Associate Director (Consulting & Analytics) - #2186013

London | Salary up to £75,000 | Office-based (4 days per week)

Are you an experienced social research professional looking for a senior leadership role where you can combine strategic client relationships, commercial ownership and research expertise?

We're working with an innovative, technology-led research consultancy looking for an Associate Director to join its growing Consulting & Analytics team.

The business works with leading foundations, non-profits, public sector organisations and corporates, combining research expertise with technology to deliver high-quality insight and help clients make better-informed decisions.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of strategic client relationships, lead complex research projects, win new business and develop a team of talented researchers.

• Own and grow strategic client accounts, building senior relationships and identifying opportunities for further research.

• Lead proposals and RFP responses for large and complex research projects.

• Set project direction and oversee delivery, ensuring high-quality research and commercially successful outcomes.

• Review and shape analysis, reports and presentations, translating complex findings into clear recommendations.

• Act as the escalation point for client issues, delivery challenges and quality concerns.

• Manage, coach and develop Research Managers, providing regular feedback and supporting their progression.

• Oversee multiple projects, balancing client expectations, deadlines, quality and profitability.

• Work closely with Growth and Operations to win new business and improve delivery processes.

• Explore opportunities to use technology and AI to improve research methods and workflows.

• Ideally 6-8 years' experience within social research, research consultancy or a related insight environment.

• Strong background leading quantitative and qualitative research projects from initial scoping through to final recommendations.

• Experience building and developing senior client relationships, growing accounts and contributing to commercial targets.

• Confident leading proposals and responding to complex briefs and RFPs.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to challenge evidence and communicate clear, compelling insights to senior audiences.

• Experience overseeing multiple projects while maintaining high standards of delivery and client service.

• Proven experience managing, coaching and developing researchers or consultants.

• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of project scope, profitability and client value.

• Interested in how technology and AI can improve research delivery.

Experience working with foundations, non-profits, think tanks, Quangos or corporate clients would be particularly valuable. A strong understanding of social and political issues is also important.

• Take on a senior leadership role with strategic client and commercial ownership.

• Own and grow relationships with an impressive portfolio of organisations.

• Lead significant and complex research projects across a range of social and political issues.

• Develop and mentor Research Managers, helping shape the future of a growing team.

• Influence research quality, delivery and commercial performance across the business.

• Work alongside engineers, data scientists and product specialists.

• Help drive innovation through the use of AI and emerging research technologies.

Salary: Up to £75,000
Location: London (four days per week in the office)

If you're an established research leader looking for an opportunity to combine client leadership, commercial development and team management within an ambitious, technology-driven consultancy, we'd love to hear from you.