Research Executive

About Us

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find an empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we give all employees a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

Main purposes of the job

To independently and efficiently manage research projects, ensuring high levels of data quality and accuracy at all stages.

Skills and key competencies

• Project processes: Independently manages research projects through the fieldwork and reporting stages, Supports wider project team with applying research best practices as needed, Manages external fieldwork partners to ensure they deliver accurately and meet time and budget requirements
• Research skills: Has intermediate research skills and applies research best practice to all projects, Seeks to independently build knowledge of research methods and shares knowledge with others, Ensures data is robust and accurate, and supports team with meeting client’s objectives
• Interpersonal: Good business communication and writing skills, Consistent team player, Shows initiative and flexibility to embrace new ways of working and tools, Is a positive, proactive and creative problem-solver, Identifies risks and asks for help to manage as needed, Constructively shares feedback on team or company, Reaches out for support from team or line manager, as needed, when encountering new issues or challenges
• Systems and tools: Aptitude for learning and getting the most out of systems and tools, Intermediate use of key research tools (Decipher, IndicoLabs etc.)

Responsibilities and activities

• Supports team members with creating research solutions for project proposals
  • Independently manages research projects through the field, prioritising quality at all stages. This includes:
  • Managing the scripting, translations and programming of quantitative CATI and CAWI surveys, via our third-party vendors;
  • Ensuring the delivery of accurate data tables and charts, in line with agreed data specifications;
  • Successfully applying quality assurance processes to ensure that projects are completed to the high standards required;
  • Working with fieldwork suppliers and internal teams to ensure that research projects are delivered on/under budget;
  • Independently conducting interview outreach and collaborating with editors and fieldwork vendors to source and schedule qualitative interviews.
• Independently manages complex research projects, with support from team on flagship or non-standard projects
• Ensures appropriate project documentation and specs are shared with third-party suppliers
• Collaborates with project team to progress project and share relevant updates
• Proactively contributes towards team KPIs and personal career objectives
• Supports with relationship management of third party fieldwork partners
• Proactively contributes to team initiatives
• Proactively shares relevant knowledge with team members
• Supports team members as required, including preparing analysis, managing relationships with third party fieldwork partners etc.
• Contributes to regular news highlights

Signs of Success/KPIs

• On-time delivery
• Research projects delivered on or under budget
• Receives direct positive feedback from team and client provides positive feedback on quality of research

Key experience and qualifications

• Managed research projects in a research agency or similar workplace and can demonstrate how they’ve contributed to achieving client objectives
• Technical tool proficiency: Decipher (or comparable survey tool) MS Office and G-Suite

What’s in it for you? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Full details of our benefits can be found here .

Further Information

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We have implemented a hybrid working model and we also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please send an email to and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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