At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in research operations, modernising processes and embedding new technology.
- Company: Savanta, a leading data and market research company with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, unlimited leave, hybrid working, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research operations and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in research operations and change management, with strong stakeholder skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Business Transformation Lead to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility to extend. This is a high-impact opportunity to shape how our research operations and delivery teams work, helping us modernise processes, embed new technology and create a more scalable, efficient way of delivering great work for clients.
About Us: Savanta is a leading data, market research and advisory company helping the world's leading brands make better decisions, faster. With over 500 people across offices in multiple countries, we combine deep research expertise, proprietary technology and high-impact consulting to give our clients a complete view of their markets, their customers and their competitors.
About the Role: This role will sit at the intersection of Product & Technology and our Delivery and Operations teams, acting as the link between strategy and execution. It is a brilliant role for someone who enjoys solving operational challenges, leading change, improving ways of working and helping teams adopt new tools and processes that make a real difference. Reporting to the Chief Delivery Officer, this position will also work closely with Chief Product Officer, Product Managers, Head of Engineering, Head of Client Services and Chief Financial Officer.
What you'll do:
- Lead the transformation roadmap across research operations and delivery, identifying where processes, systems and ways of working need to improve.
- Partner closely with Product & Technology to ensure new tools are practical, embedded well and adopted successfully by teams.
- Drive greater standardisation, efficiency, data quality and consistency across operational workflows.
- Lead change management activity, including stakeholder engagement, communications, training and adoption support.
- Use data, insight and frontline feedback to prioritise improvements and measure impact.
About You: This role will suit someone who is naturally collaborative, credible and pragmatic. Someone who enjoys improving how things work, can balance strategic thinking with operational detail, and is comfortable leading change in a fast-moving environment. You will be motivated by the chance to shape the future of research operations, influence how technology is used across the business and leave a lasting impact through smarter, more effective ways of working.
You will be a strong fit for this role if you bring:
- Significant experience in research operations, delivery management or a similar role within a market research, data or insights business.
- A proven track record in transformation, process improvement or change management, ideally in a complex, cross-functional environment.
- A strong understanding of the end-to-end research delivery lifecycle and the operational challenges that come with it.
- Experience helping teams adopt new systems, tools or technology and embedding them into day-to-day working practices.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence at all levels and bring people with you.
- A structured, analytical approach, with the ability to spot inefficiencies, prioritise opportunities and measure impact.
In return, Savanta offers:
- Base Salary Range: £90,000 - £100,000
- Unlimited annual leave
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working practices
- Ongoing Training & Development
- Health & Wellbeing package
- Financial Health (pension, life assurance, etc.)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Team & Company Socials
- Committees for Health & Well Being, Charities & Volunteering and DE&I
Why Join Us: Part of the vibrant Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture that actively recognises and values its people and offers unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring, coaching as well as extensive training programs. The company was founded on the belief that tech should be integral to its success, and this culture of tech innovation makes us best placed to put Savanta at the heart of our clients’ businesses offering solutions before they even know the problem.
Savanta is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset - we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds. All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship.
We encourage authentic responses to demonstrate your experience and approach, rather than relying on Generative AI tools to write your cover letter or any questions in the application process. We may use AI Decoders as part of the review process and if answers match to a high extent that may be factored into the review.
Business Transformation Lead | Market Research Operations | London, UK employer: Savanta
Savanta is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive culture that prioritises employee development through extensive training and mentoring opportunities. With a commitment to innovation and a flexible working environment in the heart of London, employees enjoy unlimited annual leave and a comprehensive health and wellbeing package, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in market research operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Transformation Lead | Market Research Operations | London, UK
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Savanta. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Savanta.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Savanta.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Transformation Lead | Market Research Operations | London, UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Savanta and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Savanta
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Savanta will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Savanta.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Savanta.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Savanta. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
