About this role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced qualitative research leader to join a growing insights and research business operating within the healthcare and life sciences sector. The role combines strategic client leadership, operational excellence, and people management, offering significant scope to shape team performance and client outcomes.
The Company
They are a well-established international research and insights organisation supporting clients across healthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech, and life sciences industries. Their work helps organisations make informed commercial and strategic decisions through high-quality research and consultancy services. With a collaborative and supportive culture, they are committed to delivering exceptional client outcomes while investing in the development of their people.
The Role
As Associate Director, Qualitative Research, you will lead a team responsible for delivering complex qualitative research projects for healthcare and pharmaceutical clients.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading, coaching, and developing a team of qualitative research professionalsManaging team performance, workload allocation, and professional developmentBuilding and maintaining strong relationships with healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences clientsOverseeing end-to-end project delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standardManaging project escalations and driving solutions to operational challengesPartnering with senior stakeholders to improve processes, systems, and service deliverySupporting commercial performance, project profitability, and client retentionDriving client service excellence across key accountsIdentifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and team effectivenessContributing to the development of best practice standards across research operations Your Skills & Experience
Strong qualitative market research experience within healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech, or life sciences sectorsProven people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and performance managementLeading complex research projects from initiation through to deliveryExperience managing client relationships and providing consultative support to stakeholdersStrong project delivery and operational management capabilitiesCommercial awareness with an understanding of project profitability and client account managementGood communication and stakeholder management skillsAbility to work collaboratively across multiple teams and functions What They Offer
Performance-related bonusClear progression opportunities into senior leadership roles