Careers

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 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. 

• Experience within financial services or FMCG brand research (advantageous). 

• 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. 

Working at Research in Finance

Research in Finance is a market leading global consultancy, research and publishing business that is about implementing change and making a difference. We work with some of the largest, most influential, and important asset management and insurance companies in the world.  

Since the economic crisis of 2007 it is clear that the role of the financial services sector has become a critical part of all of our lives. The prosperity, health and future of a nation and its people are inextricably linked to the role these companies play in the world economy. Arguably the financial services sector has the greatest ability to direct change for good. Having control of huge amounts of money can drive investment into emerging economies to help develop nations, support the implementation of green energy to prevent further climate change or force companies to act responsibly by withholding funds.  

RiF was created more than 12 years ago and has an amazing team of 30 staff currently and an expanding set of more than 60 loyal clients, many of whom we’ve worked with since our launch, who rely and trust the insights we produce to make important strategic decisions about their businesses. We are much more than just a global consultancy and research agency as we also manage high value panels of global professional and private investors. This means we have unique access to some very “hard to reach” study participants. Our market and client requirements are changing all the time, often in response to changes in regulation, and as a result we have created a fast-moving and responsive team, and where possible, a tech driven response, in order to ensure we continue to be top of mind for our clients and all of their research needs. 

Our company culture is about delivering exceptional products that delight and inspire our clients.  

We don’t adhere to dated corporate practices of tiered management structures and inflexible working hours. Each employee has a “voice” in the company and an integral part of the direction of the business. We also, like to give everyone the space, time and support to deliver outstanding work as we understand that the work we do requires space and time to think! 

We offer a range of benefits including:  

• Pension scheme with 4% contribution by employer 

• Flexible working arrangement as agreed with Chief Operating Officer. Expectation is currently to be in the office full time during training period and minimum two times per week thereafter, in addition to ad hoc client requests for face-to-face meetings 

• Ongoing external and internal training where appropriate  

• One day corporate volunteering to give back to the community 

• 25 days’ holiday (excluding bank holidays) 

• High-end central London office with showers, bike racks, 24-hour access, free quality teas and coffee 

• Company laptop, and budget for home office development 

• Bike to work scheme 

• Christmas and summer party 

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.