At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects and provide strategic insights for top clients.
- Company: Join HarrisX, a fast-growing research and analytics consulting firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and access to a global network.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantitative research and strong client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About Us
This is your opportunity to take a leadership role at HarrisX, an exciting, fast-growing, entrepreneurial Research and Analytics Consulting firm that delivers cutting-edge insights on consumer behaviour for top corporate, nonprofit, media, and political clients globally. Part of the Stagwell family of companies (NASDAQ: STGW), HarrisX operates across the US, UK, Canada, and EMEA, combining rigorous methodology with strategic storytelling to shape decisions at the highest levels. We are scaling our London and European Custom Research practice and seeking a commercially astute, methodologically rigorous Associate Director to help lead it.
Overview
As an Associate Director of Quantitative Research at HarrisX, you will oversee the design, execution, and delivery of high-impact custom research projects for our clients. You will serve as a strategic advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring research excellence, methodological rigor, and actionable insights. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Research, you will manage multiple project teams, mentor Research Managers and Analysts, and lead client engagements from proposal through final delivery. You will also play a critical role in driving innovation in research design and analytical techniques, optimising workflows, and contributing to business development initiatives. This position is ideal for a seasoned quantitative researcher who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is motivated to shape and grow a leading research practice in the UK and EMEA region.
Responsibilities
- Client Leadership and Account Management
- Serve as the senior research advisor on key accounts, owning client relationships at the director and VP level.
- Translate complex business challenges into clear, appropriately scoped research programmes.
- Proactively identify opportunities to deepen and expand client relationships, supporting retention and organic revenue growth.
- Lead client presentations and insight delivery sessions, translating technical findings into strategic recommendations.
- Act as a point of escalation for client concerns, ensuring satisfaction and trust across engagements.
- Research Design and Execution
- Lead end-to-end design and delivery of complex custom quantitative studies, from proposal through final insight delivery.
- Oversee questionnaire design, sampling strategies, and analytical frameworks to ensure methodological rigor and actionable outputs.
- Direct advanced analysis techniques including segmentation, key driver analysis, regression, MaxDiff, conjoint, TURF, and predictive modelling.
- Supervise data quality control processes, ensuring deliverables meet the highest standards for accuracy, clarity, and strategic value.
- Evaluate and integrate AI-assisted research tools, synthetic data methodologies, and emerging analytical approaches to improve speed and quality of insight delivery.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR, MRS Code of Conduct, and relevant data privacy regulations across all research activities.
- Team Leadership and Development
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Research Managers and Associates, setting high standards for analytical rigor and professional growth.
- Provide structured training and coaching on quantitative methods, analytical storytelling, and executive-level client communication.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and actively support career progression for direct reports.
- Collaborate with global research peers to share best practices, ensure cross-market methodology consistency, and build a unified research culture.
- Business Development and Thought Leadership
- Contribute to proposals, pitches, and RFP responses, including research design, pricing inputs, and capability positioning.
- Represent HarrisX at client events, industry forums, and conferences as a subject-matter expert in quantitative research.
- Contribute to thought leadership content and white papers that strengthen HarrisX's profile in the UK and EMEA market.
- Partner with the Senior Director of Research and senior leadership to develop new service offerings and refine existing methodologies.
- Operations and Practice Development
- Oversee project budgeting and resource allocation across multiple concurrent engagements.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, reporting templates, and quality assurance processes.
- Monitor project profitability and flag risks to project delivery or margin early.
Benefits
- Take on a leadership role with real scope: you will help shape the practice, not just execute within it.
- Gain direct access to senior leadership and influence over how HarrisX's European research offering evolves.
- Join a collaborative, intellectually demanding environment where research quality is taken seriously.
- We offer competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Access to the broader Stagwell network and global research community.
Associate Research Director employer: Stagwell Global, LLC
Stagwell Global, LLC is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture, perfect for those passionate about influencer marketing. With a focus on employee growth, we offer ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to work alongside talented teams in a fast-paced environment. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides unique advantages such as access to industry events and networking opportunities, making it an ideal place for innovative thinkers to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Research Director
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Stagwell Global, LLC, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Stagwell Global, LLC. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Research Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Stagwell Global, LLC. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Stagwell Global, LLC. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stagwell Global, LLC
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Stagwell Global, LLC. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Stagwell Global, LLC to drive research projects forward.
