Research Manager

Tourism South East; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit organization is seeking a Head of Research/Research Manager to lead their Research Department. You will manage tourism-related projects, oversee a small team, and ensure high-quality project delivery. The role offers flexible, part-time/full-time options with competitive salary ranging from £35,000 to £45,000. If you have strong analytical skills and experience in the research field, we encourage you to apply and join our supportive team in Eastleigh.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Experience of working within a research department/environment.
• Understanding of volume and value modelling and how it supports economic development.
• Experience managing survey-based research projects from fieldwork to reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the TSE Research Department.
• Oversee successful delivery of all research projects.
• Identify new project opportunities and prepare tenders.

Skills

Numerical and analytical skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Project management skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Commercial awareness

Education

Relevant research qualification, ideally to degree level

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Head of Research/Research Manager

About Tourism South East (TSE)

Tourism South East (TSE) is a small business with a big geographical footprint. We are a not-for-profit umbrella Destination Management Organisation (DMO)that supports the tourism sector across South East England and beyond.

We provide a range of professional services to tourism businesses, local authorities, and destination organisations, including:

• Visitor and market research
• Marketing, membership and campaign delivery
• Industry training and skills development
• Contract and project management services

Our work helps to shape successful visitor economies, inform strategic decision-making, and ensure the region’s tourism sector continues to grow sustainably.

Find out more about us at: www.tourismsoutheast.com

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Research/Research Manager leads the Research Department at TSE, managing a diverse programme of tourism-related research projects for regional and national destinations. This includes overseeing value and volume modelling (including Cambridge Model 2), visitor and passenger surveys, and a mix of field and desk-based research.

The role includes the representation of the research function internally and externally. The role must also manage a small team, oversee a commercial budget, and ensure all projects are delivered to a high standard, on time, and within scope.

The role also involves identifying commercial opportunities, writing tenders, and securing new research work in collaboration with clients and partners across the public and private sectors

Key Responsibilities

Department Leadership and Management

• Lead and manage the TSE Research Department, including direct line management of the Research Coordinator and Administrative Support.

·To oversee the management of field workers and third-party agency support contracts.

• Feed into and represent the department to the Senior Management Team, contributing to business strategy and planning.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and commercial viability of research services.
• Work collaboratively across TSE departments to support shared goals and internal research needs.

Project Delivery and Research

• Oversee the successful delivery of all research projects, from inception, planned methodologies, activity delivery and final reporting
• Manage the wide-ranging research portfolio, including:
• Cambridge Model 2 economic impact modelling(volume and value).
• Visitor and passenger surveys, including ferry contracts and monthly tracking.
• Desktop research, field surveys and primary data collection.
• Apply national and local datasets (e.g. VisitBritain, ONS, STEAM) to inform analysis and interpretation.
• Confidently use and adapt existing spreadsheets, models, and templates, enhancing documentation where needed.
• Ensure all reports are delivered to a high standard, providing insight and practical recommendations tailored to each client.

Business Development and Tendering

• Identify new project opportunities, both regionally and nationally.
• Prepare well-structured tenders and proposals, including methodology, timelines, deliverables, and pricing.
• Ensure timely submission through public procurement platforms (e.g. Contracts Finder, Proactis).
• Contribute to the growth of TSE’s research offer and reputation.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise confidently with clients and partners across the public and private sectors, including local authorities, DMOs, and transport providers.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with clients throughout each project lifecycle.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential (Required)

• Experience of working within a research department/environment
• Relevant research qualification, ideally to degree level or equivalent
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with confidence working with formulas, data models, and statistical outputs.
• Understanding of volume and value modellingand how it supports economic development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and data interpretation.
• Experience managing or contributing to survey-based research projects– from fieldwork to final reporting.
• Ability to work with multiple datasets and translate findings into clear, relevant outputs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills – confident producing reports and client-ready documents.
• Strong project management skills, with experience delivering multiple projects on time and to specification.
• Commercial awareness and experience in costing work and contributing to tender submissions.
• Comfortable using and improving existing documentation, templates, and reporting tools.
• Experience managing or supporting a small team, with an organised, supportive leadership style.
• Able to liaise professionally with clients, suppliers, and colleagues across departments.
• Well-organised, with the ability to manage time and competing priorities effectively.

Desirable

• Experience working in destination management, tourism, or place-based research.
• Familiarity with the Cambridge Model 2or other tourism economic impact tools.
• Knowledge of national datasets such as VisitBritain, ONS, IPS, etc.
• Experience delivering monthly monitoring contracts(e.g. ferry or passenger surveys).
• Proficiency in data visualisation platforms
• Familiarity with public sector procurement and experience submitting through tender platforms.
• Experience working with or on behalf of local authorities, tourism boards or national agencies.
• Budget management experience in a commercial or research setting.

Benefits

Flexible, PT/FT options for the right candidate. Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in our Eastleigh office

• Salary £35,000 - £45,000 pa, depending on experience
• Join a small, friendly, and supportive team
• We strive to offer flexible working arrangementsto support a healthy work-life balance and accommodate individual employee needs

Please submit covering letter and CV : [e-mail]

Application Close Date: 15 September 2025