Insights & Strategy Director - Maternity Cover

Join to apply for the Insights & Strategy Director - Maternity Cover role at Hamilton Watts Migration Services (now NEWLAND CHASE)

Overview

This temporary position offers a unique opportunity to lead within the Insights and Strategy team during a period of maternity leave. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, champion innovative approaches, and ensure the continued delivery of high‑quality strategic insights to clients. You will lead across both quantitative and qualitative research disciplines, act as the strategic advisor to clients, mentor the team, and contribute to winning new business and shaping commercial strategy.

Location: Leeds Hybrid (2 days in office: Monday & Thursday)

Employment Type: 9-month fixed term

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

About Spark / Audience Collective

Spark is part of Audience Collective, a group of specialist agencies connected by a belief that different perspectives create better outcomes. We bring deep expertise, cross-agency collaboration, and a big‑picture view to every project. We value curiosity, development, and a collaborative culture. Established in 2007, Spark has grown from a boutique qualitative agency into a full‑service research agency offering qualitative and quantitative methodologies and innovative products to deliver human insights that inform brand growth.

Our mission is to empower confident decision‑making through human‑centric thinking and uncover Human Truths by exploring the whole human experience.

The Role

This temporary role is a leadership position covering maternity leave. You will:

• Lead end‑to‑end quantitative and qualitative research projects across sectors and methodologies
• Ensure methodological rigour, storytelling excellence, and actionable insights
• Stay ahead of industry trends and champion innovation in research approaches

You will be the strategic brain behind complex projects, trusted advisor to clients, and a guiding force for the research team. You will also participate in pitching and winning new work, shaping commercial strategy, and elevating the agency’s reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Leadership: Design and lead end‑to‑end quantitative and qualitative research projects across sectors and methodologies
• Client Impact: Build consultative client relationships, present findings clearly and confidently, identify opportunities to add value and grow accounts
• Business Development: Write persuasive proposals, lead pitch teams, represent the agency at industry events
• Team Development: Mentor researchers, lead internal training, provide constructive feedback for professional growth
• Strategic Communication: Create debriefs that tell compelling stories and translate findings for diverse audiences

KPIs & Success Metrics

• Strategic Delivery: Quality and impact of insights on flagship projects
• Client Satisfaction: Client feedback scores and retention
• Business Growth: Revenue from new business, proposal win rate
• Team Development: Progression and performance of direct reports
• Thought Leadership: External contributions (events, publications, webinars)
• Innovation & IP: Development of new methodologies or tools

What Were Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership of both quantitative and qualitative research (surveys, segmentation, analytics; depth interviews, ethnography, workshops)
• Strong communication and presentation skills; ability to inspire teams and impress clients
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of winning work
• Experience mentoring junior researchers
• Strategic mindset with a passion for storytelling and insight‑driven thinking

Desirable Traits

• Curious, eager to learn and share knowledge
• Energetic, confident, collaborative, and adaptable to fast‑paced environments
• Strong writing ability for proposals, debriefs, or thought leadership
• Professionally informal personal impact style

What We Offer

• Vibrant, supportive team culture that values creativity and collaboration
• Opportunity to shape the future of research and influence client strategy
• Competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development support

Note: This description is based on the candidate–facing job details and public posting information. Referrals may increase interview opportunities.