Senior Research Manager : Education & Training Sector

Insight Giant Corporate Training; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading corporate training company is seeking a Senior Research Manager in Pretoria to lead impactful research in the education and training sector. The role involves overseeing research agendas that influence policy and skills planning, requiring extensive experience and a strong knowledge of the national skills development framework.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years' experience in SETA, education, or public-sector research.
• Experience leading research teams and managing projects.
• Deep understanding of national skills development framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional research projects and align with sector objectives.
• Manage research teams ensuring timely and quality output.
• Analyze findings to guide policy development and strategic planning.

Skills

Research Expertise

Analytical Thinking

Communication

Strategic Planning

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7)

Postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8)

Tools

Research software/tools

Job description

Senior Research Manager : Education & Training Sector

Our client is seeking a dynamic Senior Research Manager with deep expertise in education and training to support research and planning initiatives within the skills development ecosystem.

This is a six-month contract role based in Pretoria, ideal for a seasoned professional with strong analytical capabilities, SETA or public-sector experience, and the drive to influence education and workforce policy through data-driven research.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for leading and managing research initiatives that inform sector skills planning, education strategies, and development frameworks within the broader training and skills landscape.

The incumbent will oversee the implementation of a research agenda that supports strategic decision-making, ensures compliance with regulatory frameworks, and fosters innovation in skills planning and development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Leadership: Lead cross-functional research projects focused on education, training, and skills development priorities, aligning with national and sectoral objectives.
2. Skills Planning Analysis: Support the development and refinement of the Sector Skills Plan (SSP) and Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) by contributing relevant research insights.
3. Project Management: Manage and supervise multi-disciplinary research teams, ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered within timelines and budget.
4. Data Interpretation & Reporting: Analyse research findings and produce actionable reports that guide policy development and organisational planning.
5. Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with stakeholders across government, SETAs, educational institutions, and employers to gather data, validate research, and promote collaboration.
6. Knowledge Dissemination: Present findings to executive teams, working groups, and sector stakeholders to influence decisions and build capacity in research interpretation.
7. Quality Assurance: Ensure all research outputs comply with national standards, ethical guidelines, and organisational protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree (NQF Level 7) in Research, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years' experience conducting and managing research in a SETA, education, or public-sector environment.
• Experience in leading research teams or supervising large-scale research projects.
• A postgraduate qualification (NQF Level 8) in Research, Development Studies, or Education Policy.
• Deep understanding of the national skills development framework and related legislation.

Skills and Competencies

• Research Expertise: Proven ability to design, lead, and evaluate applied research projects in the education or public service sector.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills with proficiency in research software/tools.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to align research outcomes with broader sectoral strategies and planning processes.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated leadership in managing research teams and fostering a collaborative environment.

If you're passionate about evidence-based policy, strategic research, and making a meaningful impact in the education and skills landscape, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.