Description

At Diffley Partnership, we help organisations understand people better. From public services and public policy to charities, membership organisations, regulators, higher education institutions and commercial clients, our work tackles some of the most important questions facing Scotland and the UK today.  
We provide rigorous evidence, insightful analysis and clear strategic advice that helps our clients make better decisions and create meaningful change. 
This is a chance to join one of Scotland's leading research and insight consultancies at an exciting point in business development as Research Manager.  Our Research Manager will report to our Head of Research and Development. You will not have line management responsibility, but you will delegate and supervise project work of our fantastic team of Researchers and Research Assistants. 

A role with real influence 
This is a pivotal role within the organisation. You'll lead and deliver high-quality research projects that shape decision-making for a diverse range of clients, while helping to develop our people, strengthen client relationships and contribute to the future growth of the business. 
You'll have the opportunity to manage projects from proposal through to final deliverables, working across a broad mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. No two projects are the same, and that's exactly what makes this role so rewarding. 
You'll work on projects that matter, for clients that value evidence and insight, alongside colleagues who are passionate about producing outstanding research. Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to shape your own future while helping to shape ours. 

Why join Diffley Partnership? 
We're proud of the breadth and significance of our work. 
Our clients come to us with complex challenges because they trust our research expertise, strategic thinking and ability to uncover meaningful insights. The successful candidate will have the chance to work across a diverse portfolio spanning public policy, social research, service evaluation, stakeholder engagement and behavioural insight. 
This is a role for someone who enjoys intellectual variety, thrives on solving complex problems and is motivated by the opportunity to see their work make a tangible difference. 
You'll be trusted with significant responsibility, supported by experienced colleagues, and given the space to develop your own ideas, specialisms and career ambitions. 

Instructions for applications 
If you're looking for a role where you can lead meaningful work, work with a wide variety of clients and challenges, and continue developing as a researcher and consultant, we'd love to hear from you.

As we are an SME we have designed a clear process for this recruitment. Please check your junk mail box throughout the process. If you have not heard back from Diffley Partnership by end of September 2026 please assume your application has not been successful. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot give feedback to unsuccessful applicants.  

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to the email address provided to SRA. 
Please submit 2 application documents: 

1. Your up to date CV- please include your email and contact phone number
2. A cover letter explaining why you are interested in applying and how you bring the aptitudes and criteria we are seeking (see job requirements below). 

For both files please include your Last name at the start of the file name.  

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis every few working days.  
If selected from this review, we will email you to arrange a screening call with a senior member of our team for a mutually convenient date and time. This call would be a maximum of 30 minutes via MS Teams to understand your motivations, experience level, expectations and availability. 

For candidates shortlisted after this screening call we will provide more information on the pay, employee benefits and the next stage of the recruitment- a panel interview. We will make arrangements with these candidates for interview.  

Requirements

What you'll do 

This role is largely based in our office in central Edinburgh. 

Key Responsibilities are as follows: 

1. Lead a portfolio of high-profile research projects involving mixed methods for a diverse range of clients.  
2. Assist in allocating projects to more junior colleagues.    
3. Manage delivery and quality of research administration tasks for allocated projects.
4. Manage and review data and statistical analysis and data visualisation.
5. Manage and review qualitative research.
6. Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
7. Plan, co-ordinate and prepare research outputs including written reports, visualisations and presentations.
8. Proactively create new work opportunities, including contributing to formal tenders.  
9. Implement, review, and improve new research service and product ideas.
10. Support professional development needs of research team and onboarding of new staff.  
11. Support development, review and improvement of policies and processes. 
     
    All employees cover for each other during planned and unplanned absence. In such cases you will be assigned tasks outside the normal scope of your role. 

What we're looking for 
From all our research staff we expect these aptitudes: 

• Highly motivated to develop skills.
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Highly analytical and numerate.
• Verbal communication skills.
• Written communication skills.  
• Software skills for analysis and visualisation.    
• Able to work to tight deadlines.
• Working well within a team and on own initiative.
• Organised and logical approach to work tasks.
• Positive and proactive approach to role responsibilities. 

It is essential that you bring for this role: 

• Minimum 7 years work experience in a research setting
• Proven project management of research projects 
• Expertise in quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research
• Experience delivering high-quality work- including design, delivery and communication of findings  
• Aptitude to manage a portfolio of projects simultaneously
• Aptitude to communicate proactively and productively with a range of clients
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to support development of more junior researchers 
• Curiosity, initiative and a passion for understanding people and society 

It is desirable that you bring for this role: 

• Experience of bid writing
• Client-facing research experience
• Communicating research findings via press or broadcasting
• Implementation of business improvement and innovations