Associate Research Director – Quantitative (Large Scale Multi-Country Studies)

Overview

As Associate Director for the International Social Research (ISR) team, you will lead and grow large-scale, multi-country quantitative studies that inform policy and strategy for global clients. You’ll guide design, methodology, sampling, and reporting while coordinating cross-office teams and delivery partners. The role combines client leadership, proposal development, and delivery excellence across online, telephone, and mixed-mode surveys. You’ll work with high-profile organisations and contribute to ISR’s methodological leadership and growth.

Pay / Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• pension contribution
• income protection
• life assurance
• health & wellbeing benefits
• professional development opportunities

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale international research programmes from design to reporting and dissemination
• Direct multi-country studies with diverse stakeholders and delivery partners
• Develop proposals to win new work and foster client relationships
• Build and maintain strong client relationships as trusted adviser
• Manage project teams, budgets, timelines, risks and QA processes
• Oversee survey implementation and fieldwork across methodologies (online, telephone, mixed-mode)
• Lead production of high-quality reports and client deliverables
• Support development of ISR’s methodological expertise and offerings
• Coach and develop colleagues to sustain a collaborative, high-performing culture
• Utilise AI tools to improve output quality and efficiency

Key requirements

• Significant experience managing complex, large-scale multi-country surveys for international or public/private sector clients
• Strong methodological expertise in survey research and evidence generation
• Excellent client management and relationship-building skills
• Proven ability to write and present high-quality reports to senior audiences
• Experience drafting and leading successful proposals
• Ability to identify opportunities for business growth and client development
• Desirable: experience with international organisations and B2B research, sampling knowledge, and mixed-mode survey delivery

• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Strategic thinking and advisory mindset
• Team coaching and collaborative leadership
• Survey research design
• Sampling methodologies and survey sample design
• Experience with online, telephone, and mixed-mode surveys

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