Research Manager

Depaul UK; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Pension scheme

26 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts across retail and more

Death-in-service benefit

Job summary

Depaul UK in London is seeking a Research Manager to lead high-impact mixed-methods research that informs policy, services and funding for people experiencing homelessness. You will design and deliver studies, turning data and lived experience into clear evidence for decision-makers.

You will manage external researchers, synthesize findings into accessible briefings, and collaborate with policy teams. Hybrid working, with UK travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and delivering mixed-methods research projects.
• Ability to publish high-quality research reports and policy papers.
• Proven track record of engaging stakeholders and working with external researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-impact mixed-methods research influencing policy and services.
• Design and deliver robust primary research using surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Translate findings into clear evidence for media, fundraising, and policy.
• Oversee external researchers and ensure timely, ethical project delivery.
• Ensure data protection and safeguarding in all research activities.
• Prepare briefs, reports and submissions for consultations.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Stakeholder management

Academic writing

Project management

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

NVivo

SPSS/Qualtrics

Job description

Join Us and Help Shape Brighter Futures

At Depaul UK, we believe in people’s potential — and we take action every day to help unlock it. Whether you’re supporting young people directly or strengthening our organisation behind the scenes, your work will create real, lasting impact.

About The Role

Research Manager

Ready to use research to drive real social change? Join us and lead high-impact research that influences policy, strengthens services, and amplifies the voices of people experiencing homelessness. You'll design and deliver robust mixed-methods research, turning data and lived experience into compelling evidence that shapes decisions and creates lasting impact.

You will be an experienced researcher with strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, excellent analytical and writing ability, and a track record of delivering high-quality projects from concept to publication. You'll be confident managing multiple priorities, building relationships with stakeholders, and transforming complex findings into clear, meaningful insights.

By joining our values-led organisation that is committed to ending homelessness, you'll have the opportunity to influence change at a national level, work flexibly as part of a collaborative team, and contribute to research that makes a tangible difference to people's lives. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours per week), permanent basis. In addition, this job offers a Hybrid working arrangement (in the office two days per week) working from one of our regions (London, Manchester or the North East); therefore, we welcome applications from different parts of the country.

You will need to be able to travel throughout the UK and on occasions work out of hours.

Key Deliverables And Responsibilities

• Produce research that supports our government policy influencing aims, evidencing the need for action.
• Design and deliver high-quality primary research using a range of methodologies, including surveys, polls, interviews and focus groups, ensuring robust data collection and strong participation rates from clients, staff and other stakeholders.
• Deliver original findings that generate high-quality coverage across media, including social media, boosting our profile and in some cases being integrated into specific fundraising campaigns.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with people experiencing homelessness and other complex needs, using trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to gather meaningful insights. You will ensure the voices of underrepresented groups are captured effectively.
• Ensure adherence to research ethics, safeguarding requirements, risk assessment processes and best practice in participant engagement.
• Support colleagues with ad hoc evaluations of services, generating evidence that informs service improvement and organisational learning.
• With the support of the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, oversee external researchers, consultants and evaluation partners, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high methodological and ethical standard.
• Undertake due diligence when commissioning or partnering with external research organisations, including assessment of ethical standards, safeguarding arrangements, data protection compliance and research quality assurance processes.
• Support the Head of Policy and Public Affairs to produce high quality written and verbal briefings, reports and submissions to consultations.
• Strengthen our relationship with key research communities and relevant academic institutions.

What We Are Looking For From You (Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the areas below. Try to provide clear examples in your supporting statement that clarify how and when you gained the experience or knowledge as well as your level of capability.

Skills

To carry out this role we are looking for the following from you in terms of knowledge, experience and skills competencies:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the homelessness sector and policy context is desirable but not essential, it is essential that you have developed strong, specialist knowledge of a UK policy area or areas
• Strong understanding of research ethics, informed consent, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Knowledge of impact measurement, outcomes frameworks and social research methodologies.
• (Desirable) Knowledge of CRM databases such as Salesforce for research purposes

Experience And Skills

• Managing external research partners, consultants or evaluators and ensuring quality assurance throughout project delivery
• Experience of collecting primary data through surveys, interviews, focus groups and other participatory research approaches
• Experience of designing and delivering mixed-methods research projects related to homelessness, poverty or other relevant policy areas
• Demonstrable experience of producing and publishing high-quality research reports, evaluations, briefings, policy papers,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail
• Experience engaging and building trust with people facing multiple disadvantages, including those experiencing homelessness, poverty, exclusion or other complex needs
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to multiple deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs on time and within budget
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
• Intellectual curiosity and a naturally inquisitive and analytical approach, with the ability to understand complex issues and ask insightful questions.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family-friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death-in-service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.