Research Director – Business Surveys

About the job

The National Centre for Social Research is well known for its surveys and has at its disposal considerable data collection and operational resources, including a field force, flexible telephoning capacity, postal services and web capability which it can use in any combination. We also have an extensive and broad portfolio of high-profile customers, which includes most of the big Government Departments.

There is a clear demand for business research and surveys, including both B2B and B2C, that we feel we can help fill. Our customers are turning to NatCen to use its existing data collection capability to meet their needs for evidence on the economy, businesses and trade and this is only likely to grow post-Brexit transition. The potential for expanding our role and customers in this area is significant. 

The Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and talented individual to lead the development and growth of our Business Surveys Service. The Research Director (Business Surveys) will lead our Business Surveys Service, the associated new business generation and project delivery across a range of surveys. The role will report directly to the Director for Surveys, Data and Analysis, but will also work with our Policy research teams.

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent research skills, with hands-on experience of designing, managing, analysing and reporting on large-scale business surveys, ideally gained in a commercial environment (if not, must be able to demonstrate suitable entrepreneurial skills).
• Experience of business generation with proven track record of writing winning proposals.
• Demonstrable management and leadership skills and a track record of building positive relationships with customers, partners and across different internal teams.
• The ability to manage, develop, mentor and motivate a team of researchers.
• Experience of mixed-methods approaches and of working with public sector customers will be an advantage but are not essential.

About NatCen Social Research

At NatCen Social Research, we're driven by the belief that social research has the power to make life better. Our research influences policy makers, practitioners, academics and the media, shaping our understanding of the world we live in and how it is changing.

We offer a friendly and stimulating environment with a high profile, challenging research programme, as well as favourable working conditions. Benefits include a generous holiday entitlement and a defined contribution pension scheme.