Associate Research Director

ENI – Elizabeth Norman International; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Clear path to Director

International client exposure

Supportive working environment

Job summary

A leading market research firm in Manchester is seeking an Associate Director to lead quantitative projects focusing on brand and communication trackers. You will manage client relationships, oversee the end-to-end project delivery, and transform data into compelling stories for stakeholders. Candidates should have solid experience in quantitative research, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. The role offers hybrid working options, an international client base, and a culture that promotes mutual support and career progression.

Qualifications

• Solid experience running quant projects in a research agency.
• Confident use of various quant methods like segmentation and concept testing.
• Hawk-eye attention to detail on questionnaires and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow key client relationships as a trusted partner.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of quantitative projects.
• Turn data into visual stories for senior stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative project management

Data storytelling

Attention to detail

Commercial instincts

Planning and project management

Job description

We’re looking for an Associate Director to lead quantitative projects (with a big focus on brand and comms trackers) for some of the world’s most exciting brands – think entertainment, tech, retail, sport and lifestyle.

What you’ll be doing:

• Owning and growing key client relationships, becoming their trusted strategic partner on tracking and other quant programmes.
• Leading end‑to‑end delivery of projects: from design and proposal, through questionnaire development, analytics and storytelling, to debrief.
• Turning data into sharp, visual stories that actually land with senior stakeholders.
• Managing project commercials confidently – scoping, budgeting and keeping a close eye on profitability.
• Coaching and developing talented juniors, giving them the support and freedom you wish you’d had earlier in your career.

What you’ll bring:

• Solid experience running quant projects in a research agency, with a strong track record on trackers.
• Confident use of a wide range of quant methods (segmentation, conjoint/choice, U&As, brand and comms tracking, concept testing, etc.).
• Sharp analysis skills and a love of well‑designed, impactful outputs – not 100‑slide data dumps.
• Hawk‑eye attention to detail, especially on questionnaires, specs and deliverables.
• Strong planning and project management skills – you’re the person who quietly keeps everything on track.
• Commercial instinct – you understand project financials and how to grow accounts, not just deliver them.

What you’ll get

• A clear, supported path to Director – with mentoring, goal‑setting and real opportunities to shape your own progression (not just once‑a‑year promotion windows).
• The chance to work across multiple categories and markets, with a genuinely international client base.
• A culture that’s grown‑up and relaxed at the same time: people who care about the work, but also about each other.
• In‑house ops and support teams who handle link, table and report checks – so you can focus on thinking, storytelling and clients.
• Hybrid working with a buzzing Manchester office, and the opportunity to help shape team strategy.

If you’re ready to lead big‑name quant trackers, tell great stories with data, and build a career that actually moves, apply below or by sending your CV to [e-mail]