RESEARCH MANAGER
Reporting to: Head of Research
Location: UK-based (global project coverage)
Industry focus: Asset Management, Investments, Insurance, and broader Financial Services
Overview of the Role
As a Research Manager / Senior Research Manager at Research in Finance (RiF), you will manage end-to-end research projects across quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches. While most projects sit within the asset management, investments, or insurance sectors, you will also support senior leadership across the wider RiF business as required.
This is a varied, hands-on role that requires strong industry experience, multitasking capabilities, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to deliver high quality insights to senior stakeholders across the UK, Europe, and globally.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
- Lead and deliver global research projects across quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methodologies.
- Manage the full research cycle-from design through to insights, reporting, and client presentation.
Quantitative Research
- Draft questionnaires and discussion tools.
- Script and test surveys using online survey platforms.
- Monitor fieldwork and ensure data quality.
- Set up data files, run analysis, and create clear and visually engaging PowerPoint reports and online dashboards.
Qualitative Research
- Create screeners and test them in online survey software.
- Draft discussion guides and online community task guides.
- Select appropriate respondents and monitor recruitment.
- Moderate depth interviews, online communities, and other qualitative sessions.
- Analyse findings and develop insightful, actionable PowerPoint reports.
Client Engagement
- Lead client project kick-off meetings and update calls.
- Present findings to senior executives at all project stages.
- Represent RiF professionally throughout meetings, fieldwork, and briefings.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships to support long-term partnerships.
Analysis & Insight
- Interpret data to identify trends, themes, and implications.
- Produce high-quality deliverables with clear, actionable recommendations aligned to client needs and market context.
Project & Team Management
- Manage multiple concurrent projects and tight deadlines.
- Ensure all project administration meets GDPR requirements (e.g., reimbursements, recordings, NDAs, transcripts).
- Collaborate closely with the RiF team, offering support, brainstorming, and mentoring where needed.
- Support the COO and Senior Leadership Team when required.
Commercial & Strategic Contribution
- Maintain strong client relationships and contribute to the long-term success of RiF.
- Identify opportunities for new propositions or commercial growth.
- Stay informed of industry trends, regulation, and competitive landscapes.
What You’ll Need
Experience & Expertise
- 4+ years’ experience in market research using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Solid experience and understanding of financial services, particularly the asset management sector
- Strong knowledge of statistical analysis using tools such as Q, SPSS, DisplayR or similar.
- Advanced skills in PowerPoint; strong working knowledge of Excel.
- Experience using AI‑driven research and analysis tools (advantageous).
- Experience with online survey platforms such as Qualtrics (advantageous)
- Proven experience presenting to clients, from small workshops to large auditoriums.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical capability and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills; ability to balance multiple priorities.
- A proactive, calm, “can-do” attitude with the ability to work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills, capable of presenting confidently to senior-level stakeholders.
- A collaborative team player, motivated to grow in a fast-paced environment.
- An interest in financial services-particularly global asset management – or eagerness to learn.
- Flexibility to conduct fieldwork or client calls outside typical working hours when required (e.g. when working with US based clients).
Additional Responsibilities May Include
- Reviewing and interpreting market and competitor activity.
- Analysing published data sets, reports, and industry statistics.
- Evaluating brand, product, or service performance over time.
- Identifying future trends or areas of opportunity.
- Compiling prospect lists and supporting business development.
The successful candidate must have the legal right to work in the UK. This position is based in the UK and is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
To apply for this position, please submit a brief introduction about yourself, detailing why you are interested in being considered for the role, along with your CV, to charliezander@researchinfinance.co.uk. Please clearly state the role you are applying for in the subject line or body of your email.
