Head of Research / Research Director

Role Description

The Head of Research / Research Director is responsible for leading the research function, providing strategic direction, and ensuring that research initiatives deliver actionable insights that support organizational goals. This role oversees the design, execution, and analysis of research projects across multiple domains, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, data-driven outputs that inform business strategy, investment decisions, and operational planning. The Head of Research / Research Director sets the vision for the research team, manages resources, and ensures alignment with organizational priorities.

Core responsibilities include defining research strategies, establishing methodologies, and overseeing the development of analytical frameworks to support decision-making. The role involves supervising research projects from conception through execution, ensuring accuracy, relevance, and timely delivery of findings. The Head of Research / Research Director evaluates market trends, industry dynamics, and competitive landscapes, providing actionable recommendations that drive organizational growth and performance.

Additional responsibilities include managing a team of research analysts, fostering professional development, and ensuring the team applies best practices in data collection, analysis, and reporting. The role involves collaborating with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders to integrate research insights into strategic initiatives, product development, and investment evaluations. The Head of Research / Research Director also ensures the effective communication of research results through reports, presentations, and dashboards that facilitate informed decision-making.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep analytical expertise. The Head of Research / Research Director must demonstrate the ability to manage complex research programs, influence stakeholders, and maintain high standards of data integrity and methodological rigor. Effective communication, problem-solving, and project management skills are critical to delivering research outputs that create tangible business impact.

Through strategic oversight, analytical leadership, and effective team management, the Head of Research / Research Director plays a vital role in advancing the organization’s knowledge base, supporting strategic planning, and ensuring that research drives informed decision-making and long-term organizational success.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in research management, strategy development, and analytical leadership
• Strong leadership abilities with experience managing research teams
• Expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and reporting techniques
• Ability to develop research strategies that align with organizational goals
• Skilled in translating complex research findings into actionable insights
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities
• Experience overseeing multiple research projects, ensuring quality and timeliness
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with a strategic focus