Westminster, Central London (Hybrid working)
Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £62,400–£70,200 (DOE) plus a comprehensive benefits package including enhanced annual leave (33 days including bank holidays plus birthday leave), festive office closure, pension scheme, healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, gym discounts, technology vouchers, dining and activity passes, EAP and wellbeing support.
Membership Bespoke is working with an independent, not-for-profit, cross-sector membership organisation based in Westminster to recruit a Head of Research
This is a senior leadership role for someone with a deep instinct for politics, policy and government. Our client sits at the centre of cross-sector dialogue, convening senior leaders from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to address some of the UK’s most significant long-term economic and policy challenges.
Through a programme of briefings, roundtables, conferences, senior forums, case studies and benchmarking reports, this role plays a central part in shaping national conversations on growth, reform, geopolitics, technology and productivity. It is ideally suited to an individual with a strong commitment to Westminster, public affairs and evidence-led policy thinking.
The Head of Research is a critical leadership position, responsible for driving the organisation’s research, policy and impact agenda. The role will oversee the development of high-quality research and insight that builds the business case for cross-sector collaboration, supports the organisation’s mission and informs senior-level dialogue across government and industry.
Key responsibilities
Policy insight and horizon scanning
- Monitor the UK policy landscape, identifying emerging trends and issues relevant to members
- Horizon scan to inform programme development and identify priority cross‑sector themes
- Build and maintain a strong network of senior stakeholders across government, business and the not‑for‑profit sector
Research and strategic dialogue
- Oversee delivery of the annual events programme, including briefings, workshops, conferences, roundtables and senior receptions
- Lead and support income‑generating events, including workshops and a flagship CEO–Permanent Secretary summit
- Chair and facilitate senior‑level discussions and forums throughout the year
- Support membership engagement and business development activity, including work with at‑risk members
- Attend events outside core hours and occasional regional events, including travel where required
Research and thought leadership
- Lead the development of flagship research positioning the organisation as the UK’s centre of excellence for cross‑sector collaboration
- Oversee surveys, international benchmarking, and local and national case studies spotlighting cross‑sector best practice
- Champion innovative content formats that support member retention, growth and engagement
- Work closely with the Alumni Lead to shape and deliver a high‑impact alumni programme
- Oversee research and content that builds a visible movement of leaders advocating for cross‑sector collaboration to drive growth and prosperity
Leadership and team management
- Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of four, including event and content managers, a research manager and an alumni lead
- Take responsibility for performance management, coaching, development and all associated people management activities
- Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across membership, leadership and talent, and production to deliver organisational objectives
About you
- Significant experience in a senior leadership role across research, policy, events or content
- Proven experience managing and developing high‑performing teams
- Demonstrable success overseeing complex programmes of events, research or policy activity with measurable impact
- Experience developing and delivering income‑generating activity and reporting on performance
- Strong understanding of event marketing and campaign performance
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines
- Proven confidence chairing and facilitating senior forums and events
- Deep interest in UK policy, government and current affairs
- Strong experience commissioning and delivering research, including surveys, benchmarking and qualitative case studies
- Excellent editorial skills, with the ability to produce or oversee high‑quality reports, insight papers and policy content
- Proven ability to translate research into compelling narratives that support member value and the case for cross‑sector collaboration
How to apply
To apply for the Head of Research role, please submit your CV.
Due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Membership Bespoke is acting as a recruitment business in relation to this role and is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in recruitment.
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