Head of Research

Harnham; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work 3 days in office

Job summary

Harnham is seeking a Head of Research in Nottingham on a hybrid basis (3 days in the office). You will lead the Qual team, shape the qualitative research offering, and work with major global brands from day one. This senior role blends insight, creativity, and strategy within an in-house agency structure.

You will guide a growing team, establish methodologies, and partner with account leads to strengthen client relationships and expand capabilities across global accounts.

Qualifications

• Strong qualitative research background.
• Proven client-facing skills.
• Experience with large, global brands.
• Proven leadership or team-building experience.
• Deep expertise across qualitative methodologies.
• Commercial awareness and client-facing confidence.
• Senior presence capable of leading from day one.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and expand the Qual team (3 now, with plans to grow).
• Own and evolve the qualitative research offering.
• Deliver high-quality qualitative work, remaining hands-on when needed.
• Partner with Account Directors on key client relationships.
• Play a central role across major global accounts.
• Introduce new methodologies and innovative approaches.
• Contribute to new business and capability positioning.
• Work within a matrix across insight, creative, and client teams.

Skills

Qualitative research

Client-facing

Team leadership

Global brands

Qualitative methodologies

Commercial awareness

Senior presence

Job description

Head of Research

£80,000–£100,000

Nottinghamshire (Hybrid – 3x Days a Week in Office)

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a qualitative insight function within a large, established brand communications business, moving into a senior leadership role with real scope: leading a team, shaping capability, and working on globally recognised brands, all within a unique environment that blends insight, creativity, and strategy!

THE COMPANY

You’ll join an in-house agency which operates as a collection of specialist teams, delivering integrated work for major clients, including some key flagship relationships which you will be a part of from day 1. The business have long-standing client partnerships and a strong reputation but are now investing in building their external profile and strengthening their insight offering (which is where you come in!)

THE ROLE

This is a Head of Qual-level position, responsible for leading and growing the qualitative research capability.

You will:

• Lead, develop, and expand the Qual team (currently 3, with plans to grow)
• Own and evolve the qualitative research offering
• Deliver high-quality qual work, remaining hands-on where needed
• Partner with Account Directors on key client relationships
• Play a central role across major global accounts
• Introduce new methodologies and innovative approaches
• Contribute to new business and capability positioning
• Work within a matrix structure across insight, creative, and client teams

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong qualitative research background
• Strong client-facing skills
• Experience working with large, global brands
• Proven team leadership or practice-building experience
• Deep expertise across qualitative methodologies
• Commercial awareness and client-facing confidence
• A credible, senior presence: you are someone able to lead from day one

THE BENEFITS

• £80,000–£100,000