Research Director in London

Research Director in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 88000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Boston Consulting Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful research projects and collaborate with global thought leaders.
  • Company: Join Boston Consulting Group, a pioneer in business strategy since 1963.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on CEO challenges and drive strategic insights.
  • Qualifications: Advanced degree preferred and 10+ years in business research or consulting.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.

Who We Are

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformation - inspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact. To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting along with technology and design, corporate and digital ventures - and business purpose. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, generating results that allow our clients to thrive.

What You'll Do

BCG seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Research Director to join its global editorial team. The Research Director will be instrumental in initiating and leading original research projects that primarily support the firm’s global marketing campaigns focused on CEO challenges, AI, and other topics of importance to business leaders.

As Research Director, you will play a number of critical roles:

  • Conceptualize, design, and execute impactful research projects that are aligned with BCG’s strategic content aims regarding priority topics.
  • Lead research projects, coordinate resources, and oversee project life cycles from inception to publication.
  • Collaborate closely with BCG’s global thought leaders, the BCG Institute, external experts, and senior executives across the Marketing & Communications function to ensure research relevance and impact.
  • Partner in producing insightful, evidence-based reports, articles, and multimedia content that resonate with executive audiences globally.
  • Contribute to building BCG’s authority and thought leadership in critical business and management topics.

Strong communication and teaming skills are critical. The Research Director will cultivate relationships across priority-topic campaigns, marketing functions, and the business, acting as an adviser, influencer, and problem solver. This role demands a strategic communicator who excels at distilling complex concepts into clear messages that advance BCG’s global campaign narratives. Sharp editorial sensibilities are also essential. The Research Director will collaborate with others to distill insights from surveys and other research tools and to turn those insights into narratives that BCG’s most important audiences need to hear. Deep familiarity with data visualization and in bringing stories to life through data are also important.

The Research Director’s organizational home is the BCG Content Studio, a part of BCG’s Marketing & Communications organization.

YOU’RE GOOD AT

  • Partnering in driving BCG’s positioning as a leading voice in strategic business topics related to CEO challenges, AI, and cost management.
  • Identifying strategic research opportunities that are aligned with top-priority global marketing initiatives.
  • Leading end-to-end management of research projects, ensuring timely execution and delivery of high-quality insights.
  • Designing and coordinating cross-functional research projects, providing guidance and mentorship throughout the research process.
  • Building relationships with internal stakeholders across functions and at all organizational levels and with external research partners, industry experts, and academics.
  • Communicating clearly and effectively, with a focus on engaging with internal stakeholders (including senior leadership and practice area experts) to align research objectives.
  • Ensuring rigorous, high-quality content output through comprehensive analysis and strategic insight.
  • Collaborating with editorial teams to translate complex research findings into compelling, actionable content suitable for CEO and executive audiences.

What You'll Bring

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) preferred in a related field, with demonstrated high academic achievement.
  • Minimum 10 years of work experience in business research, editorial, or strategic consulting environments.
  • Proven track record in conducting and publishing influential business research.
  • Deep understanding of business strategy and executive leadership.
  • Exceptional research, analytical, and storytelling skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary research projects.
  • Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to see the broader impact of research findings.
  • Mastery of contemporary digital research and publishing tools.
  • Deep familiarity with data visualization techniques and formats.
  • AI fluency to enable efficiency across research and editorial processes.

Who You'll Work With

  • Content studio colleagues and leadership
  • Global campaign teams
  • Practice area marketers
  • BCG's global Marketing & Communications team

Boston Consulting Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under national, provincial, or local law, where applicable, and those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws. BCG is an E - Verify Employer.

Research Director in London employer: The Boston Consulting Group

Boston Consulting Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to tackle significant challenges in business and society. As a Research Director, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful research projects while working alongside global thought leaders, enhancing your professional growth in a dynamic environment that values diverse perspectives and strategic thinking. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on meaningful contributions, BCG offers a unique platform for those looking to make a difference in the world of business.

The Boston Consulting Group

Contact Details:

The Boston Consulting Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Director in London

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Research Director at The Boston Consulting Group!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like The Boston Consulting Group or be willing to refer you for that Research Director position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from The Boston Consulting Group who’s on the lookout for their next Research Director star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Research Director role at The Boston Consulting Group!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Director in London

Research Project Management
Strategic Communication
Analytical Skills
Storytelling Skills
Data Visualization
Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at The Boston Consulting Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Boston Consulting Group

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at The Boston Consulting Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!