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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering impactful market research for public sector clients.
- Company: Savanta, a tech-driven market research and advisory firm with a global presence.
- Benefits: Unlimited annual leave, ongoing training, and vibrant company culture.
- Why this job: Shape strategies for high-profile clients while driving innovation in research methodologies.
- Qualifications: Strong expertise in research methodologies and analytics, especially in education and charity sectors.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career development opportunities and a focus on tech innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Savanta is seeking a Senior Director to join our Public team, playing a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering outstanding client service, and building a high‑performing team. Savanta is a data, market research and advisory company with teams in the UK, Americas, and APAC. Working with high-profile organizations and some of the world’s best-known brands, we Inform & Inspire our clients to Make Better Decisions through powerful data, empowering technology and high-impact consulting. Savanta is on a bold journey transforming from a traditional market research firm into a tech-first, insights-driven leader.
About the Role
The Public Team’s clients include government, public bodies, charities, higher education institutions, think tanks, and political parties - and our research is often in the public eye. As Senior Director, you will:
- Be a senior leader within the Public team, supporting key targets and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Drive revenue growth, manage client accounts, and ensure the highest standards in project delivery.
- Mentor mid-junior team members, championing efficiency, innovation, and profitability.
- Lead the design and delivery of quantitative and qualitative research projects using diverse methods.
- Advise clients on strategy, ensuring insights are actionable and commercially relevant.
- Champion digital and tech-enabled approaches, mentoring the team to uphold best practices.
About You
As well as a strong expertise in the application of research methodologies, success in this role will require solid analytical skills and a strong knowledge of the education and charity sectors. To fulfil the delivering of high-quality end-to-end primary research projects while being a trusted advisor to clients, the ideal candidate should also have solid expertise in a research capacity and demonstrate a track record of:
- Strong experience in research methodologies and analytics (quant & qual).
- Deep knowledge of the charity and education sectors, including work with education providers.
- Commercial mindset with a track record of developing proposals and innovative solutions to client briefs.
- Ability to design research materials and approaches tailored to diverse client needs.
- Identify new opportunities and revenue streams, leveraging technology for sustainable partnerships.
- Excellent client relationship management, able to articulate and present insights clearly.
- Experience mentoring and developing junior colleagues.
- Confidence to challenge established practices and champion technology adoption.
- Natural curiosity and appetite for continuous learning, strong organisational skills; experience mentoring juniors.
Experience with AI-driven research or tools is beneficial but not essential. You will thrive in working in a fast-paced environment, being able to work autonomously whilst also providing support and leadership for others in the team.
And in return, Savanta offers:
- Unlimited annual leave
- Ongoing Training & Development
- Team & Company Socials
- Committees for Health & Well Being, Charities & Volunteering and DE&I
Why Join Us
With offices in the US, Canada, India and the UK, over 500 staff globally, and ambitious growth plans, Savanta offers the benefits of scale, whilst our specialists with their deep expertise and nimble teams, make life at Savanta feel more like working at a ‘boutique’ agency. Our client portfolio includes some of the world’s most recognisable and valuable brands such as Google, Meta, Pandora, Vodafone, Samsung, Heineken, LEGO, Aston Martin, Unilever, and the Cabinet Office. 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.
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. Savanta is an Equal Opportunity 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 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.
Senior Director | Market Research | Public Division employer: Savanta
Contact Detail:
Savanta Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director | Market Research | Public Division
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Savanta or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Savanta's recent projects and their approach to tech-driven insights. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for innovation and how you can contribute to our journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in research methodologies and how they relate to the charity and education sectors. We want to hear how you can drive revenue growth and mentor our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director | Market Research | Public Division
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through. We want to see your personality and how you approach challenges, so avoid using generic phrases or relying too much on AI tools.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your cover letter and CV for the Senior Director role. Highlight your experience in market research, especially in the public sector, and show us how your skills align with our mission at Savanta.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to hear about your successes! Share specific examples of how you've driven revenue growth or improved project delivery in your previous roles.
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging: While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Savanta
✨Know Your Research Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Savanta is looking for someone who can design tailored research approaches, so be ready to discuss your experience and how you've applied these methods in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Sector Knowledge
Demonstrate your deep understanding of the charity and education sectors. Be prepared to share specific examples of how your insights have helped clients in these areas make better decisions. This will show that you’re not just a researcher but a trusted advisor.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Director, you'll need to mentor mid-junior team members. Share your experiences in leading teams, fostering a culture of excellence, and driving revenue growth. Discuss how you’ve championed efficiency and innovation in past roles.
✨Embrace Technology and Innovation
Savanta is transforming into a tech-first company, so be ready to talk about your experience with digital tools and AI-driven research. Highlight any innovative solutions you've developed and how you've leveraged technology to enhance client relationships and project delivery.
