Research & Insight Manager

The Research & Insight Manager will help The FA make better, evidence-based decisions by delivering high-quality research and translating evidence into clear, actionable insight.

Working across a range of strategic and operational priorities, the role will lead end-to-end quantitative and qualitative research, from defining the business question and selecting the right methodology through to analysis, storytelling, recommendations and activation. Areas of specific focus will likely be, but not limited to, Coaching, Stadium experience and Grassroots.

Acting as a trusted insight partner, the role will ensure research goes beyond describing “what” is happening to explain “why it matters” and “what we should do next.”

The role will be based at Wembley Stadium. The FA operates hybrid working, with 2-3 days in the office and 2-3 days working from home. Occasional visits to St George's Park may also be required as well as travel to other stakeholder organisations.

• Lead end-to-end quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method research, selecting robust and proportionate methodologies for different business questions.
• Work with stakeholders to define and challenge research briefs, ensuring activity is focused on genuine organisational and decision-making needs.
• Design high-quality research materials including research briefs, questionnaires and discussion guides.
• Analyse and synthesise research alongside relevant secondary, behavioural and organisational data to develop a clear evidence-based point of view.
• Translate complex evidence into compelling stories, identifying the “So What?” and “Now What?” and providing clear, practical recommendations.
• Present insight confidently to a range of audiences, including senior stakeholders, adapting communication to maximise understanding and impact.
• Build trusted stakeholder relationships and influence decisions through evidence, constructively challenging assumptions where appropriate.
• Support stakeholders to activate insight, embedding recommendations into strategies, programmes, products and services and evaluating their impact.
• Manage multiple projects, project budgets and external agencies, ensuring quality, value for money and timely delivery.
• Apply high standards of research ethics, inclusion, participant welfare and data protection.
• Utilise appropriate use of AI-enabled research, automation and emerging methodologies, applying human judgement and validation to maintain quality and objectivity.
• Share insight and good practice across The FA, helping reduce duplication and increase the organisational value of research.
• Executes additional tasks as required to meet the FA's changing priorities.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure that the highest standards of health, safety, and well-being can be maintained.
• As part of the FA's commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone in football, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

• Substantial experience in research and insight, gained within a client-side organisation and/or research agency / insight consultancy.
• Strong experience independently leading end-to-end quantitative and qualitative research including tracking studies and ad hoc.
• Comprehensive methodological knowledge and the judgement to select appropriate approaches, considering sampling, bias, data quality and limitations.
• Ability to be both a hands-on researcher e.g. Script and launch in-house research, as well as a highly competent consultant for externally commissioned work.
• Excellent analytical…