Senior Research Manager – Shopper Insight

Senior Research Manager – Shopper Insight | Hertfordshire (M25, Hybrid) | Up to £67,000 + 5k car allowance

What actually makes a shopper choose one brand over another — and could you be the person who tells that story to the industry?

I'm searching for a Senior Research Manager – Shopper Insight for one of the most respected insight, foresight and learning organisations in UK food and grocery. This is a rare opening: a senior, high‑visibility role for someone who wants real ownership of an insight agenda — not just a seat delivering against someone else's.

This isn't a back‑office research role. You'll be the person retailers and FMCG brands turn to for the "why" behind shopper behaviour — shaping methodology, presenting to senior stakeholders, and building a reputation as a genuine industry voice.

• A full shopper research programme — methodology through to delivery, your call
• Thought-leading reports and insight that actually move client thinking
• Senior client relationships — advisory boards, webinars, deep dives
• A blend of quant, qual and emerging AI-driven approaches
• Line management of a Shopper Analyst — genuine people leadership

• Senior-level insight or research experience with real industry credibility
• Retailer or client-side experience (think Tesco, Waitrose, or similar) — highly desirable
• A methodology-led mindset — social listening, communities, conjoint, and beyond
• Confidence in the data yourself, not just presenting someone else's analysis
• Storytelling that shapes opinion, not just reports it
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills

• £5,000 car allowance (cash option available)
• 12.5% pension (5% employee contribution)
• Hybrid — 2 days/week in the office
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, with holiday flex
• Early finish Fridays
• Private medical insurance, life assurance and a genuine wellbeing offering
• Support for professional qualifications and continued learning

If you're ready to trade "delivering insight" for shaping the agenda, I'd love a confidential conversation.