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Research Director

Newcastle (Hybrid)

£75,000-£5,000

Are you passionate about helping major media brands measure and improve the impact of their advertising? This leading independent research agency is seeking a Research Director to head up its Ad Effectiveness & Media Measurement practice; shaping strategy, leading a talented team, and driving innovation across audience insight, brand tracking, and advertising evaluation!

The Company

This award-winning insights consultancy blends behavioural science, analytics, and creative storytelling to help clients understand people, culture, and communication. They work with some of the UK’s biggest names in media and entertainment, including major broadcasters and radio networks

The Role

As Research Director, you’ll:

• Lead end-to-end ad effectiveness and media measurement projects, from design to delivery
• Evolve the agency’s strategic offering across cross-media attribution, emotional and behavioural measurement, and advanced analytics
• Partner closely with senior leadership to shape research strategy and business growth
• Manage a team of 6–8 researchers, fostering best-in-class delivery and storytelling
• Work with key clients across TV, audio, and digital channels to translate data into compelling, strategic insights

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven expertise in Ad Effectiveness and Media Measurement across TV/AV, digital, and social platforms
• Strong track record of line management
• Ability to balance hands-on project delivery with leadership and commercial responsibilities

The Benefits

• £75,000- 5,000

How to Apply

Please register your interest by sending your CV to Adam Osborne at Harnham via the Apply link on this page

Research Director

Up to £85,000

Hybrid - Newcastle (2x days per week)

A dynamic, boutique strategic research and insights agency is seeking a Research Director to lead their Ad Effectiveness and Media Research practice. This hands-on senior leadership role involves driving best-in-class, insight-led advertising measurement programmes across TV, digital, social, and cross-media campaigns.

The agency, with offices in London and Newcastle, blends behavioural science, data analytics, and creative storytelling to help major UK media and entertainment brands make smarter advertising decisions. Their work includes innovative methods like biometrics, emotion tracking, and AI-driven sentiment analysis.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of ad effectiveness and media measurement projects
• Guide methodology selection ensuring actionable insights
• Develop and evolve strategic research offerings
• Drive commercial growth through client relationships and business development
• Manage and mentor a team of research professionals

Ideal candidates will have proven expertise in media measurement, strong leadership skills, and a passion for strategic and hands-on research delivery. Please note we cannot offer sponsorship for this position.

Research Director – Ad Effectiveness

Location: Newcastle (hybrid; typically 1 day per week in office).

Salary: £75,000–£85,000 + benefits (flexible working, standard pension/holiday).

The Company A UK-based research & insights consultancy (mid-sized) undergoing strong growth. They blend behavioural science, data analytics, and creative storytelling to help brands make better media and advertising decisions. The team operates across ad effectiveness, brand strategy, and audience insight, with an emphasis on evidence-based, innovative methods.

The Role This is a senior, hands-on leadership role owning the Ad Effectiveness & Media Research practice. You’ll balance methodology, client growth, and team leadership—designing, running, and elevating cross‑media measurement programmes that deliver clear, actionable outcomes.

Key Responsibilities: • Lead end-to-end ad effectiveness and media measurement projects across TV/AV, digital, social, and cross‑media.

• Define and evolve measurement frameworks (brand lift, attribution, MMM/MTA, attention/engagement metrics).

• Choose appropriate methods (quant, qual, mixed) and ensure outputs are narrative-led and commercially relevant.

• Partner with senior clients to translate results into strategy; lead debriefs, thought leadership, and POVs.

• Drive growth via proposal ownership, scoping, pricing, and pipeline development.

• Manage and mentor a team (c. 6–8 across SREs/Research Managers), raising standards in delivery and storytelling.

• Collaborate with Strategy/Marketing Effectiveness leads to develop new offers (e.g., cross‑media attribution, behavioural & emotional coding, AI-driven sentiment, biometrics).

Skills & Experience

Essential: • Proven expertise in Ad Effectiveness / Media Research (multi-channel campaigns; cross‑media desirable).

• Strong client leadership: leading pitches, complex debriefs, and C‑suite discussions.

• Advanced quantitative skills (survey design, experiment/brand lift design, stats basics) with comfort directing qual.

• Demonstrable commercial impact—growing accounts and shaping roadmaps.

• Team leadership (line management, coaching, QA of deliverables).

Desirable: • Experience with attention/biometric measures or AI‑led sentiment/creative diagnostics.

• Exposure to MMM/MTA or incrementality testing.

• Sector breadth across media, entertainment, consumer, or platforms.

Interview Process • Introductory (culture & fit).

• In‑person/virtual presentation: insight case study and discussion with senior stakeholders.

• Final stage: capability & leadership deep‑dive.

How to Apply Send your CV to Mohammed Buhariwala at Harnham or connect on LinkedIn to learn more.

Keywords Research Director, Ad Effectiveness, Media Measurement, Brand Lift, Cross‑Media, Incrementality, MMM, MTA, Attention, Biometrics, Survey Design, Insight Storytelling, Client Leadership, Team Management, Consultancy, London, Newcastle.

• Developing and implementing strategic operational plans to align with company objectives and market demands.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.
• Managing budgets for operational departments, controlling expenditure, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Leading, motivating, and developing a diverse team of operational managers and staff.
• Implementing and maintaining robust health and safety procedures across all operational sites.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service quality, reduce lead times, and optimise workflows.
• Managing key supplier relationships and negotiating contracts.
• Utilising data analytics and performance metrics to monitor operational effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the operations team.
• Liaising with other departments, including sales, finance, and customer service, to ensure integrated business performance.

• Developing and executing strategic operational plans.
• Overseeing day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity.
• Managing and motivating a diverse team of operational staff.
• Implementing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) across all departments.
• Developing and managing operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Identifying opportunities for process improvement and implementing best practices.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant industry regulations and standards.
• Collaborating with other senior management to achieve business objectives.
• Leading change initiatives and driving innovation within operations.
• Managing supplier relationships and procurement processes.
• Reporting on operational performance to executive leadership.
• Minimising operational risks and developing contingency plans.

• Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies aligned with company goals.
• Oversee daily operations across multiple departments, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and identify opportunities for financial optimisation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies.
• Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies to enhance operational capabilities.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Develop and execute contingency plans to mitigate operational risks.
• Report on operational performance to the executive leadership team, providing insights and recommendations.

• Proven experience in a senior operations management or director-level role, ideally within a similar industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing operational strategies that drive business growth and profitability.
• Strong understanding of operational best practices, process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and motivational skills.
• Excellent financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in relevant operational software and systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

• Develop and execute the company's operational strategy to support business growth and objectives.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of daily operations, including production, logistics, customer service, and quality control.
• Implement and continuously improve operational processes, workflows, and systems to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and external partners.
• Drive innovation and adopt new technologies to improve operational capabilities.
• Oversee inventory management and supply chain operations to optimize resource allocation.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for operational activities.
• Report on operational performance to executive leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and execution of operational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
• Excellent leadership, team-building, and people management skills.
• Proficiency in financial management and budgeting.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in managing supply chains and logistics.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and other operational software.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• This role requires a commitment to hybrid working, with regular attendance at our Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK office, complemented by remote working flexibility.