively, and maintaining high standards of clarity, accuracy, and impact.

Corporate Security Responsibility All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks come with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must:

  • Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices;
  • Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed;
  • Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and
  • Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

Director, Research and Insights employer: Mastercard

Mastercard is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering employees to drive meaningful change in the payments and fintech landscape. With a commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from extensive development opportunities and a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in a dynamic industry, Mastercard offers the unique advantage of being at the forefront of technological advancements, making it an exciting place for those looking to make a significant impact.

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Contact Details:

Mastercard Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Director, Research and Insights

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those already at Mastercard. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your writing skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that showcases your ability to translate complex ideas into clear insights. This is key for a role focused on communication.

Tip Number 3

Be ready for interviews by brushing up on current trends in payments and fintech. You want to impress with your knowledge and insights, so stay updated and have your own opinions ready!

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 serious about joining the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Director, Research and Insights

Exceptional Writing Skills
Communication Skills
Knowledge of Payments
Knowledge of Banking
Knowledge of Fintech Innovation
Editorial Judgement
Ability to Distil Ambiguity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills:As a Director of Research and Insights, your writing is key! Make sure your application showcases your ability to craft clear and compelling narratives. Use examples from your past work to highlight your exceptional writing and communication skills.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Highlight your experience in payments, banking, and fintech innovation, and how it aligns with Mastercard's mission.

Be Insightful:Remember, this role is all about translating complex research into actionable insights. In your application, demonstrate your ability to distil ambiguity into clear perspectives. Share any relevant projects where you’ve done this successfully.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mastercard

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends in payments, banking, and fintech. Brush up on recent innovations and be ready to discuss how they impact the industry. This will show that you’re not just a great writer but also a knowledgeable leader in the field.

Craft Your Narrative

Prepare to articulate your vision clearly. Think about how you can translate complex research into compelling narratives. Practice summarising your past experiences and insights in a way that highlights your ability to shape strategy and thought leadership.

Engage with Confidence

You’ll likely be interacting with senior leaders, so practice your communication skills. Be confident in sharing your insights and don’t shy away from asking questions. This shows you’re collaborative and eager to engage with others in the organisation.

Showcase Your Writing Skills

Since this role is writing-led, bring samples of your long-form content or reports to the interview. Be prepared to discuss your editorial process and how you ensure clarity and impact in your writing. This will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.