Associate Research Director

Spalding Goobey Associates; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Spalding Goobey Associates in London (Hybrid Working) seeks an Associate Director for Quant-led Social Research focused on public opinion, non-profit, and policy work. You will lead strategic client relationships, grow key accounts, and win large projects while guiding rigorous research and high-quality deliverables.

The role combines hands-on analysis with leadership of Research Managers, integrating technology and AI-enabled approaches to drive faster, better insights while maintaining

Qualifications

• Strong experience leading social or political research projects in agencies or consultancies.
• Proven track record in managing senior client relationships and winning complex proposals.
• Comfort with coaching and developing Researchers and Research Managers.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic client relationships and grow key accounts within the Consulting & Analytics team.
• Own and win large, complex projects including RFPs; set direction and ensure rigorous, useful outputs.
• Hands-on analysis, reporting and presentation development to influence client decisions.
• Manage and develop a team of Research Managers through coaching and feedback.
• Shape how technology and AI are used to deliver faster and better insights.

Skills

Social research

Quantitative research

Qualitative research

Account management

Proposal writing

Team leadership

Job description

Associate Director – Quant-led Social Research – Public Opinion / Non-Profit / Policy

London (Hybrid Working)

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced social or political researcher to step into a senior leadership role at a fast-growing, tech and AI-enabled research consultancy. Its clients include major foundations, charities, campaign groups, public bodies and leading brands, and the work tackles some of the most interesting questions in public opinion today, from elections and policy to social change.

As Associate Director in the Consulting & Analytics team, you’ll lead strategic client relationships, own and grow key accounts, and play a central role in winning large and complex projects, including RFPs. You’ll set the direction on significant projects and make sure the work is rigorous, genuinely useful to clients and delivered to a high standard. You’ll also get hands‑on with analysis, reports and presentations where your input makes the biggest difference. You’ll manage and develop a team of Research Managers through coaching, feedback and support.

This is a company where researchers work side by side with engineers and data scientists, so you’ll help shape how the team uses technology and AI to deliver faster and better research. If you’re keen to influence where the sector is heading, this is a great place to do it.

You’ll have strong experience in social or political research within an agency or consultancy. You’ll have led complex quantitative research from scoping through to clear, actionable recommendations, with qualitative experience a welcome addition. Strong senior client relationships, a track record of growing accounts and writing winning proposals, and experience managing researchers are all key. Above all, they’re looking for someone curious, rigorous and commercially minded, who knows when to hold the line on quality and enjoys helping others grow.

If you’re excited by the idea of combining senior social research leadership with cutting‑edge technology at a growing, entrepreneurial business, we would love to hear from you.