Head of Research & Policy
Location: London (2 days in the office and 3 at home)
Salary: £62-64k
Type: Full-time, Permanent
My client is seeking an experienced and strategically minded Head of Research & Policy to lead its research agenda, policy development, and thought leadership activity within the higher education and business school sector.
This is a senior leadership role for an articulate and influential professional with exceptional research, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping sector insight, informing policy positions, and delivering impactful research that supports advocacy and member engagement.
The role also includes responsibility for managing a high-profile international academic resource, overseeing key committees and taskforces, and leading the development of a Research Officer.
The Role:
The Head of Research & Policy will lead a portfolio of quantitative and qualitative research projects, providing market intelligence, sector analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations. The postholder will monitor government policy and sector trends, ensuring my client remains at the forefront of developments affecting higher education and business schools.
This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leaders, policymakers, academics, and external stakeholders, influencing conversations across the sector.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the organisation’s programme of published research for members, policymakers, stakeholders, and the media
- Analyse higher education datasets including HESA, NSS, and related sources to support reports and policy positions
- Design, deliver, and analyse sector surveys and research projects
- Produce benchmarking data and interactive reporting tools for member engagement
- Present research findings to senior audiences and external partners
- Monitor developments in UK government policy and the higher education landscape
- Contribute to policy development and advocacy strategies
- Draft responses to government consultations
- Engage with policymakers, government officials, and sector stakeholders
- Project manage the delivery and ongoing development of the Academic Journal Guide
- Collaborate with editors, methodologists, publishers, and leadership teams
- Oversee data preparation, quality assurance, and governance processes
- Coordinate committees, meetings, papers, and reporting
- Manage sector taskforces and committee activity
- Act as executive lead for research and international committees
- Support governance and stakeholder engagement activity
- Line manage and develop the Research Officer
- Work collaboratively with senior leadership across the organisation
Experience:
- Significant experience leading research, policy, or data analysis functions
- Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Experience producing high-quality research publications and policy outputs
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- The ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and policymakers
- Strong project management capabilities with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently
- Experience managing and developing staff
- Degree educated (or equivalent experience)
- A Master’s qualification is desirable
Desirable Experience:
- Knowledge of the UK higher education sector and policy landscape
- Experience working with HESA data or Heidi Plus
- Experience within an educational institution, membership body, consultancy, or government organisation
- Experience using Tableau and/or Power BI
- Experience supporting committees and governance processes
Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape research and policy within a respected and influential organisation operating at the heart of the higher education and business school sector. The role offers significant visibility, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and the chance to influence national conversations and sector strategy.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.