Social Researcher

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Sheffield is seeking a Social Researcher to lead impactful research projects aimed at improving early years literacy and transport insights. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree and have extensive experience in research methodologies and data analysis. This hybrid role offers competitive compensation, benefits including enhanced holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement

Flexible Hours Scheme

Training on the job

Professional Membership Fees

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering research projects from conception to completion.
• Ability to translate complex data sets into meaningful insights.
• Skilled in presenting research findings to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead research activities addressing early years literacy and transport insights.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design research methodologies.
• Provide expert advice to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Research design

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree in social research or related field

Tools

Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)

Job description

Social Researcher

Application Deadline: 12 October 2025

Department: Data and Intelligence

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Compensation: £45,718 - £48,710 / year

Description

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £45,718 - £48,710

Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

This position is part of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority's participation in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Innovation team (i-team) programme.

Charged with helping city officials and civic partners design and implement solutions that meet pressing local challenges, the i-team will expertly deploy data, collect insight, and collaborate across sectors to develop resident-centered interventions that improve people's lives. The i-team will receive technical assistance from regional and global specialists, and benefit from learnings from peers in city halls across the region and around the world.

To date, the Bloomberg Philanthropies i-team initiative has reached over 100 cities across 16 countries and four continents—representing more than 100 million residents—and inspired hundreds of other local governments to embrace innovation systems and practices.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

About the role

As a Strategic Authority, SYMCA is eligible for the highest level of powers and funding through devolution, including eligibility for integrated settlement from April 2026, allowing us to align the priorities of people in South Yorkshire with how we spend our money. Our Mayor has ambitious goals across growth, our communities, the environment and health, underpinned by the six principles for how we work outlined in our Corporate Plan.

To support these objectives, we are establishing a new Innovation Team (i-team), established in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies’ i-teams programme. This initiative empowers cities to tackle complex challenges through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven approaches. As part of the i-team, you will work on two key challenges: improving early years literacy outcomes and enhancing insights to inform the future of South Yorkshire’s transport network.

About you

The Social Researcher role will work closely with stakeholders within the organisation and beyond to generate insight on the two key challenges by scoping and delivering robust research activities. The post-holder will also provide expert advice to senior leaders to inform transformative solutions that deliver real impact for residents.

The role is ideal for an experienced researcher who can lead complex projects and translate evidence into meaningful insight. You'll be confident working across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders, and passionate about using research to improve outcomes for people in South Yorkshire.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

Local Government Pension Scheme – A comprehensive and attractive pension scheme with the ability to be flexible in the number of contributions you pay in along with peace of mind from immediate life cover and terminal illness cover after 2 years.

Continuous Employment – If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave

Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.

Flexible Hours Scheme – Flexi-Scheme provides flexibility and discretion over working hours with accrual of credit/debit for time off as Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.

Rewarding You – Discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.

Training on the job – Support with upskilling through on-the-job training and qualifications

Professional Membership Fees – SYMCA reimburses membership fees where applicable and with line management approval.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority – We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. All employees may request Flexible Working from day one, subject to operation requirements. If candidates share disabilities, and meet all essential criteria, they will be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact [e-mail] or include details in your application.