Research and Insight Services Manager in Bristol

Research and Insight Services Manager in Bristol

Bristol Full-Time 37192 - 37192 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
University of Bristol Students' Union

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage research projects and turn student insights into impactful change.
  • Company: Bristol SU, dedicated to enhancing the student experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and professional training.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through impactful research.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing research projects and building stakeholder relationships.

The predicted salary is between 37192 - 37192 £ per year.

At Bristol SU, we turn student insight into real change, and we're looking for someone to help us do more of it. Bristol SU's Research and Insight Team delivers high-quality, credible research that helps us understand and improve the student experience at the University of Bristol. We have built a strong external reputation, a growing commission pipeline and real influence over how Bristol SU makes decisions. We are now looking for a Research and Insight Services Manager to take it further.

This is a delivery-focused role at the heart of a busy, high-performing team. You’ll be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of research projects from brief to output: ensuring work is delivered on time, to a high standard and with genuine impact. You’ll work across a varied portfolio, from internal insight projects that feed directly into SU strategy to externally commissioned work for university departments and organisations across the sector.

A key part of this role is income generation. You’ll actively develop relationships with potential clients, identify opportunities for commissioned work and play a central role in growing our external pipeline. You’ll be confident having conversations with prospective clients, scoping projects and translating research expertise into proposals that win work.

Visibility matters to us too. You’ll work with our Digital and Marketing teams to build the online presence of the Research and Insight Team, developing innovative ways to share and disseminate findings so that our work reaches and resonates with the right audiences. You’ll also play an active role in building data literacy across the SU, supporting teams to understand and use research confidently in their own planning.

The person we’re looking for is a skilled researcher who is as comfortable in a client conversation as they are in a methodology discussion. You’ll bring energy and entrepreneurial instinct to growing our commission offer, alongside the project management discipline to deliver consistently. You’ll understand the power of research to drive real change, and you’ll be motivated by seeing your work make a difference to students’ lives.

What will you bring?

  • You have hands-on experience managing and delivering research projects from brief to output.
  • You’re confident building and maintaining stakeholder relationships.
  • You spot opportunities, are comfortable having commercial conversations and are motivated by growing a pipeline as well as delivering work.
  • You communicate research with clarity and confidence, making findings accessible and compelling for a range of audiences.

Why apply? Because you’re excited to make a difference! We offer substantial benefits including enhanced pay for parents taking maternity, adoption or shared parental leave, a competitive salary for the non-profit sector, a generous pension scheme and at least 40 days’ holiday. We are committed to helping you achieve a healthy work-life balance through flexible working and are open to considering requests for part-time working. We provide professional training so that you’ll gain fantastic experience and room to develop and advance your career.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience. Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion, where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe.

Bristol SU recognises that candidates from some backgrounds/identities may face additional barriers throughout their careers and when applying for new roles across the sector. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people.

Key dates:

  • Closing Date: 2 July 2026, 12pm
  • Shortlisting: w/c July 6
  • First Stage Interviews: w/c July 13
  • Start Date: August 2026

Research and Insight Services Manager in Bristol employer: University of Bristol Students' Union

Bristol SU is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming student insights into impactful change, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including enhanced parental leave and a competitive salary, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive environment. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of students while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic team at the heart of the University of Bristol.

University of Bristol Students' Union

Contact Details:

University of Bristol Students' Union Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Research and Insight Services Manager in Bristol

Research Project Management
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Commercial Acumen
Income Generation
Proposal Development
Data Literacy Promotion
Effective Communication