Higher Education Research Director

We're an award-winning social research agency, that helps organisations, businesses and individuals to make better informed decisions. We deliver best-in-class social research on topics that really matter, helping shape public policy and informing programmes and initiatives that make a difference to people's lives. Now is an exciting time to join us as we embrace new ways of working under a 4 day working week, supporting our team to help them build a work life balance that really works for them. The Opportunity We're looking for an experienced Higher Education insights, research or consultancy professional to join our team at Director level to help us build on our current success by further expanding the work we are building with universities and other sector bodies. We have a well-established Higher Education portfolio and a strong reputation across the sector, working with organisations such as Jisc, HESA, the Office for Students and the Department for Education. This is a highly visible role that combines relationship building, commercial impact and sector expertise. With a particular focus on growing our university client base, you will play a leading role in strengthening IFF's presence within Higher Education, identifying new opportunities, helping clients understand the value of insight and evidence and supporting the continued growth of our Higher Education offer. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you will help shape opportunities, build trusted client relationships and win work with new clients that ensures IFF continues to deliver high-quality research that addresses the sector's evolving needs. As a Higher Education expert within our team, you will:

• Support the growth of IFF's Higher Education portfolio by identifying and converting new opportunities across the sector.
• Act as an ambassador for IFF, helping clients understand how research, insight and evidence can support decision making and strategic priorities.
• Drive and shape proposal development, commercial discussions and work-winning.
• Help strengthen IFF's profile in the sector through networking, thought leadership and engagement with Higher Education stakeholders.
• Lead high-profile research projects that support universities, policymakers, and HE bodies and help shape studies that address the sector's key challenges.
• Work with colleagues to shape innovative research approaches and solutions that meet client needs.
• Support the development of our Higher Education offer, bringing insight into emerging sector priorities, challenges and opportunities. This role is particularly focused on helping grow our presence within Higher Education and expanding our client portfolio. About You We're looking for someone who combines an expert understanding of the Higher Education sector with a collaborative and commercially aware approach. Most importantly, with your understanding of the sector, you will have the ability to build relationships, spot opportunities, pitch for new business and contribute to business growth. You'll be confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, able to adapt your style to different audiences, whether speaking with marketing and student recruitment teams, institutional leaders, policy stakeholders or sector partners. You'll be naturally curious about the challenges facing universities and motivated by helping clients identify solutions through insight and evidence. You may currently be working within a research agency, consultancy or insights environment, or have built your expertise through a Higher Education-focused role with expertise in areas such as strategy, policy, student experience, communications, marketing, insight or research. Key areas of experience:
• Expert knowledge of the Higher Education sector, its priorities and key stakeholders.
• You must have experience within market research, insights, consultancy or a related professional services environment.
• A track record of developing client relationships, winning work with universities and other HE organisations and contributing to business growth.
• The ability to communicate complex issues clearly and confidently with diverse audiences.
• Leading proposals, bids or business development activity.
• An appreciation of both the strategic challenges facing universities and the role that insight can play in addressing them.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills. This is a senior role within a collaborative environment where you will work alongside other Directors across HE and the wider education team and contribute to the development of team members. Whether you're established at a senior level or ready to step up, we're interested in speaking with people who can combine sector credibility with commercial impact. Why join us?
• A friendly and supportive work environment, true to our value of “being human first”
• Genuine flexibility, with hybrid working, a 4 day week and the ability to flex when you work around our core hours of 11-3
• Learning culture, with ongoing investment in your personal development
• Competitive remuneration, including 12% pension contributions
• 28 days' annual leave (+ bank holidays), increasing by one day at 3 and 5 years' service
• PLUS a range of nice perks designed to bring the team together such as all team events and team lunches