At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead healthcare market research projects and manage client relationships.
- Company: Join a leading global advisory partner in health and life sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, private health insurance, and more.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant team culture and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in market research, especially in healthcare, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Inizio Ignite is the global advisory partner for health and life sciences, encompassing connected expertise across Research Partnership, Putnam, Vynamic, and STEM. Guided by purpose, passion, and precision, we collaborate with clients to ignite impact, accelerate performance, and deliver lasting change for patients. By uniting strategy, insights, and innovation with a unique depth and breadth of expertise, we drive transformation and shape the future of health.
Our Research Partnership healthcare market research team provides research and insights to inform and power healthcare decisions. Serving a variety of clients across the lifecycle, our expertise includes data, research & insights (proprietary syndicated and custom research) and brand tracking (ATU). Proudly part of Inizio – the market‑leading commercialization partner for health and life sciences.
About the team: Our Europe Custom Research team partners with global pharmaceutical and biotech clients to enable them to solve marketing, brand, advertising and communications problems through a mixture of innovative qualitative and quantitative market research techniques. The team is not split into silos by client or therapy area, so you will be empowered to develop broad expertise across the healthcare landscape and will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of expert senior researchers and gain exposure to the full suite of research tools and techniques covered by the team.
About the Opportunity: We are hiring this Associate Director position as an initial 12‑month fixed‑term contract as maternity cover, to be appointed in April 2026. The role will sit embedded within a team, reporting into the Team Director and with client and line management responsibilities. There may be the opportunity for the position to become a permanent role in the future if there is a good mutual fit and business need for a permanent hire.
Your primary role:
- Oversee projects and project teams, be the main point of contact with the client, and write and give client presentations.
- Support the Team Director to manage the team, conducting appraisals, pay reviews, monitoring performance, personal development, training staff, recruitment and developing and implementing internal company procedures.
- Take first steps in formal business development, writing proposals to win new business, considering timescales and calculating the research cost alongside Directors and Project Managers.
- Involve in talent acquisition and assessing potential new staff.
About You… Your skills and experience:
- At least 7 years of experience in market research, including within the healthcare industry.
- Experience in leading projects and client management.
- A desire to progress your business development skills, with the ultimate aim of generating your own clients.
Ideal profile:
- Proactive, dedicated and enthusiastic, with a ‘can do’ attitude and approach.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with strengths in organisation and prioritisation.
- Collaborative team player who works well with colleagues.
- Effective communicator, conveying ideas and issues straightforwardly.
- Highly motivated and keen to seize opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.
Life at Research Partnership: We love what we do and continuously strive for innovation and creativity. We believe everyone should continuously be learning and provide:
- A comprehensive training and development programme for all staff, from entry level apprentice to senior management.
- A relaxed and friendly working environment.
- Social events – including a summer day out and end‑of‑year party, along with regular social events after office hours.
- Fundraising and charity events – we support Forever Angels, a children’s charity whose aim is to care for abandoned babies in Tanzania, Africa, as well as the local charity, Fulham Good Neighbours.
Benefits package:
- Company pension contributions of 5% available from your first day (salary sacrifice).
- Increasing holiday entitlement for each year’s service, up to 30 days.
- Additional birthday day off.
- Private health insurance.
- Life Assurance plan.
- Group Income Protection.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption Leave.
Further information: This is a full‑time role, working in a hybrid pattern (2 days per week in the office) at our fantastic HQ location in Holborn. This role is also available on a remote worker basis (1 day per month in the office).
Our Pledge: At Research Partnership, we value inclusivity, recognise the power of diversity, and inspire the next generation of change‑makers. We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe in creating a work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to recruit from a diverse slate of candidates and foster an environment that provides the right conditions for long‑term success. We welcome all applications regardless of race, colour, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, military veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation and physical or mental disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.
Associate Director (Maternity Cover Contract) in London employer: Research Partnership
Research Partnership offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London, where innovation meets healthcare market research. Employees benefit from a culture that values collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects that leverage emerging technologies like AI. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director (Maternity Cover Contract) in London
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Research Partnership.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Research Partnership.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Research Partnership, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director (Maternity Cover Contract) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Research Partnership.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Research Partnership.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Research Partnership. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Research Partnership. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Research Partnership
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Research Partnership’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
