Associate Director (Custom Research)

Research Partnership; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global market research consultancy is seeking an Associate Director for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves overseeing projects, managing client relationships, and supporting team management. Ideal candidates will have over 7 years of experience in healthcare market research and a proactive attitude toward business development. The position is hybrid, requiring two days a week in the office, with an attractive benefits package that includes a pension, holiday entitlement, and health insurance.

Benefits

Company pension contributions

Increasing holiday entitlement

Birthday day off

Private health insurance

Life Assurance plan

Group Income Protection

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in market research within the healthcare industry.
• Experience leading projects and managing client relationships.
• Desire to progress business-development skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee projects and project teams.
• Support the Team Director in managing the team.
• Take initial steps in formal business development.
• Participate in talent acquisition.

Skills

Market research expertise

Client relationship management

Business development

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Job description

Overview

Research Partnership (part of Inizio Advisory) is one of the world’s largest pharma market research and consulting agencies with over 250 researchers, consultants, project managers and support staff. Our teams are located across the globe – Europe (London, Lyon), North America (New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco) and Asia (Singapore, India).

We’re built on shared values and the conviction that we can make a difference to human health, celebrate progress, and put people at the centre of everything.

About the team

Our Europe Custom Research team partners with global pharmaceutical and biotech clients to solve marketing, brand, advertising and communications challenges using a mix of innovative qualitative and quantitative techniques. The team is flat, cross‑functional, and offers opportunity to develop broad expertise across the healthcare landscape.

About the Opportunity

Associate Director – 12‑month fixed‑term contract (maternity cover), to commence January 2026. Embedded within the team, reporting to the Team Director with client and line management responsibilities. Possibility of a permanent role based on fit and business need.

Your primary role

• Oversee projects and project teams, serve as main point of contact with clients, and deliver presentations to clients.
• Support the Team Director in managing the team, including appraisals, pay reviews, performance monitoring, personal development, training, recruitment and internal procedure implementation.
• Take initial steps in formal business development: write proposals, assess timelines, calculate research costs with Directors and Project Managers.
• Participate in talent acquisition and assess potential new staff.

About You…

Your skills and experience

• At least 7 years of experience in market research within the healthcare industry.
• Experience leading projects and managing client relationships.
• A desire to progress business‑development skills with an ultimate aim of generating your own clients.

Ideal profile

• Proactive, dedicated and enthusiastic with a ‘can do’ attitude and approach.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, excellent organisation and prioritisation.
• Collaborative team player who works well with colleagues.
• Effective, straightforward communicator.
• Highly motivated to seize opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career.

Life at Research Partnership

• A comprehensive training and development programme for all staff, from entry level to senior management.
• A relaxed and friendly working environment.
• Social events – summer day out, end‑of‑year party and regular after‑office social activities.
• Fundraising and charity events supporting Forever Angels (children’s charity in Tanzania) and Fulham Good Neighbours.

Benefits package

• Company pension contributions of 5% from day one (salary sacrifice).
• Increasing holiday entitlement – up to 30 days.
• Birthday day off.
• Private health insurance.
• Life Assurance plan.
• Group Income Protection.
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, Adoption Leave.

Further information

This is a full‑time role, working in a hybrid pattern (2 days per week in the office) at our HQ in Holborn. The role is also available on a remote worker basis (1 day per month in the office).

Our Pledge

At Research Partnership, we value inclusivity, recognise the power of diversity and inspire the next generation of change‑makers. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, military veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or disability.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Inizio is committed to providing an environment where everyone has the confidence to be themselves and thrive. For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the following self‑identification survey out of complete voluntary; any information provided will be recorded in an anonymised format and maintained confidentially. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.