Research & Statistics Manager

Contract Opportunity: Research & Statistics Manager – Social Research Focus 

One of the largest social surveys in the world is about to enter a critical new phase – and we’re looking for a skilled Research & Statistics Manager to lead the charge.

This high-profile, high-impact project is not without its challenges. It’s a controversial topic area with huge public interest, attracts regular media headlines, and comes with a complex set of stakeholders. But for the right person, it’s an opportunity to influence national conversation and shape public understanding through data.

Location: Hybrid (1 day per week in Birmingham office – Thursday preferred)
Contract: 9 months
Salary/Grade: Civil Service SEO equivalent

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading the delivery of a flagship national survey with a well-known external research agency.

• Managing the second edition of a major annual report (due September 2025), from scoping and data review to publication and public dissemination.

• Engaging stakeholders with complex findings – including those who may challenge or resist the results.

• Applying quantitative and qualitative methods to shape analysis, structure reports, and surface meaningful insights.

• Using tools like SPSS to quality-assure and conduct statistical analysis, with opportunities to publish standalone reports beyond the core dataset.

• Proven experience managing large-scale social research projects – ideally with a background in central government, a research agency, or a regulatory environment.

• Strong project coordination skills and a track record in questionnaire design and data interpretation.

• Comfortable navigating sensitive topics and high levels of scrutiny.

• Skilled in communicating complex evidence clearly – both in writing and presentations.

• Familiarity with MRS principles and statistical software like SPSS.

• Degree in a social science or humanities field (e.g., psychology, sociology, geography, history).

• Experience with tools like Power BI or Tableau.

• A background in official statistics or sector-specific knowledge (e.g., gambling, health, finance).