Senior Research Director

Senior Research Director

Department:
Client Teams

Employment Type:

Permanent - Full Time

Location:

Manchester

As Human8 transforms from a research-led organization into a true marketing insights consultancy, this role is at the forefront of that evolution. The Senior Research Director is not just a leader of clients or projects – you are a catalyst for change, shaping how we partner with clients and how we deliver impact.

You operate at the intersection of human understanding, marketing expertise, and strategic foresight
, turning insights into bold actions that redefine brands and experiences. Your mission is to lead the shift from data delivery to strategic activation
, embedding consultancy principles into every engagement.

Externally, you are the trusted advisor who reframes client challenges, inspires confidence, and co-creates solutions that accelerate growth. Internally, you champion our transformation – mentoring talent, advancing methodologies, and fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. You ensure Human8’s promise of Human Spark shines through in an AI-driven world, combining empathy and creativity with cutting-edge tools to deliver undeniable commercial impact.

Kindly note that we have an office London and Manchester, and will be accepting applicants from either location.

• Design and select optimal methodologies (phases, methods, sample) to address core business objectives and test hypotheses.
• Uncover the deeper truth by going beyond the brief to identify unstated client needs, question assumptions, and pinpoint the real business challenges.
• Synthesize complex data and integrate findings from multiple sources (qualitative, quantitative, cultural) to identify powerful patterns, trends, and "what's next" implications.
• Craft compelling narratives by transforming data into boardroom-ready, insight-driven stories for both foundational ("Now") and forward-looking ("Wow") stages that inspire action.
• Build client capabilities and develop actionable toolkits, playbooks, and strategic road maps to guide ongoing client marketing decision-making.

• Drive commercial outcomes by identifying, creating, and converting opportunities to grow existing and new client revenue at target margins.
• Act as a trusted advisor and manage senior client relationships, setting strategic direction, managing scope, and ensuring exceptional delivery satisfaction.
• Lead strategic workshops by designing and facilitating AI-assisted client workshops across Innovation, Brand, and Experience to unlock new value.
• Deliver actionable foresight and synthesize complex information to provide clear, memorable implications and strategic "how to win" recommendations grounded in commercial reality.

• Inspire, coach, and develop a team of insights professionals into future strategic consultants.
• Champion excellence and innovation by guiding project teams, setting research direction, and ensuring the highest quality of delivery across all engagements.
• Shape the future of the practice and contribute to our market-facing thought leadership and drive the evolution of our consultancy offerings and internal culture.

• Demonstrated expertise in applying knowledge across key marketing domains:
  Brand Strategy, Experience Design, Innovation, and Segmentation to deliver client value.
• Ability to leverage deep understanding of client-specific context, competitive landscapes, and sector dynamics to inform all strategic recommendations.

• Proficiency in leveraging advanced tools, including AI-assisted analysis and our proprietary canvases, to drive efficiency and uncover deeper meaning.
• Mastery in designing and managing engaging digital qualitative platforms, including online communities and asynchronous activities.

• Deep, applied knowledge of behavioral science principles, social influence, and cultural context to uncover the "why" behind consumer actions and provide richer, more predictive insights.