Research Manager/Associate Director – Qualitative Research

Spalding Goobey Associates; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity with a leading research agency in London for a Research Manager/Associate Director. This role involves managing qualitative projects, engaging with clients, and mentoring team members, offering a chance to influence brand strategies and grow professionally in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading independent research projects.
• Excellent moderation across various audiences.
• Comfortable with both traditional and digital qualitative methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative projects from proposal to delivery.
• Manage client relationships and provide strategic insights.
• Mentor juniors and contribute to team development.

Skills

Leadership of research projects

Moderation skills

Strategic thinking

Storytelling skills

Commercial awareness

Client relationship building

Job description

Research Manager/Associate Director – Qualitative Research

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:

• 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!