Associate Director, Mixed Methods Research - Education / Students / Youth Home Counties (UK) / flexible working arrangements GBP 52-56,000 dependent on experience - (posted Jan 5 2026)

Company: Hannelius Recruitment
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MrWeb Ref: 162654

Job Spec: An established, independent social and market research consultancy is looking to appoint an Associate Director to play a key role in its continued growth.

This role is ideal for an experienced mixed-methods researcher with a strong background in education, higher education, students and / or youth research, who is ready to take on greater strategic, commercial and leadership responsibility.

This is a great opportunity to influence research design with genuine autonomy and strategic input. The work you will be involved in informs real-world decisions across education and youth sectors and you will be in a supportive, intellectually curious environment that values quality and insight.


The Role

As Associate Director, you will sit at the heart of the business, leading complex research programmes, strengthening long-term client relationships, and raising the impact and quality of research outputs.


Responsibilities include:

• Direct and oversee mixed-methods research projects from design to delivery
• Designing and overseeing complex qual, quant and mixed-methods studies
• Add strategic value to methodologies, analysis and reporting
• Ensure projects meet client objectives, timelines and budgets
• Deliver high-impact insights through clear storytelling and client-ready outputs
• Lead senior client relationships and contribute to account growth
• Identify and develop new business opportunities
• Mentor and develop researchers across multiple levels
• Contribute to thought leadership, proposals and wider business initiatives.

Requirements include:

• At least 5+ years' experience in mixed-methods research (qual and quant)
• Experience in education, higher education, student or youth research
• Professional experience working within a Market Research agency or consultancy environment
• Strong client-facing skills and confidence presenting to senior stakeholders
• Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets and resources.

To be considered you must hold a valid UK working permit or a visa.

Hannelius Recruitment is a boutique agency, operating across various sectors and connecting top talents with leading corporations in the field of market research.

Who to contact: In order to apply please send your CV to Rhys Perry at rhys@hanneliusrecruitment.com

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