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 professionals
• Managing team performance, workload allocation, and professional development
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences clients
• Overseeing end-to-end project delivery, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard
• Managing project escalations and driving solutions to operational challenges
• Partnering with senior stakeholders to improve processes, systems, and service delivery
• Supporting commercial performance, project profitability, and client retention
• Driving client service excellence across key accounts
• Identifying opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and team effectiveness
• Contributing 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 sectors
• Proven people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and performance management
• Leading complex research projects from initiation through to delivery
• Experience managing client relationships and providing consultative support to stakeholders
• Strong project delivery and operational management capabilities
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of project profitability and client account management
• Good communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams and functions

What They Offer

• Performance-related bonus
• Clear progression opportunities into senior leadership roles