Average Research Director salary in the UK

Head of Research (Qualitative)Hybrid - Nottinghamshire (3x days per week)£80,000 - £100,000This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape and grow a qualitative insight function within a highly integrated creative and insight environment. With strong leadership backing and flagship global clients, this role offers genuine influence across insight, strategy and creative delivery.The Company They are a large, well-established brand communications and creative business with a significant in-house agency model. Insight, strategy and creative teams work closely together to deliver end-to-end solutions for major global brands. The business is investing in its qualitative capability as part of a broader push to raise its external profile and strengthen its strategic offer.The RoleYou will take ownership of the qualitative insight capability, with responsibility for leadership, quality and future growth.You will:Lead, mentor and grow the qualitative insight team, including hiring and developmentOwn and evolve the qualitative research offering across key clientsDeliver high-quality qualitative research, remaining hands-on where neededPartner closely with senior account, strategy and creative stakeholdersPlay a key role on large, complex and global client accountsIntroduce and scale innovative and hybrid qualitative methodologiesSupport new business conversations and capability positioningOperate effectively within a matrix structure across insight and creative teamsYour Skills and ExperienceStrong agency or consultancy experience delivering qualitative researchDeep expertise across a range of qualitative methodologiesExperience working with large or global brands in a client-facing capacityProven capability to lead and grow a qualitative practice or teamStrong commercial awareness and confidence influencing senior stakeholdersCredibility to operate at senior leadership level from day oneWhat They OfferSalary of £80,000 to £100,000, with flexibility for the right candidateHybrid working with three days per week onsite and flexibility around life commitmentsA senior leadership role with real influence across insight, strategy and creativeThe opportunity to shape and rebuild a qualitative function with long-term backingExposure to high-profile global brands and integrated agency workingApplyTo register your interest, send your CV or apply below. Please note we cannot offer sponsorship for this position.

Director of Research, Partnerships and InnovationThe University of Plymouth invites applications for the role of Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovation, a pivotal leadership position at a time of significant opportunity and ambition for the University and the city of Plymouth. Reporting to the University Registrar & Secretary and working closely with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), the Director will continue the development of a modern, integrated research and innovation ecosystem that drives performance, strengthens partnerships, and enhances the University’s regional, national and global profile.The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across research, knowledge exchange, innovation and partnerships. You will play a central role in enabling growth in income across all these areas. You will support the continued development of an inclusive and high-performing research culture, and ensure the University is well positioned to respond to evolving national policy, funding priorities and the Research Excellence Framework. At a time of significant public and private investment into the city, you will also lead the development of high-value partnerships with industry, translating research excellence into real-world impact and opportunity locally, nationally and globally.Applicants will bring significant senior leadership experience within a complex research and/or innovation environment, with a strong track record of delivering organisational performance and leading large, multidisciplinary teams. You will have deep knowledge of the UK research and innovation ecosystem, coupled with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills and the credibility to engage effectively with senior academic and external stakeholders. A strategic mindset, strong financial acumen and the ability to lead change and service transformation will be essential.Why Plymouth and why now? The University of Plymouth is a dynamic, ambitious and globally engaged institution, recognised for the quality and impact of its research and teaching. With a mission to advance knowledge and transform lives, the University plays a leading role in addressing global challenges, particularly in areas such as marine and maritime, sustainability, health and place-making. It is also an anchor institution for Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth – itself a rapidly growing hub for innovation and growth. The recent announcement of a multi-year, multi-billion pound government investment into the Devonport Royal Dockyard signals a long-term financial commitment to Plymouth and its wider region, with transformational impacts and benefits that are expected to spread well beyond the dockyards. The city was further designated as the UK’s National Centre for Marine Autonomy last year. These are all areas where the University can make a significant contribution - and the new Director of Research, Partnerships and Innovations will have a key role to play in shaping and delivering on these contributions. Role and TermsA competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience, alongside an attractive benefits package.This is a full-time, permanent appointment based in Plymouth.

Operations DirectorLocation - Cambridge (Hybrid)Durartion - 6 Months (Initially)IR35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)We are seeking an experienced Operations Director to lead the operational delivery, performance, and long-term sustainability of a high-impact, technology-led organisation operating at the intersection of research, industry, and innovation.This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for translating strategic objectives into operational outcomes, overseeing multiple specialist functions, and ensuring financial sustainability, risk management, and delivery excellence across a complex portfolio of initiatives.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and deliver the organisation's operational strategy in line with its mission and long-term objectives.Provide senior leadership across core operational functions, ensuring alignment, coordination, and performance.Oversee operational planning, execution, governance, and performance monitoring.Lead financial oversight, resource allocation, and risk management activities.Build and maintain senior-level relationships across industry, government, and academia.Ensure teams are effectively structured, developed, and led to deliver strategic goals.Provide regular reporting and assurance to senior governance bodies.About YouProven senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally within technology, innovation, research, or highly regulated environments.Strong strategic and operational leadership capability, with experience translating strategy into delivery.Demonstrable experience managing senior stakeholders and high-value partnerships.Strong financial, commercial, and performance management skills.Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with confidence operating at executive level.Experience leading cross-functional teams and complex programmes.DesirableBackground in engineering, science, technology, or innovation-led environments.Experience spanning industry-academic or public-private collaboration.Understanding of intellectual property, commercialisation, or technology transfer pathways.