Head of Research

Dubit; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day off for birthday

Private healthcare

Workplace pension scheme

Job summary

Dubit is seeking a seasoned Head of Research to lead and grow our research function, combining high-quality research with commercial responsibility. You will shape strategic direction, lead the team, oversee delivery of research programmes, and drive revenue growth through client relationships.

The role requires strong leadership, energy, and a passion for both research and business development, with accountability for sales targets and growth of the department.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior market research role, ideally within an agency environment.
• Lead and develop research teams to deliver high-quality programmes.
• Strong storytelling, reporting, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall research strategy and vision for the business.
• Drive innovation in research methodologies, tools, and approaches.
• Develop and grow the research department to meet evolving client needs.
• Establish and maintain high standards of research quality and client service.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team and culture.
• Oversee recruitment, resource planning, performance management, and development.
• Oversee the successful delivery of quantitative and mixed-method projects from proposal to final reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight on questionnaire design, analytics, segmentation, and reporting.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and act as trusted advisor.
• Lead client presentations, workshops, and insight delivery sessions.
• Drive revenue growth through new and existing client relationships.

Skills

Senior MR role

Quantitative methods

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Business development

Proposal writing

Data analysis

Conferences speaking

Tools

Q

Google Sheets

SPSS

Job description

Dubit is a digital agency specialising in children's entertainment, working with major brands such as Viacom (Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV), Mattel, and PBS Kids. We’ve partnered with iconic properties including SpongeBob SquarePants, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Tank Engine, LEGO, Thunderbirds, Made in Chelsea, and Moshi Monsters.

As a full-service market research agency, we provide valuable insights that guide every stage of the digital product development process. We focus on understanding the behaviours, needs, and motivations of children and young people, helping our clients create products, content, and experiences that resonate with youth audiences around the world.

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced, ambitious, and commercially driven Head of Research to lead and grow our research function.

This is a senior leadership role that combines research excellence with commercial responsibility. You will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the department, leading and developing the team, overseeing the delivery of high-quality research programmes, and driving revenue growth through new and existing client relationships.

The successful candidate will be a strong leader with high energy, a proactive mindset, and a genuine passion for both research and business development. They will be expected to play a key role in the continued growth of the company and will be accountable for delivering against agreed sales and revenue targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the overall research strategy and vision for the business.
• Drive innovation in research methodologies, tools, and approaches to ensure Dubit remains at the forefront of youth research.
• Develop and grow the research department, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of clients and the business.
• Establish and maintain high standards of research quality, insight generation, and client service.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, creating a positive, collaborative, and results-driven culture.
• Oversee recruitment, resource planning, performance management, and team development.

Research Delivery

• Oversee the successful delivery of quantitative and mixed-method research projects from proposal through to final reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight on questionnaire design, advanced analytics, segmentation, MaxDiff studies, and reporting.
• Ensure research outputs are insightful, commercially relevant, and deliver clear value to clients.
• Lead quality assurance processes and oversee the investigation of any research or data-related issues.
• Support and guide team members on project design, analysis, storytelling, and presentation development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as a trusted strategic advisor.
• Lead client presentations, workshops, and insight delivery sessions.
• Work closely with clients to understand their objectives and develop research solutions that address their challenges.
• Ensure exceptional levels of client satisfaction and long-term partnership growth. Commercial

Growth & Business Development

• Take ownership of growing the research division and contributing to the overall growth of the business.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities through networking, referrals, industry events, and proactive business development.
• Lead proposal writing, pitch development, and new business presentations.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships and introduce new services and solutions.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to drive revenue and profitability.
• Be accountable for achieving agreed sales and revenue targets.
• Represent Dubit at conferences, industry events, and thought leadership opportunities in the UK and internationally.

Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior market research role, ideally within an agency environment.
• Strong expertise in quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Experience managing complex multi-market research programmes.
• Excellent storytelling, reporting, and presentation skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and experience contributing to business growth.
• Demonstrable success in building and maintaining client relationships.
• Experience writing proposals, pitching for new business, and winning client work.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience using research and analysis tools such as Q, Google Sheets, SPSS, or equivalent.
• Experience working with children, young people, families, or youth-focused brands.
• Experience within entertainment, gaming, digital products, media, or consumer insight sectors.
• Experience speaking at conferences and industry events.

Who This Role Would Suit

This role would suit someone who is:

• A natural leader who can inspire, motivate, and develop others.
• Highly ambitious, self‑motivated, and driven by achieving results.
• Commercially minded and excited by the challenge of growing a business.
• Comfortable with business development and delivering against sales targets.
• A confident communicator with strong presence, enthusiasm, and high energy.
• Passionate about research and curious about understanding young audiences.
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial environment where no two days are the same.

Additional Requirements:

• A minimum of two days per week in our Leeds office.
• A suitable home working environment and workstation (IT equipment will be provided).
• Willingness to travel within the UK and internationally as required.

Other company benefits include:

A day off for birthday in addition to annual leave, Private healthcare and workplace pension scheme subject to qualifying conditions.

Why Join Dubit?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected research function, influence the future direction of the business, and work with some of the world's most recognised entertainment and youth brands. You'll join a creative, ambitious, and collaborative team where research sits at the heart of innovation, helping shape products and experiences enjoyed by young people around the globe.

Dubit is committed to equal opportunities for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of race, age, gender, disability, nationality, or any other protected characteristic.