Associate Director

Griffin Fire
London
1 week ago
Create job alert

We have a fantastic opportunity for an Associate Director to join our talented and growing Public Affairs research team. We work with public bodies, charities, not-for-profit organisations, think-tanks, universities and the media to help understand the key societal issues and public service challenges of the day.

We are experts in behavioural change, communication, consultation and participation, policy and strategy, reputation, user experience and public opinion. The role is primarily quantitative based, but qualitative research skills are welcome too.

Ideally, you’ll have proven experience working in a market research agency, with clients in the public and not-for-profit sectors or have worked client-side in these areas and have a strong knowledge of these sectors.

We offer Hybrid working, which for us is a blend of working remotely and in either our London or Winchester office. It’s all about choosing the best place to be for you, your team, and the business on any given working day.

If you have a hunger to better understand people and a desire to help brands help us all, get in touch.

In this role you will get to:

  • Work with a variety of clients, taking a leading role as appropriate, ensuring high levels of client satisfaction and exploring opportunities to expand the relationship.
  • Generate compelling project proposals by thinking beyond the obvious.
  • Efficiently and creatively plan and manage quantitative research projects.
  • Manage studies, with the autonomy to leverage your research knowledge and skills with access to industry-leading research methodologies, tools, techniques, and proprietary thinking.
  • Work with the Qual team on mixed methodology projects
  • Collaborate with our neuro, behavioural and data science teams to integrate deeper human understanding.
  • Craft engaging presentations, write commercially focused conclusions and recommendations, and present findings confidently.
  • Collaborate effectively, demonstrating an inclusive and professional approach when working with colleagues, clients, and suppliers throughout projects.
  • Supervise and support the development of junior researchers through regular feedback; where applicable, provide line management and conduct performance appraisals.
  • Learn about the role of neuroscience and behavioural science within research and receive support in applying these techniques.

Who will you be?

  • An agency or client-side experienced Research Manager looking for your next career step or a new Associate Director looking for a new challenge.
  • You’ll have a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience with various project types, research techniques and methodologies and be comfortable working in various industries.
  • Naturally inquisitive and interested in understanding human behaviour and customers in a variety of industries.
  • Excellent project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
  • An effective communicator, both verbal and written, with solid numerical and analytical abilities.
  • A creative mindset and desire to transform findings into compelling stories.
  • Adaptable, self-reliant, motivated and eager to learn from new challenges.
  • A problem solver: you’ll approach challenges creatively and strive to find solutions.

What’s in it for you?

Our people are key to our success. Human understanding is what we do, both in terms of understanding people but also understanding our people. Whether this is investing in training and development, improving staff benefits or funding a really great day out, people are the heart and soul of everything we do.

You’ll enjoy:

  • Flexible hybrid working
  • 25 Days’ Holiday pa
  • Flexible Bank Holidays + Christmas closure.
  • Additional Holiday purchase scheme.
  • Contributory Pension Scheme.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Healthcare Cashback Plan (Incl. Employee Assistance Programme).
  • Travel loan and Cycle to work schemes.

Need a flavour of what to expect as part of our team, visit out Instagram channel @WalnutUnlimited to see what we’re up to…

Why join Walnut Unlimited?

As a Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for, we help brands connect with people, by understanding people. We believe that interpreting human behaviour is as much an art as it is a science. Walnut uses market research techniques to understand what we think, how we feel and, most importantly, why.

Blending neuroscience, behavioural science and data science, we uncover the truth behind our human experiences.

We value:

Respect – Respect for self, for each other and the work that we do.

Spark – Demonstrate spark-y, charismatic, positive & energetic behaviour.

Courage – Brave and bold. Prepared to stretch self and boundaries.

Collaboration – Partnership with colleagues, suppliers and clients to achieve the best outcome.

Evolution – Evolve with the times, market trends, staff, clients and consumers.

Integrity – Always doing what’s best for the project, honest and transparent.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.

As an equal opportunities workplace, we have a commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, socio-economic status, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, neuro divergence, disability, gender, gender identity or expression. Whether you’re just getting your foot in the door, or you are an experienced employee whose life circumstances are shifting, we are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the world we want to live in and are therefore flexible to accommodate each individual's needs as best as we can.

By submitting your CV, you consent to our Privacy Policy which can be seen in full at https://www.walnutunlimited.com/gdpr-candidate-privacy-notice-uk/ If you would prefer us not to store your details or contact you please let us know.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Associate Director Consulting

Associate Director

Principal Data Engineer

MAC, PC & AV Support, OSx, 3D, Adobe; Old St, London

Agency Partner

Technology Risk Assurance - Manager - Controls

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Global vs. Local: Comparing the UK AI Job Market to International Landscapes

How to navigate salaries, opportunities, and work culture in AI across the UK, the US, Europe, and Asia Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche field of research to an integral component of modern industries—powering everything from chatbots and driverless cars to sophisticated data analytics in finance and healthcare. The job market for AI professionals is consequently booming, with thousands of new positions posted each month worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore how the UK’s AI job market compares to that of the United States, Europe, and Asia, delving into differences in job demand, salaries, and workplace culture. Additionally, we will provide insights for candidates considering remote or international opportunities. Whether you are a freshly qualified graduate in data science, an experienced machine learning engineer, or a professional from a parallel domain looking to transition into AI, understanding the global vs. local landscape can help you make an informed decision about your career trajectory. As the demand for artificial intelligence skills grows—and borders become more porous with hybrid and remote work—the possibilities for ambitious job-seekers are expanding exponentially. This article will offer a comprehensive look at the various regional markets, exploring how the UK fares in comparison to other major AI hubs. We’ll also suggest factors to consider when choosing where in the world to work, whether physically or remotely. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the AI employment landscape, and you’ll be better prepared to carve out your own path.

AI Leadership for Managers: How to Motivate, Mentor, and Set Realistic Goals for Data-Driven Teams

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes ever more integral to modern business, the need for skilled leadership in AI-intensive projects has skyrocketed. Whether an organisation is building a sophisticated recommendation system, streamlining internal operations, or breaking new ground in automated decision-making, AI leaders hold the key to successful implementation. They bridge the gap between deep technical knowledge and broader business objectives, ensuring that data-driven initiatives meet real-world needs and deliver tangible value. This comprehensive guide is designed for managers and aspiring leaders aiming to excel in AI-driven environments. By exploring how to motivate and mentor AI professionals, set achievable goals, and foster a high-performance culture, you will gain valuable insights into what it takes to lead teams in a sphere defined by rapid innovation, complex challenges, and vast opportunities.

10 Best AI Books for UK Job Seekers: Boost Your Artificial Intelligence Career in 2025

The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing at a phenomenal pace, and the demand for skilled professionals in the UK job market—and globally—has never been higher. Whether you’re a newcomer looking to break into the industry or a seasoned professional wanting to future-proof your skill set, reading the right books can make all the difference. From foundational texts that build core understanding to more advanced works diving into cutting-edge technologies, these resources will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to succeed in AI-related roles. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll explore ten must-read books for job seekers eager to stand out in a competitive AI recruitment landscape. We’ll examine what each book brings to the table, how it can help you refine both your theoretical and practical skills, and why it’s relevant to your career development. By the end, you’ll have a reading list guaranteed to strengthen your CV and your capabilities, giving you a competitive edge as you carve out a successful AI career.