About you
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Director to join our growing Energy & Environment sector. You will be at a point in your career where you’ve gained experience and expertise in the energy and environment sector and will be looking to use that experience to grow and develop a business’s capability and standing within the sector.
It would be ideal if your career has been built in social research but a career in government departments or commercial research agencies would also be a good fit for this position. It will also be beneficial to have expertise in delivering evaluations, with both qualitative and quantitative methodology experience highly preferable.
You’ll have substantial experience of leading and managing the development and implementation of research projects, including research design, execution and reporting.
You must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of working with the public sector through previous delivery agency-side, or through commissioning work as a client. Experience within the private sector would also be welcomed.
It’s also vital that you can demonstrate your understanding of the energy and environment sector, its future and its potential clients. You’ll be driving progress within this sector alongside our key team of senior leaders, and you must demonstrate experience in contributing to the growth of a team and influencing business direction, as well as bringing a strong track record of creating winning bids and proposals.
We’re a people centred business and value our culture greatly, we look for people who share our Values and Rules of the Game and show strong people leadership skills with a desire to motivate teams and support development of junior team members. As well as this we look for people who are highly collaborative and able to work effectively with other Directors both within our Energy and Environment sector and other sectors to win and deliver work; this will mean excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate openly, honestly and frequently at all levels with all departments in the company.
In return we offer 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, private healthcare options, flexible working, wellbeing support and social events among other benefits.
About the role
As the UK transitions to a low-carbon economy, the Energy and Environment team provides vital insight to help inform environmental policy decisions and support sustainable businesses across the UK. We’re now looking to strengthen and build this stream of our business, and this role will have a significant part to play in the direction of this sector and the type of work we undertake.
You’ll join a team of 25 researchers and oversee project teams that vary in size. As a Director within the team you’ll be responsible for the delivery and leadership of key projects. This will include evaluations and bespoke qualitative and quantitative research studies with a range of audiences including business leaders, tradespeople, policy makers and members of the public. You will lead project teams, liaise with clients and ensure work is delivered efficiently and profitably.
Supporting the sector head, you will work towards sector targets and support in winning new business and diversifying our client base. You’ll adopt a key leadership role within the research team motivating others, supporting the development of more junior members and cultivating a stronger and more cohesive energy and environment team; as the team grows, so this position will evolve.
Key Responsibilities include:
Research
- Lead projects in the Energy and Environment sector, managing the research team to ensure high-quality delivery
- Lead evaluation studies and develop capability within the team/sector.
Project Management
- Work with the sector head to meet sector objectives and targets, monitoring projects to ensure strong financial performance and high-quality delivery
- Have overall responsibility for project management, clients relationships and suppliers, delegating where appropriate
Client/Business Development
- Support and lead on new business proposals
- Nurture long-term relationships with clients and work to develop new ones
- Attend and participate in weekly Director meetings and regular board meetings
People
- Contribute to the continuous development and improvement of IFF Research
- Coach and mentor more junior members of your project teams/ the wider research team
- Promote the IFF culture and encouraging a collaboration and team cohesiveness
Employee benefits
Competitive remuneration
- Competitive salary
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Pension – we’ll contribute 12% of your basic salary
- Option for company phone
Health and wellbeing
- Holiday – 28 days per year, in addition to bank holidays
- Life assurance
- Flexible working policy, with core hours between 11am-3pm each day, and the ability to start earlier or finish later so it works for you
- Enhanced family leave policies, including maternity and paternity
A sociable and supportive culture
- Quarterly team days and lunches
- Dedicated social and wellbeing committees who organise events throughout the year
- Multiple sports and interest groups to join
About IFF
IFF is an award-winning social and market research agency, which sits at the summit of UK public policy and social research, conducting many of the largest and highest profile studies in the sector. Because no two projects are the same, our experienced team provide tailor-made research solutions, adapting our approach to issues and audiences. Meaning the research we deliver is tailored to each client’s specific needs.
As a full-service agency, we offer a full suite of research and evaluation services, including data collection, data analysis and reporting, covering quantitative and qualitative methodologies. We have a range of expertise across our key sectors which are: Business & Enterprise; Education; Energy & Environment; Financial Services; Higher Education; Housing; Learning & Skills; Regulation; and Work, Welfare & Wellbeing.
