Head of Social Research

Location: Newcastle or Dundee

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious consultant to lead and grow our portfolio of social research projects.

This is a unique opportunity for someone with the entrepreneurial drive to develop an important area in our growing business.

Urban Foresight is pioneering a different approach. Our aim is to provide a better alternative to traditional consultancies. This is built on three core principles:

• Impact - we’re a purpose-driven business that strives to improve lives, protect the environment, and create new economic opportunities
• Innovation - there’s an art to making good things happen. We excel at turning good ideas into great projects
• Place - we work hard to understand the dynamics of places and institutions to give practical recommendations that help our clients succeed.

This permanent role will be based in one of our offices (Newcastle or Dundee). Other locations may be considered for outstanding candidates.

You should apply if you are:

• excited to be involved in cutting-edge projects that make a genuine difference in the world
• motivated to take a leading role in a growing business
• enjoy sharing your knowledge and working with passionate people.

The role

You will lead a talented team of consultants to win and deliver work for public, private, and third sector clients.

This includes high-quality research and evaluation projects, insightful strategies, and providing expert advice to our diverse client base.

As part of this role, you will:

• develop and implement a strategy to secure a profitable pipeline of contracts and grow our market position
• take responsibility for managing the financial performance, quality of work, and contractual liabilities for our social research group
• be responsible for the appraisal, performance, development, morale, and motivation of staff
• take a hands-on role in the development of high-quality proposals, reports, and presentations
• be a valuable member of Urban Foresight’s senior leadership team.

Skills and experience

You will possess a deep understanding of project-based consultancy in social research, analysis, and strategy.

The ideal candidate would have:

• advanced degree in a relevant subject
• 10+ years of relevant sector experience
• extensive experience as a project director and senior project manager
• experience of leading consultancy teams to win and deliver a portfolio of multiple parallel projects
• experience of managing resources, budgets, and contracts
• a track record of successful business development and generating sustainable revenue streams
• proven leadership and people management skills
• excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• an established network of clients to support your revenue generation efforts.

About Urban Foresight

Urban Foresight is a forward-thinking consultancy. We are a purpose-driven business that works with ambitious clients around the world on projects to improve lives, protect the environment, and create new economic opportunities.

Our success is based on a multi-disciplinary team with shared values and diverse expertise across a range of sectors. We think deeply about how to turn good ideas into great projects that can have a lasting and transformational impact.

We have built a strong track-record in social research, evaluations, and strategy projects, with a talented and growing team.

The ideal candidate will be excited about what we do and keen to contribute to our mission to make good things happen.

How to apply

Applications should be made in the form of a full CV and covering letter sent to: people@urbanforesight.org by 16th October 2024.

Please indicate in your covering letter your salary expectations and notice period.

Urban Foresight strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.