Associate Director

Ipsos; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave for volunteering

Health insurance

Flexible work environment

Regular social events

Opportunities to work overseas up to 6

Job summary

A leading social research firm is seeking an experienced Associate Director to lead cultural research projects in Wellington. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable leadership skills in social research, a strong focus on cultural integrity, and the ability to mentor junior researchers. This role includes overseeing large-scale projects, business development, and building partnerships with clients. Ipsos values collaboration and offers a supportive team environment aimed at driving meaningful social impact in Aotearoa.

Qualifications

• Experience at a managerial level in social research.
• Experience in leading culturally centered research with Māori and Pacific respondents.
• Proven ability in managing large-scale research projects.
• Strong leadership in uplifting and empowering others.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale research projects.
• Excellent questionnaire design and report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams in managing social research projects.
• Develop proposals and new business pitches.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers.
• Ensure cultural integrity in research methodologies.
• Shape research methodologies with a focus on cultural integrity, meet budgets and deadlines.
• Develop proposals, tenders, and new business pitches reflecting Ipsos values.

Skills

Culturally centered research

Leadership

Questionnaire design

Report writing

Client relationship management

Mentoring

Education

Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology, or related fields

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Associate Director – Ipsos

Location: Wellington, New Zealand

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job Description

Join us in shaping meaningful social impact in Aotearoa. At Ipsos, we believe powerful social research flourishes when grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and deep respect for the communities we serve. We’re seeking an experienced Wellington‑based social researcher who thrives in culturally anchored research spaces and who brings bold insight to issues facing all people.

We’re open to considering candidates at either Research Associate Director or Director level, depending on experience, scope, and cultural leadership strengths.

About the Role

In this role you will lead project teams in the design, set‑up, and management of cutting‑edge social research projects for predominantly government clients, while also driving account management and business development activities. You will play a pivotal role in mentoring your direct report and other junior researchers, shaping their career path and skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and nurture trusted partnerships with our key clients, acting as a kaitiaki for their aspirations and ensuring our research delivers meaningful, actionable insights.
• Work alongside others in the team to shape research methodologies with a focus on cultural integrity, ensuring projects meet budget and deadlines.
• Play a key role in shaping our direction including budgeting and strategy, and actionable insights.
• Develop proposals, tenders, and new business pitches that reflect our values and vision.
• Oversee and conduct research analysis; deliver insights to clients.
• Support and mentor your direct report, encouraging growth through clear goals, regular feedback, and implementing career development pathways.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Marketing, Psychology, Sociology, or related fields.
• Experience at a managerial level in social research (evaluation experience advantageous).
• Experience in leading culturally centered research, particularly with Māori and Pacific respondents, able to embody tikanga and build trustful, respectful relationships.
• Experience working with social marketing clients and their creative and media agencies to develop, test and monitor campaigns particularly in the behaviour change space.
• Proven ability in managing large-scale research projects.
• Excellent questionnaire design and report writing skills.
• While the role has a quantitative focus, qualitative research skills would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership in uplifting and empowering others, can develop, and can delegate and support people to reach their potential.
• Experience in leading / supporting new business development.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong local presence, Ipsos has the backing of a global organisation dedicated to investing in ensuring our offerings are best practice and leading‑edge. Ipsos values collaboration across markets and this allows us to work with and learn from global colleagues who are working to solve the same problems as our NZ based clients face.

Why Ipsos?

• Ipsos Aotearoa is committed to growing our kaupapa Māori research capability, we know there’s much to learn, and we’re eager to do this alongside the right people. Based in our central Wellington office, we deliver quantitative and qualitative research to public sector and commercial clients, helping shape positive outcomes across Aotearoa. You’ll join a dynamic and supportive team that’s focused on meaningful impact and genuine professional growth.

Employee Benefits

• Regular social events and learning & development programs.
• Paid leave days for volunteering, celebrating your birthday, and health insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible work environment, and the opportunity to work overseas for up to 6 weeks per year.
• Centrally located Wellington office.

This position is only open to applicants with the right to live and work in New Zealand.

If you’re interested in this role and meet the criteria, please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking “Apply Now.” We look forward to hearing from you!