At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting research projects and deliver impactful insights for clients.
- Company: Join The Harris Poll UK, a leader in consumer understanding and market research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible working, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a dog-friendly office with great growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating data into compelling stories that drive decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in market research and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Us
At The Harris Poll UK, we exist to understand consumer needs in a demanding world. We help organisations stay closer to the people they serve through research that combines hard data with human truths. Our work spans customer experience, reputation, thought leadership, innovation and brand strategy, helping clients make smarter decisions in a world where consumer expectations are constantly evolving.
Overview
Research Managers play a central role in the successful delivery of client programmes and projects across the business. They are responsible for managing research from end to end, building strong client relationships, leading project teams and ensuring outputs deliver meaningful commercial value. This role requires someone who combines strong research expertise with commercial awareness, excellent organisational skills and the ability to translate data into compelling, actionable insight. Research Managers are expected to think strategically, operate proactively and contribute positively to both client growth and team development.
Responsibilities
- Project & Programme Leadership
- Manage and deliver quantitative and qualitative research projects through the full project lifecycle, from project kick-off through to final delivery.
- Lead project design, questionnaire development, discussion guides, fieldwork management, quality assurance and reporting.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high standard.
- Coordinate effectively across Client Advisory and Research Operations teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Proactively identify risks, challenges or opportunities throughout project delivery and take ownership of resolving them.
- Client Management
- Build strong day-to-day relationships with clients and become a trusted extension of their team.
- Lead client communications across projects and programmes, ensuring a responsive, organised and professional experience.
- Develop a strong understanding of clients’ commercial objectives, sectors and strategic challenges.
- Support senior colleagues and stakeholders in growing client relationships and identifying opportunities for additional value or future work.
- Escalate issues appropriately while demonstrating confidence and ownership in resolving day-to-day challenges independently.
- Insight & Storytelling
- Deliver clear, commercially relevant and strategically meaningful insight that goes beyond reporting data.
- Identify trends, tensions and implications within research findings and translate them into compelling narratives.
- Create high-quality reports, presentations and client-ready outputs that demonstrate strong storytelling and consultancy thinking.
- Contribute to thought leadership, proactive insight generation and wider business initiatives where relevant.
- Team Support & Development
- Support, mentor and guide junior team members across project delivery and day-to-day development.
- Delegate effectively and provide clear direction across project teams.
- Contribute to team resourcing discussions, workflow management and operational efficiencies.
- Help ensure established processes and quality standards are consistently followed across projects.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team environment.
Qualifications
- Previous experience within a market research, insight or consultancy environment.
- Strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong analytical thinking and confidence interpreting data and identifying meaningful insight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and storytelling capability.
- Comfortable managing client relationships and operating in a client-facing environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality delivery.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong commercial awareness.
- Experience supporting or mentoring junior team members is desirable.
- Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills preferred.
Benefits
- 30 days Annual Leave + 8 Bank Holidays
- Flexible hybrid working model, supporting a balance between office collaboration and remote working
- Private medical insurance, dental and cash plan
- Enhanced parental leave – Maternity/Adoption and Paternity leave
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (statutory employer contributions)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Discounts Platform
- Dog friendly office in Southampton
Compensation £40,000-£45,000
Research Manager employer: UNAVAILABLE
At The Harris Poll UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values both professional growth and a supportive work culture. Our Research Managers benefit from a flexible hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and comprehensive health benefits, all while working in a collaborative environment that encourages mentorship and innovation. Located in the vibrant city of Southampton, our dog-friendly office fosters a unique atmosphere where creativity thrives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Research Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. You’ll want to showcase your research expertise and how you’ve turned data into actionable insights. We suggest using the STAR method to structure your answers and keep them engaging!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows you’re keen and professional, which is exactly what clients look for in a Research Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find roles that match your skills. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application first-hand and understand how you can contribute to our team at The Harris Poll UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Research Skills:Make sure to highlight your experience in managing research projects. We want to see how you've led projects from start to finish, so share specific examples that showcase your expertise in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
Client Relationships Matter:Demonstrate your ability to build strong client relationships. Talk about how you've communicated effectively with clients and how you've understood their commercial objectives. This will show us that you can be a trusted extension of their team.
Tell a Compelling Story:When writing your application, focus on how you can translate data into actionable insights. We love candidates who can create narratives from research findings, so include examples of reports or presentations you've crafted that tell a story.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNAVAILABLE
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the research methodologies and projects you've worked on. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you managed projects from start to finish, highlighting your role in delivering insights that drove client decisions.
✨Build a Connection with the Interviewers
Establish rapport with your interviewers by showing genuine interest in their work and the company’s mission. Prepare thoughtful questions about their current projects or challenges they face, demonstrating that you’re not just there for a job, but to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Since the role requires translating data into compelling narratives, prepare to present a case study or example where you turned complex data into actionable insights. Use clear, engaging language to illustrate how your findings impacted client strategies.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership and Mentorship
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and mentoring junior members. Share specific instances where you guided a project team through challenges, ensuring high-quality delivery while fostering a collaborative environment.
