Summary:

This position is an important component of Essential’s Research team, itself the cornerstone of our integrated strategic communications practice. The Senior Research Consultant is required to undertake both quantitative and qualitative research projects, from research design through to data analysis and report writing stage. You will sit dynamically between our senior staff and assistants, taking ownership of small to medium scale research components with minimal support, while ensuring high quality mixed method design execution.

Responsibilities:

• Quantitative research: Take a lead in designing tailored, ad-hoc quantitative surveys and trackers. Run deep-dive analyses using tools like Displayr, Q, or SPSS, turning complex numbers into sharp, actionable insights that shape winning campaigns.
• Qualitative research: Steer the end-to-end delivery of high-impact in-depth interviews and live focus groups across both digital and face-to-face environments. Manage and moderate immersive online research spaces and text-based discussion boards
  (e.g., via Recollective) to capture rich, authentic feedback. Lead the qualitative data analysis phase, connecting the dots between participant conversations and big-picture strategy.
• Reporting: Turn complex mixed-methods research into engaging high-quality reports and visual presentations that directly shape high-stakes campaign strategies.
• Develop robust project management plans for new research projects to ensure timelines and budgets are strictly met.
• Coordinate field work companies, data partners, and recruitment agencies, troubleshooting project issues proactively.
• Organise and report project progress via work-in-progress (WIP) meetings for internal teams and clients.
• Liaise with clients throughout various project stages to manage expectations, answer methodology queries, and attend key client meetings.
• Collaborate with account managers and communications consultants to ensure quantitative and qualitative insights work fluidly together to support campaign strategies.
• Adhere strictly to quality standards, professional codes of conduct, and ethical/legislative frameworks in research delivery.
• Utilise document management and CRM accounting systems with due diligence.
• Assist senior team members in drafting tender documents,proposals, and developing case studies for business development.

Key selection criteria:

• Experience: At least 3 years of professional experience in a market and social research-related field, with a preference for a smaller consultancy environment.
• Mixed methods skills: Demonstrated experience supporting both quantitative methodologies (survey design, data analysis) and qualitative methodologies (focus group logistics, moderation, and analysis).
• Software proficiency: Strong hands-on experience using survey programming tools (e.g., Qualtrics) and analysis software (e.g.,Displayr, Q, SPSS or R). Prior experience using qualitative platforms (e.g. Recollective) is desirable.
• Communication: Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of drafting high-quality reports and visual PowerPoint presentations.
• Organisation: Exceptional organisational capabilities with the ability to track multiple projects concurrently and meet challenging deadlines. 
• Education: Tertiary qualification in disciplines related to social science (such as Politics, Sociology, or Psychology) or Communications preferred.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.