Senior Research & Impact Manager (Maternity Cover)

The Design Council’s world-leading research into the value of design shapes national policy, supports industry-led change, and builds public awareness of design. With our Design for Planet mission, we are at the forefront of researching and communicating the social, environmental, and economic value of design.

Within the Research function of this role (80%), you will manage our flagship national research programme Design Economy. You will oversee major research projects commissioned through external organisations and academic partners and deliver some in-house research. Working with colleagues across the organisation – from Policy and Advocacy, to Partnerships, and Communications, you will help translate new findings into accessible and compelling narratives and recommendations.

Within the Impact function of this role (20%), you will strategically oversee the continuous development and roll-out of  the Design Council’s collective impact framework. You will advise colleagues on how to measure the impact of their programmes and ensure that our framework is used across our work.

About the role

Research

• Plan and manage the delivery of Design Economy, including our trusted foundational research outputs as well as thematic satellite projects as and when opportunities for these arise.
• Support delivery of Design Economy-related research projects (e.g. EU Horizon project) managed by other colleagues as and when these take shape.
• Commission and manage third parties to deliver research and evaluation work, providing quality assurance, and adhering to project timelines and budgets.
• Work closely with external partners and stakeholders on the delivery of joint projects and publications. This includes keeping informed the Design Economy Advisory Network and managing its (at least) bi-annual meetings.
• Work closely with colleagues internally to plan and deliver Design Economy-related events.
• Manage the production and delivery of research publications and digital content for a range of audiences.
• Deliver in-house research where appropriate using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Help identify and develop policy recommendations and future research avenues based on our findings and in line with our strategic priorities.
• Work closely with Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager to link research to policy and advocacy strategy.

Impact  

• Identify and help roll out metrics and assessment methods to capture the organisation’s collective impact.
• Provide strategic advice to colleagues on measuring impact of large-scale projects which includes managing relationships with external M&E experts.
• Develop and maintain organisational standards for impact data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Influence

• Actively contribute to internal and external forums on research and evaluation (e.g., present at company meetings, publish thought leadership pieces).
• Stay up to date with creative industry focused networks and trends, representing the Design Council at external events, hosting partner meetings and visits as appropriate.

Support business development and other responsibilities

• Act as the organisation’s subject expert on research and evaluation, including leading learning sessions for colleagues as appropriate.
• Support the Senior Management Team and Partnerships lead to develop new programmes of work, partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Line-manage the Research and Policy Coordinator, supporting their development and workload across the Programmes and Communications teams.

About you

Experience

• Extensive experience of managing major programmes of research and evaluation (with budgets of £100,000+ preferred).
• Excellent knowledge and application of research design, data quality standards, and research ethics, and adhering to best practice with regards to these.
• Proven ability to develop impactful public-facing reports and other publications, creating compelling narratives supported by rigorous evidence for different audiences.
• Experience of managing and supporting others (e.g., in defining research questions or evaluation approaches).
• Demonstrable understanding of research trends, challenges and opportunities, within the creative industries or similar sector, and their connection to policy, innovation and impact.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a demonstrable ability to present insights in an accessible way.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to establish and maintain strong external partnerships.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively, build creative consensus, and consult others across the organisation. 
• Excellent analytical and numerical skills, with demonstrable experience of using a range of methodologies.
• Good IT skills, an advanced user of all Microsoft Platforms. 
• Knowledge and understanding of research software such as SPSS and NVIVO or similar preferred.
• Experience in securing funding and generating income, with commercial awareness and the ability to identify new opportunities for growth desirable.
• Strong financial and budget management skills, with the ability to develop accurate forecasts, manage project budgets independently, and adapt to changing funding levels. Able to identify opportunities for cost savings and to maximise impact within available resources.

Expert Knowledge and Qualifications

• Academic or professional qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences, economics), or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrable in-depth understanding of quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methodologies.

Behaviours based on our values

• Boundless Curiosity. Curious about relevant research and opportunities within the design environment.
• Inspire Possibility. Passionate about creating change through research and impact that enables design to have positive impact on people and planet.
• Powerful Together. Inclusive, collaborative, and supportive of others across the organisation.

Corporate responsibilities

Comply with the Design Council’s operational policies and procedures, including financial and risk management, project management and evaluation processes, brand guidelines, GDPR, information security, and internal health and safety policy.

 

Please submit all applications by 28 November 2025.

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