19 Research Director jobs in London

Research Director | Global Consulting Company | £70k-£100k DOE + Bonus | Mostly Remote / Central London

We’re working on an exciting opportunity with a global research and analytics firm; they are hiring for a Research Director (B2B) to join their global team.

The Company

Operating internationally, the company provides research and insight services that help businesses make better decisions through data.

They specialise in market intelligence, competitor analysis, and sector-specific research across industries such as finance, private equity, FMCG, and Tech.

The Role

This high-impact role combines strategic client advisory, advanced quantitative research, and team leadership across multiple sectors. If you’re driven by data, insight, and commercial outcomes – and want to shape strategies that matter – this is your chance to step into a pivotal leadership position with global reach.

The Candidate

Key attributes of the successful Research Director & Analytics include:

• Deep expertise in quantitative research methods – Conjoint, Max Diff, Segmentations, etc.
• Strong commercial mindset with a history of hitting revenue targets
• Proven leadership within a market research/analytics setting, with experience working across multiple sectors (ideally Financial Services or Tech)
• Experience of working with B2B Clients

Research Director (12 -month Maternity Cover)

Market Research, youth/family research

London | Hybrid | £70,000 base , 28 days PTO + strong benefits

Harnham have partnered with an audience-specialist research & marketing agency that specialize within youth & family research.

You will:

• Lead the research function, managing a talented team
• Oversee mixed-method projects (quantitative and qualitative)
• Design and deliver surveys, interviews, focus groups, and online communities
• Translate data into actionable brand and marketing strategies
• Engage directly with senior clients across global brands
• Ensure research outputs are impactful, accurate, and commercially valuable

What’s on offer:

• Hybrid working (2–3 days per week in the London office)
• Fixed-term maternity cover (12 months)
• Salary £70,000 base
• 28 days PTO + 2 weeks work abroad
• Exposure to youth, family, media, and entertainment projects
• A collaborative and creative environment

If this sounds like the right fit, apply today or send me a message to learn more.

Research Director (12 -month Maternity Cover)

Market Research, youth/family research

London | Hybrid | £70,000 base , 28 days PTO + strong benefits

Harnham have partnered with an audience-specialist research & marketing agency that specialize within youth & family research.

You will:

• Lead the research function, managing a talented team
• Oversee mixed-method projects (quantitative and qualitative)
• Design and deliver surveys, interviews, focus groups, and online communities
• Translate data into actionable brand and marketing strategies
• Engage directly with senior clients across global brands
• Ensure research outputs are impactful, accurate, and commercially valuable

What’s on offer:

• Hybrid working (2–3 days per week in the London office)
• Fixed-term maternity cover (12 months)
• Salary £70,000 base
• 28 days PTO + 2 weeks work abroad
• Exposure to youth, family, media, and entertainment projects
• A collaborative and creative environment

If this sounds like the right fit, apply today or send me a message to learn more.

• Research Director
• Advertising Effectiveness - Brand Lift Research
• Salary: up to £75,000 plus bonus + great benefits
• London 1 day per week in the office.
• Open to part time 4 days a week too

We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded quant Research Director to lead high-impact advertising and media research. This is a senior role for someone with strong ad effectiveness credentials and a passion for shaping team culture, driving innovation and delivering work that matters.

You will play a key role in building client partnerships, guiding a talented team, and influencing decisions at the highest level. Expect to work across digital, social and cross-media campaigns, with plenty of opportunity to shape the future of the Ad Effectiveness Insight function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic ad effectiveness research projects from start to finish
• Act as a senior advisor to clients, including C-suite stakeholders
• Drive commercial success through smart pricing, scoping and planning
• Mentor and develop team members, supporting progression and retention
• Promote operational best practice and high-quality outputs

What You Will Bring

• Proven experience in ad effectiveness and media research
• Strong understanding of digital and cross-media methodologies
• Confident commercial decision-making and financial awareness
• Ability to influence and communicate at all levels
• Calm, adaptable leadership style with a focus on collaboration

This is a standout opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role and help define the future of advertising research.

Please apply for next steps. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and actively seek to embrace diversity across age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, and sex.

For successful applicants, a recruitment consultant will be in touch via email to schedule a briefing call. We’ll explain the role in more detail and share company information before progressing with a formal application.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

What’s it all about?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Quantitative Research Director to join our talented and growing team, working on some of our most strategic and biggest clients across Finance, Automotive & Travel sectors.

You'll be genuinely curious about our client's strategic issues, capable of turning findings into impactful insights, and skilled at building strong client relationships. You’ll have a passion for exploring new ideas and techniques, plus proven experience working in Market Research in a commercial environment.

As a Research Director, you’ll have the autonomy to flex your research and sector knowledge expertise, whilst drawing upon our industry leading toolkit of research methodologies, tools, techniques and proprietary thinking to help deliver better human understanding for our clients.

Managing quantitative projects you’ll get to work with our Qual team on mixed methodology projects as well as collaborate with our neuro, behavioural and data science teams to integrate deeper human understanding.

We offer Hybrid working, which for us is a blend of working remotely and in either our London or Winchester office. It’s all about choosing the best place to be for you, your team, and the business on any given working day.

As a Research Director you'll get to:

• Champion your client account(s), focussing on developing these relationships and maximise their growth potential
• Create project proposals for large and complex assignments, outlining methodology, costs, incorporating Human Understanding and a clear reason for using Walnut Unlimited
• Take decisions on managing new projects, allocation of resources and strategic planning of new business opportunities
• Oversee complex tasks, leading communication, briefing project teams and managing/delegating workload effectively
• Deliver client debriefs, overseeing preparation of presentation material, compiling/ writing conclusions and recommendations
• Learn about the role of neuroscience and behavioural science within research and receive support in applying these techniques
• Build and manage the teams working on your projects/accounts
• Conduct staff appraisals, communicating and setting objectives, and motivating staff
• Work with the board to develop Walnut Unlimited’s vision and strategic direction

Requirements

Who will you be?

• An experienced Quantitative Research Director, agency or client-side. We’re also happy to hear from experienced Associate Directors looking for a step up to advance your career
• You'll have proven experience in designing and delivering complex projects demonstrating expertise in a range of quantitative methodologies
• A fresh thinker with an open mind to build on your experience to offer clients the best research to answer their objectives
• An outstanding communicator, skilled in both verbal and written communication, adept at articulating purpose, role, priorities, and objectives with clarity.
• Solid project and people management skills including planning, controlling costs and overseeing projects
• Collaborative, inclusive and professional in your approach to working with colleagues, clients, partners and suppliers
• A creative storyteller with a talent for cutting through the data and writing compelling summaries, conclusions and recommendations
• A strong presenter whose personal delivery reflects confidence, enthusiasm and personality with the ability to deliver value and insight to the client
• You’ll have some knowledge and want to learn more about behavioural science the role of neuroscience within research

Benefits

What’s in it for you?

Our people are key to our success. Human understanding is what we do, both in terms of understanding people but also understanding our people. Whether this is investing in training and development, improving staff benefits or funding a really great day out, people are the heart and soul of everything we do.

 You’ll enjoy:

• Flexible hybrid working
• 25 Days’ Holiday pa
• Flexible Bank Holidays + 3 day Christmas closure.
• Additional Holiday purchase scheme.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• Healthcare Cashback Plan (Incl. Employee Assistance Programme).
• Travel loan and Cycle to work and work abroad schemes.

Need a flavour of what to expect as part of our team, visit out Instagram channel @WalnutUnlimited to see what we’re up to…

Why join Walnut Unlimited?

As a Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for, we help brands connect with people, by understanding people. We believe that interpreting human behaviour is as much an art as it is a science. Walnut uses market research techniques to understand what we think, how we feel and, most importantly, why.

Blending neuroscience, behavioural science and data science, we uncover the truth behind our human experiences.

We value:

• Respect – Respect for self, for each other and the work that we do.
• Spark – Demonstrate spark-y, charismatic, positive & energetic behaviour.
• Courage – Brave and bold. Prepared to stretch self and boundaries.
• Collaboration – Partnership with colleagues, suppliers and clients to achieve the best outcome.
• Evolution – Evolve with the times, market trends, staff, clients and consumers.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.

As an equal opportunities workplace, we have a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, socio-economic status, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, neuro divergence, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. Whether you’re just getting your foot in the door, or you are an experienced employee whose life circumstances are shifting, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the world we want to live in and are therefore flexible to accommodate each individual's needs as best as we can.

By submitting your CV, you consent to our Privacy Policy which can be seen in full at  If you would prefer us not to store your details or contact you please let us know.

Associate Director – Qual or Mixed Methods – Healthcare/Pharma

£50,000 to £70,000 + Bonus & Bens

Flexible Working

This high quality and forward-thinking bespoke research consultancy are smashing their targets and hunting further growth in their Pharma team.

They are keen to speak to Associate Directors that have a qual or mixed method background, you must have experience in the Pharma sector, you will be looking for a role where you can make a real impact on your clients’ businesses, your team, and your own career. You will work on a range of bespoke international projects. Leading projects, enthralling clients and helping to develop the team.

They work for some of the most exciting brands and help them resolve their major strategic issues.

Their team is full of talented, diligent people, and they seek candidates who are clever, creative, driven and ambitious. In short those who can work smartly and to the highest of standards.

They are freethinkers and like to challenge the orthodoxy but are always professional and applied in what they deliver to clients. So, if you are looking to further develop and realise your true potential this could be the place for you.

They have always been regarded as true experts in their area of specialism and more recently they have enjoyed an excellent reputation for integrated qual/quant work.

They are experts in pre-launch projects, exploring early and future asset work and innovation. Predicting demand with rigorous techniques. They are also involved in positioning and communication development. They help their clients with messaging and understanding their customers by designing insightful emotional connection pieces which lead to brand loyalty.

As a key member of a mid-sized independent agency, you will enjoy being active across the Pharma business, surrounded and supported by knowledgeable and skilled researchers, including sector and technique specialists. With a very positive, inclusive approach to further skill development and a collaborative working ethos you will thrive in this professional yet highly creative environment. Reward is meritocratic and based on achievements here.

Associate Director - Quantitative Research – Tracking Focus

£50,000 to £65,000 + Benefits

Central London (Hybrid)

Considerable organic growth, prestigious award winners, lovely offices in the West End, international expansion - there is plenty of excitement emanating from this highly reputed independent strategic insight consultancy. As a result the quant team is expanding and they seek an Associate Director with experience of working on tracking projects.

You will play a pivotal leadership role across some major trackers whilst also working on ad-hoc projects, UK and international, across a wide variety of clients - such diversity ensures no day here is ever mundane.

This senior quant role will offer you a huge amount of scope to make your mark with existing and new clients. You’ll be working with an incredibly strong team, taking your thinking to the very highest ranks of well-known brands across a range of sectors ensuring your recommendations will be listened to and implemented.

In return for bringing your energy and enthusiasm you will enjoy the clear career path offered to seniors within the business - they genuinely understand that you do not wish to stand still and will work with you to help you achieve your future goals.

There is a solid commitment to providing a positive working environment, ensuring this company is a forward looking and exciting place to be.

Associate Director - Quantitative Research – Tracking Focus

£50,000 to £65,000 + Benefits

Central London (Hybrid)

Considerable organic growth, prestigious award winners, lovely offices in the West End, international expansion - there is plenty of excitement emanating from this highly reputed independent strategic insight consultancy. As a result the quant team is expanding and they seek an Associate Director with experience of working on tracking projects.

You will play a pivotal leadership role across some major trackers whilst also working on ad-hoc projects, UK and international, across a wide variety of clients - such diversity ensures no day here is ever mundane.

This senior quant role will offer you a huge amount of scope to make your mark with existing and new clients. You’ll be working with an incredibly strong team, taking your thinking to the very highest ranks of well-known brands across a range of sectors ensuring your recommendations will be listened to and implemented.

In return for bringing your energy and enthusiasm you will enjoy the clear career path offered to seniors within the business - they genuinely understand that you do not wish to stand still and will work with you to help you achieve your future goals.

There is a solid commitment to providing a positive working environment, ensuring this company is a forward looking and exciting place to be.

What’s it all about?

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Research Director to join our Behavioural Science team, working with some of our biggest clients from globally renowned companies to innovative brands, with a focus on ad hoc research projects covering strategic pieces as well as Behavioural Science consultancy.

You will have a proven track record in Behavioural Science and the application of this knowledge to commercial business questions, especially those in the areas of research insights, brand and communications and behavioural design.

As a member of the Behavioural Science team you will collaborate with all our sector teams (including FMCG, Retail, Tech, Financial and Social research) as well as working closely with the neuroscience and brand and comms teams – helping to advise and apply best in class behavioural science to a wide range of client challenges.  You will also work more widely with our Accenture Song and Unlimited colleagues – further applying your knowledge to a wide range of business questions.

As a senior researcher, you’ll have the autonomy to flex your expertise, whilst drawing upon our industry leading toolkit of research methodologies, tools, techniques, frameworks and proprietary thinking to help deliver better human understanding for our clients.

We offer Hybrid working, which for us is a blend of working remotely and in either our Winchester or London office. It’s all about choosing the best place to be for you, your team, and the business on any given working day.

In this role you will get to:

• Champion behavioural science within the agency
• Take a senior role in key client accounts and relationships – helping to develop these relationships and maximise their growth potential
• Create project proposals for large and complex assignments through the lens of behavioural science, outlining methodology, costs, incorporating Human Understanding and a clear reason for using Walnut Unlimited
• Take decisions on managing new projects, allocation of resources and strategic planning of new business opportunities
• Oversee complex tasks, leading communication, briefing project teams and managing/delegating workload effectively
• Deliver client debriefs, overseeing preparation of presentation material, compiling/ writing conclusions and recommendations
• Apply behavioural design to comms assets, customer journeys and beyond
• Learn about the role of neuroscience within research and receive support in applying these techniques
• Build and manage the teams working on your projects/accounts
• Conduct staff appraisals, communicating and setting objectives, and motivating staff
• Work with the board to develop Walnut Unlimited’s vision and strategic direction

Requirements

Who will you be?

• An experienced Research Director, with experience gained in a commercial agency environment.
• A Behavioural Scientist with solid commercial experience and a proven track record in its application to consumer insights
• A ‘T’ shaped researcher who looks at the client challenge and links up different disciplines to create the ideal solution.
• You'll have a sound understanding of consumer behaviour - linking together different disciplines (qual/quant and behavioural science)
• Experienced in applying behavioural design to customer comms, journeys, experiences etc.
• A fresh thinker with an open mind to build on your experience to offer clients the best research to answer their objectives
• An excellent communicator, both verbal and written with an ability to provide clarity of purpose, role, priorities and objectives
• Solid project and people management skills including planning, controlling costs and overseeing projects
• Collaborative, inclusive and professional in your approach to working with colleagues, clients, partners and suppliers
• A creative storyteller with a talent for cutting through the data and writing compelling summaries, conclusions and recommendations
• A strong presenter whose personal delivery reflects confidence, enthusiasm and personality with the ability to deliver value and insight to the client

Benefits

What’s in it for you?

Our people are key to our success. Human understanding is what we do, both in terms of understanding people but also understanding our people. Whether this is investing in training and development, improving staff benefits or funding a really great day out, people are the heart and soul of everything we do.

You’ll enjoy:

• Flexible hybrid working
• 25 Days’ Holiday pa
• Flexible Bank Holidays + Christmas closure
• Increased holidays based on length of service from 2 years
• Additional Holiday purchase scheme
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cashback Plan (Incl. Employee Assistance Programme)
• Travel loan, Cycle to work schemes
• Annual lifestyle allowance

 Why join Walnut Unlimited?

As a Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for, we help brands connect with people, by understanding people. We believe that interpreting human behaviour is as much an art as it is a science. Walnut uses market research techniques to understand what we think, how we feel and, most importantly, why.

Blending neuroscience, behavioural science and data science, we uncover the truth behind our human experiences.

We value:

• Collaboration – Partnership with colleagues, across the Group, with suppliers and clients to achieve the best outcome.
• Respect – Respect for self, for each other and the work that we do.
• Think Beyond – Embraces challenges, no matter how rare. Sees solutions over problems. Finds a way to make things happen.
• Be Inspiring – Inspiring colleagues will embody the traits we aspire to, and help elevate those around them.

Walnut Unlimited is part of the Accenture Song family, the world’s largest tech-powered creative group.

If you have a hunger to better understand people and a desire to help brands help us all, get in touch.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.

As an equal opportunities workplace, we have a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, socio-economic status, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, neuro divergence, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. Whether you’re just getting your foot in the door, or you are an experienced employee whose life circumstances are shifting, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the world we want to live in and are therefore flexible to accommodate each individual's needs as best as we can.

By submitting your CV, you consent to our Privacy Policy which can be seen in full at  If you would prefer us not to store your details or contact you please let us know.