Policy Research & Evaluation Lead

Ipsos; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension contribution

Income protection

Life assurance

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Ipsos Scotland's Public Affairs team seeks an experienced Associate Director for a 12-month maternity cover to lead a diverse portfolio of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research and evaluation projects across Scotland and the wider UK.

You will manage client relationships, guide proposals, mentor junior researchers, and ensure high-quality reporting and impact while developing business opportunities and delivering policy-relevant insights.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading and delivering research projects for public sector clients.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods for policy evaluation.
• Experience managing budgets, timelines, risks and resources with minimal oversight.
• Experience in business development and winning proposals.
• Strong client relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; report writing and presenting.
• Experience leading and developing project teams and junior researchers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead a diverse portfolio of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research and evaluation projects.
• Oversee projects from design through reporting and dissemination with high quality and impact.
• Contribute to business growth through proposal development and client development.
• Support the development of junior researchers and coach teams.

Skills

Research leadership

Client relationship management

Team coaching

Analytical thinking

Project budgeting

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Ipsos Scotland's Public Affairs team seeks an experienced Associate Director for a 12-month maternity cover to lead a diverse portfolio of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research and evaluation projects across Scotland and the wider UK.

You will manage client relationships, guide proposals, mentor junior researchers, and ensure high-quality reporting and impact while developing business opportunities and delivering policy-relevant insights.