Director of Research

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 7 May 2026
LOCATION
Manchester
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Director
SALARY
£115,000 / year
CATEGORY
Science & Research
This role is not offered with visa sponsorship, though the employer is a licensed UK sponsor

SKILLS

PhD thought leadership data analytical skills research design statistical analysis AI/ML applications digital assessment platforms pedagogical expertise

FULL DESCRIPTION

Director of Research

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Manchester

£100,000 to £115,000 per year

Permanent, Full-time

About the Role

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is globally recognised for excellence in the design, development and deployment of qualifications and assessments, and in the evaluation of their performance and impact. We work with schools, universities and professional organisations. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is part of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. We currently have an excellent opportunity to join us as Director of Research, to lead innovative research activities and drive evidence based strategies in shaping the company’s future in pursuit of excellence in educational research.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as a member of the management board
  • Deliver a coherent research vision and provide strategic leadership and direction for high quality, impactful research activity
  • Lead, oversee and be accountable for the research functions of the company
  • Report to the management board, providing an oversight of the company’s educational research activities, leading discussions on matters relating to the research function and ensuring the provision of relevant management information to the board
  • Lead and have overall accountability for all aspects of research services to clients from project implementation to project closure
  • Ensure the appropriate application of emerging technologies while maintaining the highest standard of academic rigour
  • Contribute directly to the growth, sustainability and external impact of [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]’ research portfolio through seeking out and leading the development of high-quality competitive bids and proposals

Requirements

  • A relevant PhD
  • An established track record of thought leadership
  • Data analytical skills
  • A demonstrable track record in research design and methodology
  • Familiarity with automated scoring systems and adaptive testing algorithms
  • A high level of competence with statistical techniques and tools
  • A thorough understanding of ethical standards and regulatory compliance
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis software/literature review platforms
  • Excellence in pedagogical expertise and educational research
  • Several years’ demonstrable track record in research design and methodology
  • Demonstrable successful track record identifying opportunities and developing bids
  • Senior leadership experience leading research teams, overseeing and managing their performance
  • Leadership of large-scale projects from end to end
  • Experience of AI/ML applications in assessment or education
  • Large-scale data environments
  • Digital assessment platforms

Benefits

  • NEST workplace pension scheme – tier 1
  • Enhanced sick pay cover
  • Enhanced maternity/parental leave
  • 25 days paid leave plus the eight statutory bank holidays
  • Commitment to developing the expertise of our employees

How to Apply

For an informal discussion about the vacancy please email Romy Short, Managing Director, at [contact hidden]. To apply, complete the online application form available here. You will need to upload your CV and a covering statement. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is committed to equal opportunities.

Important Notes

Please note that [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is not licensed to offer sponsorship under the UK government’s skilled worker sponsorship scheme.

Sign up free — access 45,000+ UK sponsor-licensed jobs