About the Role
A Research Director at Basis Global is a senior craftsperson and trusted client lead. You run major qualitative projects from kick‑off to debrief, set the quality bar for the work that leaves your team, and partner with senior clients to shape their strategic decisions. You manage and develop Research Managers and more junior team members, contribute meaningfully to new business, and act as a cultural leader within the practice.
What You’ll Do
Research Leadership
Design and lead complex, multi‑method qualitative projects independently from kick‑off through to final debrief
Set the analytical and creative direction on projects — defining the story, the structure, and the recommendations that move clients to action
Craft outstanding written outputs that combine rigour with narrative flair, with no intervention from seniors
Moderate and facilitate senior‑stakeholder workshops and debriefs that consistently raise the bar
Bring deep methodological expertise across IDIs, focus groups, ethnography, online communities, and creative qual techniques
Client & Account Leadership
Own senior client relationships at director level — trusted as a strategic partner, not just a research lead
Anticipate client needs, surface opportunities, and shape the direction of accounts beyond individual projects
Take full ownership of project costings, profitability, and resourcing decisions — protecting margin without compromising quality
Experienced in proposal writing and new business pitches, producing compelling, winning responses
Team Leadership
Manage and develop Research Managers and more junior team members, with a measurable positive impact on their growth and retention
Set the quality standard on projects you oversee — providing sharp, generous feedback that pushes the team forward
Be a positive, energising presence — modelling Basis values for the team to follow
Help shape internal practice — sharing methodological innovations and contributing to ways of working
Business Contribution
Partner with senior leadership on business development, identifying and converting growth opportunities within existing accounts
Contribute to Basis thought leadership and marketing — helping build our reputation in the market
Skills & Experience
Significant experience in qualitative research within an agency or consultancy, typically 6+ years
Mastery of qual methodologies — IDIs, focus groups, ethnography, online communities, and creative or projective techniques
Outstanding moderation, facilitation, and analytical skills, credible at the most senior client level
A track record of leading complex, multi‑strand qual projects independently and to an exceptional standard
Significant experience structuring, writing and delivering debrief reports, with minimal to no senior input. Experience in setting expectations, guiding and reviewing RE-AD researchers work.
Demonstrated experience managing senior client relationships and growing accounts beyond individual projects
Experience managing, developing, and getting the best out of a project team
Strong commercial acumen — comfortable owning costings, profitability, and resourcing decisions
Active contribution to business development: proposal writing, and pitching
A collaborative, ambitious mindset and a genuine care for the quality of the work that leaves your team
What Makes You Basis Material
Research Directors are senior practitioners we trust to fly the flag for Basis quality. You will embody our values — bright, quick, warm, ambitious, creative, independent, and resourceful — and bring them to every project, every client interaction, and every team you lead.
Salary: £60,000+
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