Senior Research Manager
Location: London, Manchester, Edinburgh
Closing Date: 29/05/2024
Group: Strategy and Research Group
Management Level: Senior Associate
Job Type: Permanent
Job Description:
Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Wednesday 29th May, and therefore we advise getting your application in no later than midnight on Tuesday 28th May.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role you must submit your CV, along with a cover letter of no more than one page in length detailing your suitability and experience for the role. Please note, you are able to upload your cover letter at the same point as your CV in the application process.
Team overview
The Market Research team within R&I are responsible for providing a deep understanding of consumers and citizens in the markets we regulate. Market Research is essential to Ofcom's role as an evidence-based regulator. Our research informs strategic, policy, and operational decisions.
Purpose of the Role
Senior Market Research Analysts are responsible for market research projects from start to finish. The successful candidate will work closely with other teams in Ofcom to define research objectives, select the best supplier to deliver the work and then collaborate with the chosen supplier to design, execute and report on the research findings.
This role will primarily be focused on research projects to help build our understanding of consumers and citizens in the ‘online’ sector, to provide Ofcom with a vital component of the evidence base for our new regulatory duties in relation to Video Sharing Platforms (VSPs) and Online Safety.
We expect these research projects to be innovative, employing cutting-edge methodologies and analysis techniques.
To note that some of the areas being researched relating to online harms are likely to be on sensitive or challenging subject matters. Ofcom has in place an enhanced resilience and wellbeing package for colleagues working in an area where they may come into contact with content that is potentially harmful to online users.
The post holder will have key working relationships with our external supplier(s) and with the media literacy, VSP and Online Safety policy teams.
Requirements of the Role
- Lead and manage quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method market research projects for Ofcom across the markets Ofcom regulates – primarily in relation to online safety;
- Help to assess the research requirements of internal clients, demonstrating awareness and understanding of the policy context and of Ofcom’s overall mission, to develop appropriate research briefs which fulfil the requirements in a timely and cost-effective fashion;
- Stay up-to-date with external research and insight from industry / academic sources;
- Stay up-to-date with industry best-practice and new market research methodologies, including the application of Artificial Intelligence to research processes
- Commission and manage market research agencies and consultants, assuming responsibility for their performance, timeliness and quality of output;
- Evaluate and interpret market research findings to generate insight that enables Ofcom to develop regulatory policy from a sound evidence base;
- Communicate research results/insights to colleagues, and help to ensure research evidence is effectively integrated into policy decision making;
- Communicate research findings externally to stakeholders in a range of settings – conferences, seminars, roundtables etc.
- Liaise with policy colleagues and external stakeholders to promote Ofcom research insights
- Produce high quality charts, interactive data and written research reports suitable for external publication;
- Adhere to Ofcom’s market research quality procedures
Skills, knowledge and experience
- Excellent analytical skills - ability to interpret data and identify key points and insights;
- Accuracy and attention to detail;
- Excellent written communications skills, including report writing and editing;
- Excellent oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively to colleagues of all levels in both formal and informal environments;
- Excellent project leadership and management / organisational skills and ability to effectively prioritise workload for themselves and others and react to changing priorities;
- Ability to build trust and maintain business relationships with teams across Ofcom as well strong relationship management skills for agencies and 3rd party stakeholders;
- Appreciation of the importance of high-quality and ethical design in public sector research projects;
- Appreciation of and desire to promote Ofcom's values of excellence, agility, empowerment, collaboration and respect.
Qualifications and experience
Essential: Market Research agency or clientside experience essential (min. 4 years)
Desirable: Some experience in social/ public sector/ charity research
Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability.
Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs.
We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.
Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.
As a Disability Confident employer, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about this scheme here. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/jobs/disability-confident-scheme
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