Senior Research Manager (Fixed Term Contract - Maternity Cover)
Posted Updated
At The Insights Family, our purpose is to help the world's leading brands navigate the rapidly evolving worlds of children, teenagers, young adults and families. Through the provision of continuous audience intelligence, we empower organisations across media and entertainment, toys and gaming, sport, food and drink, retail and consumer products to make more informed, commercially successful decisions.
Research Solutions is at the heart of that mission. We transform complex data into meaningful insight, helping our customers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters and what they should do next. Alongside our subscription services, we undertake specific projects on behalf of our customers, ranging from marketing effectiveness and creative assessments to attitude and usage studies and audience segmentations.
What You’ll Do
Research Design and Project Leadership
This role is suited to an experienced quantitative researcher with substantial relevant experience who combines strong analytical capability with confident team and client leadership, and who can translate complex data into clear, compelling insight and stories that drives action.
We are recruiting now to support capacity during maternity cover. Initially this role will be a Fixed Term Contract of up to 12 months duration subject to candidate suitability. The precise cover arrangements will be discussed during recruitment and confirmed in the offer and contract.
Our Culture
We are a curious, collaborative, and commercially focused team. We value:
Working arrangements
Working hours - 37.5/hours per week FTE. Part time equivalent will be considered. Role is based in our Manchester city centre HQ with an expectation of 3 days per week (Tues/Weds/Thurs) in the office.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please notify us if you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Research Solutions is at the heart of that mission. We transform complex data into meaningful insight, helping our customers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters and what they should do next. Alongside our subscription services, we undertake specific projects on behalf of our customers, ranging from marketing effectiveness and creative assessments to attitude and usage studies and audience segmentations.
Responsibilities
Experience- Substantial relevant experience in audience insight or market research roles
- Strong track record of leading quantitative research projects from design through to delivery
- Proficient in managing junior and mid-level researchers
- Experience handling senior stakeholders and presenting insight with confidence and credibility
- Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable recommendations
- Experience supporting commercial growth through identifying opportunities or shaping proposals
- Advanced capability in quantitative analysis and working with complex datasets
- Strong proficiency in survey platforms and data analysis tools such as Q, SPSS, or equivalent
- Ability to independently determine appropriate analytical approaches and challenge assumptions
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to connect research to business outcomes
- Clear, confident communication and high-quality written output
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
- Commercial awareness and understanding of how insight creates value for clients
- Curiosity about kids’, teens’, and families’ behaviours, attitudes, and culture
- Understanding and interpretation of audiences
What You’ll Do
Research Design and Project Leadership
- Lead the design of research approaches, ensuring methodologies are robust, appropriate, and aligned to client needs
- Take ownership of complex and high-value projects from brief through to delivery
- Oversee multiple projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and commercial value are consistently delivered
- Identify risks, challenge assumptions, and make informed decisions to keep projects on track
- Lead the interpretation of complex datasets, identifying key themes, patterns, and implications
- Ensure outputs move beyond analysis to deliver clear, insight-led recommendations
- Set the standard for how insight is structured, communicated, and delivered across the team
- Support the continuous improvement of analytical approaches and outputs
- Act as a senior point of contact for key clients, building trusted and collaborative relationships
- Lead presentations, debriefs, and discussions with confidence and authority
- Translate business challenges into effective research solutions
- Identify opportunities to extend or deepen client relationships, contributing to commercial growth
- Line manage, coach, and support the development of researchers within the team
- Provide clear, constructive feedback to improve quality of thinking, analysis, and storytelling
- Support the development of team capability, particularly in advanced analysis and insight delivery
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment
- Contribute to the development of research approaches, frameworks, and best practices
- Share knowledge and promote consistency in how research is delivered across the team
- Stay informed on trends in youth, media, entertainment, and consumer behaviour
- Contribute to broader initiatives such as thought leadership, marketing outputs, or industry events where appropriate
Requirements
In the Senior Research Manager role, you will lead the design and delivery of high-impact research across our subscription services and bespoke client projects. You will play a central role in shaping research approaches, ensuring outputs are strategically relevant and commercially valuable, and building strong, trusted relationships with clients.This role is suited to an experienced quantitative researcher with substantial relevant experience who combines strong analytical capability with confident team and client leadership, and who can translate complex data into clear, compelling insight and stories that drives action.
We are recruiting now to support capacity during maternity cover. Initially this role will be a Fixed Term Contract of up to 12 months duration subject to candidate suitability. The precise cover arrangements will be discussed during recruitment and confirmed in the offer and contract.
Benefits
- Delivers high-quality, insight-led outputs that influence client decision-making
- Builds strong, trusted relationships with clients and is seen as a valued partner
- Leads complex projects with confidence, ensuring both quality and commercial value
- Raises the standard of insight, storytelling, and thinking within the team
- Supports the development of others and contributes to overall team performance
- Demonstrates sound judgement and the ability to operate with autonomy
Our Culture
We are a curious, collaborative, and commercially focused team. We value:
- Clear thinking over complexity
- Insight over information
- Proactivity and ownership
- Continuous learning and development
Working arrangements
Working hours - 37.5/hours per week FTE. Part time equivalent will be considered. Role is based in our Manchester city centre HQ with an expectation of 3 days per week (Tues/Weds/Thurs) in the office.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Please notify us if you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.