Associate Director (Qual) - Leeds (hybrid) - £45-50k

Hannelius Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique recruitment agency is seeking an Associate Director in Leeds to lead qualitative research projects. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in consumer research, client management skills, and experience in project leadership. This hybrid position allows flexibility for candidates after an initial on-site period. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Strong agency-side background in qualitative research, ideally with consumer research experience.
• Commercially minded with experience in managing budgets and client accounts.
• Hands-on project leader with the ability to deliver actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex qualitative research projects from proposal to delivery.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships across multiple accounts.
• Oversee project teams to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.

Skills

Qualitative research

Client relationship management

Project leadership

Moderation skills

Job description

Overview

Salary: £45–50k (depending on experience). Location: Leeds (hybrid).

Are you a Junior Associate Director or an experienced Research Manager aiming to step up to the next level? Our client, an ambitious insights consultancy, is looking for an Associate Director to support their growth. As a client-facing consultative researcher, you’ll join a supportive team to shape impactful research.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex qualitative research projects end-to-end, from proposal writing and costings through to delivery of high-quality, commercially-focused outputs.
• Build and grow strong client relationships, acting as a trusted partner across multiple accounts.
• Oversee project teams, ensuring work is delivered to time, budget, and the highest standards.
• Moderate qualitative fieldwork (e.g. focus groups, IDIs, workshops) both in the UK and occasionally abroad.
• Line manage and mentor junior team members, supporting their growth and wellbeing.
• Contribute to the wider leadership team, including commercial discussions and strategy.

About You

• Strong agency-side background in qualitative research, ideally with experience in Consumer research
• Commercially minded, with a track record of managing budgets and growing client accounts.
• Hands-on project leader, confident in moderation, client debriefs and delivering actionable insights.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to balance rigorous research with commercial thinking.

To apply, please send your CV to [e-mail]

To be considered you must live in the UK and hold a valid UK working permit or visa. You’ll also need to be able to commute to Leeds for 3 days per week for the initial period, with great hybrid flexibility offered after.

Hannelius Recruitment is a boutique agency, operating across various sectors and connecting top talents with leading corporations in the field of market research. At Hannelius Recruitment we are committed to diversity and equality; we value talents based on abilities and potential, fostering productivity and innovation in a positive working environment