Associate Director – Qualitative Research

Stonehaven Global Holdings (SHGH)

. Oversee a varied portfolio of qualitative research projects across many topics and act as a trusted advisor to clients .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomSenior💰 £62,000 - £75,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in qualitative research design, focus group moderation, and analysis, with a strong understanding of UK politics. Capable of managing complex projects and client relationships while mentoring junior team members and contributing to team growth.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Qualitative Research DesignFocus Group ModerationClient ManagementWriting Discussion GuidesUK Politics Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Qualitative ResearchFocus Group ModerationDepth InterviewsResearch AnalysisDiscussion Guide WritingProject ManagementPolicy ResearchData AnalysisReport WritingFieldwork Quality Assurance

Soft Skills

Engaging Moderating StyleClear CommunicationTraining and DevelopmentClient EngagementTeam Leadership

Industry Keywords

Public Opinion ResearchSocial ResearchPolitical ResearchMedia CoverageCampaignsJournalismPolicy AnalysisImmersive ResearchResearch EthicsStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee a varied portfolio of qualitative research projects across many topics and act as a trusted advisor to clients
Contribute to standalone projects and wider projects with policy, economics and polling teams
Lead research design, discussion guide writing, analysis and write-up through to the final report
Moderate focus groups, immersive research projects and depth interviews online and in person across the country
Travel significantly within the UK and likely internationally
Help shape the qualitative team’s direction, including new business opportunities, innovation, team growth and hiring
Manage and develop junior team members, supporting training and professional development
Quality-assure fieldwork and outputs
Oversee qualitative research organisation across the company, including focus group recruitment, immersive planning and team processes
Conduct research that informs policy, politics and public debate and contributes to media coverage

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically 7+ years of experience in public opinion or social research
Candidates from highly relevant political, journalism or campaigns backgrounds are welcome
Strong understanding of UK politics
Extensive experience moderating focus groups and depth interviews with a wide range of audiences
Confident, engaging moderating style
Keen interest in research design
Ability to write discussion guides that avoid bias and get to the heart of an issue
Ability to clearly explain research findings
Very strong writing skills
Confidence working with senior journalists and clients on tight deadlines
Impeccable project and client management
Ability to take over large accounts, communicate clearly with clients, and manage complex workstreams to budget and timelines
Willingness and ability to travel domestically across the UK and likely internationally
US politics knowledge is a bonus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus programme
5% pension contribution
25 days annual leave
Private healthcare
Hybrid working model with a mix of home and office working
Family-friendly working environment
Opportunities for career progression
Training and professional development opportunities