Average Research Director salary in the UK

RESEARCH DIRECTOR - QUALITATIVE£80,000-£95,000 + BONUS + BENEFITSLONDON THE COMPANY This is an exciting opportunity to join a fast-growing, boutique market research consultancy backed by a global marketing group. The business is in a clear phase of expansion, working with some of the world's most recognisable brands across automotive, FMCG, technology and consumer goods. Despite strong backing, the team retains an agile, entrepreneurial feel, with senior leaders closely involved in high-impact client work. THE ROLE As a Research Director, you will play a key leadership role within the qualitative research function, with a particular focus on complex automotive projects. You'll lead end-to-end custom research, from proposal writing and design through to fieldwork, analysis and senior-level storytelling. Projects include NPD, ethnography, focus groups, communities and immersive in-market research, often involving international travel. This role blends hands-on delivery with leadership and client development. You'll manage key client relationships, oversee projects across multiple markets, and support the growth and development of junior team members in a collaborative environment. YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE The successful Research Director will have: Extensive experience in qualitative market research, ideally 7-10+ yearsExposure to the automotive sector is desirableExperience with ethnographic and in-person research methodologiesEnd-to-end project ownership, including proposals, costing, fieldwork and analysisExcellent client-facing and stakeholder management skillsComfort working in a fast-paced, small-team environment where everyone contributesWillingness to travel internationally for research projects BENEFITS You'll receive a salary between £80,000 and £95,000, plus a discretionary bonus and benefits package. The role offers hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office), flexibility when needed, and the chance to play a key role in shaping a growing research team with strong global exposure. HOW TO APPLY Please register your interest by sending your CV to Dylan Butcher via the Apply link on this page.

RESEARCH DIRECTOR (Qual) SALARY UP TO £95,000 HYBRID - LONDON - 3 days a week in the office THE COMPANY A boutique market research consultancy with the backing, of a well-established parent organisation is hiring at multiple levels as demand continues to grow, particularly across automotive and FMCG clients! THE ROLE As a Research Director, you will be involved in the following: Leading end-to-end qualitative projects, primarily within the automotive sector. You'll work on complex, multi-year product development programmes, supporting clients from early-stage concept work through to launch.The role blends hands-on research delivery with project leadership and light people management.You'll take ownership of proposals, costing, fieldwork execution, analysis, and client storytelling, while also supporting junior team members through project-based management.Regular research conducted across Europe and occasional international projects further afield. YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Experience in market research with a strong qualitative focusProven exposure to the automotive sector is essentialComfortable working in a small, agile consultancy environment where everyone is hands-onStrong experience across the full project lifecycle: proposals, costing, fieldwork, analysis, and debriefsExpertise in qualitative methodologies such as focus groups, online communities, comms testing, and ethnographyConfident working directly with senior clients and managing multiple workstreams simultaneously BENEFITS Salary up to £95,000 for the right candidateDiscretionary annual bonusHybrid working model: three days per week in the London office (Tuesday-Thursday)Significant international travel and exposure to global brandsOpportunity to play a key role in a growing team with clear expansion plans

RESEARCH DIRECTOR (Qual) SALARY UP TO £95,000 HYBRID - LONDON - 3 days a week in the office THE COMPANY A boutique market research consultancy with the backing, of a well-established parent organisation is hiring at multiple levels as demand continues to grow, particularly across automotive and FMCG clients! THE ROLE As a Research Director, you will be involved in the following: Leading end-to-end qualitative projects, primarily within the automotive sector. You'll work on complex, multi-year product development programmes, supporting clients from early-stage concept work through to launch.The role blends hands-on research delivery with project leadership and light people management.You'll take ownership of proposals, costing, fieldwork execution, analysis, and client storytelling, while also supporting junior team members through project-based management.Regular research conducted across Europe and occasional international projects further afield. YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Experience in market research with a strong qualitative focusProven exposure to the automotive sector is essentialComfortable working in a small, agile consultancy environment where everyone is hands-onStrong experience across the full project lifecycle: proposals, costing, fieldwork, analysis, and debriefsExpertise in qualitative methodologies such as focus groups, online communities, comms testing, and ethnographyConfident working directly with senior clients and managing multiple workstreams simultaneously BENEFITS Salary up to £95,000 for the right candidateDiscretionary annual bonusHybrid working model: three days per week in the London office (Tuesday-Thursday)Significant international travel and exposure to global brandsOpportunity to play a key role in a growing team with clear expansion plans