Head of Research and Analysis (Maternity Cover)

EXTRAC; London; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing intelligence solutions startup in London seeks an Editorial Leader for a maternity leave position. The role involves overseeing research outputs, engaging clients, and managing complex projects. Ideal candidates have significant editorial experience and strong analytical skills. This position is on-site in the UK with a fixed term of up to 12 months.

Qualifications

• Significant senior editorial experience at a leading outlet or institute.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to tailor content for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and quality assure all research outputs.
• Lead client interactions regarding research products.
• Manage the delivery of complex research commissions.

Skills

Senior editorial experience

Writing and editing skills

Client and stakeholder management

Project management skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree or higher

Job description

About ExTrac

ExTrac is a fast-growing, mission-driven startup providing open-source intelligence solutions to government, commercial, and third-sector partners. Our AI-powered platform delivers critical insights to support national security objectives and help organisations keep their people safe.

The Role

You’ll shape our research function, ensure our work meets the highest editorial standards, and guide our team in producing impactful, data-driven open-source intelligence products.

The role is a fixed term maternity leave position lasting nine months, with the possibility to extend to 12 months. This role is based in the UK, including some days in our London office.

Key Responsibilities

• Editorial Leadership: Oversee and quality assure all research and analysis outputs, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance to our clients.
• Client Engagement: Lead interactions with clients regarding research and analysis products, ensuring deliverables align with their evolving needs.
• Project Oversight: Manage the delivery of complex research commissions, ensuring projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
• Team Development: Supervise and mentor our in-house research team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and editorial rigour.
• Consultant Network: Expand and manage a network of external researchers, ensuring seamless integration into our analysis framework.
• Editorial Standards: Uphold research product templates, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency and impact.
• Strategic Awareness: Maintain a strong understanding of global political, geopolitical, and security developments, ensuring our analysis remains ahead of emerging trends.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Significant senior editorial experience at a leading international news outlet, research institute, or intelligence organisation.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills, with the ability to distil complex information into clear, compelling narratives.
• Proven ability to tailor content for diverse audiences, from policymakers and security professionals to commercial clients.
• Strong team leadership and mentoring experience, with a track record of developing and managing high-performing research or editorial teams.
• Client and stakeholder management expertise, with experience in briefing senior decision-makers and adapting products to meet client needs.
• Project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to oversee multiple research projects from inception to delivery.
• A keen interest in technology, particularly data science and AI-driven methodologies for intelligence analysis and reporting.

Desirable Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in investigative journalism, open-source intelligence (OSINT), or security analysis.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; a master’s degree or higher is advantageous.
• UK or equivalent security clearances.