Research Manager - Public Affairs (Scotland)
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£41,700
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2434 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £41,700, and Ipsos Mori UK Limited is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2161 (Research and development (r&d) managers, Title says 'Research Manager' and manages projects, but not R&D). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
Are you a curious mixed methods researcher looking to make a real impact on public policy in Scotland? Do you enjoy working across qualitative, quantitative and evaluation projects that influence decisions made by governments, public bodies and communities? If you're ready for a varied and rewarding role within a highly respected social research team, we'd love to hear from you.
About the role
Join our Public Affairs Scotland team as a Research Manager and play a key role in delivering high-profile research and evaluation studies across Scotland's public policy landscape. Working within a collaborative team of 16 researchers and evaluators based in Edinburgh, you'll contribute to projects that directly shape policy, services and public understanding.
This is an exciting opportunity for a mixed methods researcher who enjoys variety, intellectual challenge and meaningful work. You'll manage and deliver research and evaluation projects spanning a wide range of policy areas, using methods that range from qualitative and quantitative approaches to deliberative engagement, behavioural research and complex survey design. You'll work on studies that influence important decisions affecting citizens across Scotland, while also helping to develop proposals, strengthen client relationships and contribute to the future growth of the team. Whether your expertise leans more towards qualitative or quantitative research, you'll have opportunities to broaden your skills and develop your career within a supportive and highly experienced environment.
About you
- An experienced mixed methods researcher with expertise in qualitative, quantitative or both research approaches
- Passionate about research that informs policy, services and public understanding
- Comfortable discussing and advising on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies with clients
- Experienced in managing multiple projects and competing priorities effectively
Essential skills
- Experience managing social research projects from design through to delivery
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills
- Ability to select and apply appropriate research methodologies to meet client objectives
- Experience analysing data and translating findings into clear, actionable insights
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills
- Strong stakeholder and client management capabilities
- Commercial awareness and experience contributing to proposals or business development activities
- Excellent organisational and project management skills
- Proficiency in using AI-enabled tools and digital technologies to support research delivery and efficiency
Desirable skills
- Experience delivering research within public affairs, public policy or social research settings
- Evaluation research experience
- Knowledge of Scottish public policy, government or public sector issues
- Experience with deliberative research methods, behavioural research or complex survey design
- Experience managing large-scale or multi-year research programmes
- Business development and client growth experience
- Advanced quantitative analysis skills
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior researchers
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you as an individual. Our standard benefits include 25 days annual leave, pension contribution, income protection and life assurance. In addition, there are a range health & wellbeing, financial benefits and professional development opportunities.
We have a hybrid approach to work and ask people to be in the office or with clients for 3 days per week. We appreciate you may have commitments outside of work and will consider flexible working applications - please highlight what you are looking for when you make your application.
We are committed to equality, treating people fairly, promoting a positive and inclusive working environment and ensuring we have diversity of people and views. We recognise that this is important for our business success - a more diverse workforce will enable us to better reflect and understand the world we research and ultimately deliver better research and insight to our clients. We are proud to be a member of the Disability Confident scheme, certified as a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. We provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Your application will be reviewed by someone from our Talent Team who will be in touch either way to let you know the outcome.
Ready to have an impact? Apply now!
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Ipsos Mori UK Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2434 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~85k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Ipsos Mori UK LimitedAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Ipsos Mori UK Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2434 going rate of £41,700. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.