Qualitative Research Manager/Associate Director

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading independent agency in London as a Research Manager or Associate Director, driving qualitative research projects. Leverage your strategic insights, storytelling abilities, and client relationship skills to deliver impactful findings that shape business strategies while nurturing a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Strong qualitative expertise required.
• Proven ability to lead projects independently.
• Excellent moderation skills needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative projects from proposal to debrief.
• Build strong client relationships and act as a trusted consultant.
• Mentor juniors and contribute to team development.

Skills

Qualitative expertise

Research project leadership

Moderation skills

Strategic thinking

Storytelling

Client engagement

Job description

Job Description

Research Manager/Associate Director – Qualitative Research

£45 - 60,000 + excellent bonus & bens

London (Hybrid)

Great opportunity for a Research Manager or Associate Director who loves being hands on to join an agency that delivers quality insights to market leading companies.

This is the perfect role if you have:

• Strong qualitative expertise.
• Proven ability to lead research projects independently.
• Excellent moderation skills across a range of audiences.
• Comfortable with a mix of traditional and digital qual methods.
• Strategic thinker – able to link insight to brand and business impact.
• Confident storyteller with strong written and visual output skills.
• Commercially savvy – can scope, price, and pitch projects effectively.
• A natural relationship builder who enjoys client engagement.

As an RM/AD your key responsibilities will include:

Research Leadership

• Lead and manage qualitative projects from proposal to debrief.
• Design & moderate innovative and tailored research approaches across a variety of methodologies (e.g., groups, depths, online communities, ethnography, co-creation).
• Conduct in-depth analysis and create compelling, story-led outputs that influence client decision-making.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality.

Client Management

• Build and nurture strong, strategic relationships
• Act as a trusted consultant, offering strategic insight and guidance throughout the research process.
• Spot opportunities to add value, grow accounts, and deepen partnerships.

Team Development

• Mentor and support juniors, helping them to grow their thinking and practical skills.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive culture.

Business Development

• Write persuasive proposals and contribute to pitch meetings.
• Identify and develop opportunities with existing and new clients.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives and thought leadership.

Lovely independent agency in the heart of London where you will be valued, thrive and have an amazing opportunity to grow and develop the team and yourself!