Director - Social Market Research

Around the world, SYSTRA’s specialists plan, design, integrate, test, commission, project manage and deliver mass transit and mobility solutions that are relied on by more than 50 million people every day.

For more than 60 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and regions contribute to their development by creating, improving and modernising their transport infrastructure with sustainability, accessibility and innovation at the heart of our designs. With over 9,600 colleagues globally and around 1000 in the UK & Ireland we are growing significantly and seeking out the very best talent to join the SYSTRA signature team and be part of leading the way in infrastructure design.

Systra are currently seeking a Director for our Social and Market Research team in our Woking office.  

This is a full time role, however part time can be considered. Systra offers hybrid working and we can be flexible with the location for the role.

The successful candidate will get involved in all aspects of the research process, from research design, writing bids and budgeting, to overseeing survey design, fieldwork management, data analysis and report writing.

They will be required to Project Direct research jobs, specify the work requirements, support the project manager and build/foster client relationships. They will need to ensure work is completed to quality, time and budget, and in line with industry standards, guidance and GDPR.  

Our projects vary greatly, working with many different clients across the transport, water and environment industries to better understand public and stakeholder views, and better understand issues relating to the environment and sustainability, accessibility and behaviour change. We are particularly interested in those with expertise in evaluation.

Depending on the candidate, the role will also require a focus on one or more of the following: marketing at conferences and events and/or direct to new and existing clients; training and mentoring of more junior staff in a particular technical or subject area.   

Qualifications:

• Minimum 2:1 Bachelors degree in relevant subject (e.g. social research methods, psychology, geography, mathematics, statistics).
   
• Membership/certification of a relevant professional body desirable (e.g. MRS/SRA).

Experience and Skills:

• Skilled in social and market research.
  Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, including: undertaking depth interviews; focus groups; public and stakeholder engagement/workshops/consultations; qualitative analysis and reporting; designing, analysing and reporting on quantitative surveys.
• Strong numerical and data analysis skills.
• Strong communicator (both verbal and written).
• Experienced project director, within a client facing role.  
• Skilled in proposal writing/bid preparation.
• A demonstrable interest in the transport industry or experience in environmental/sustainability/energy/utilities research preferable.  

Why SYSTRA?

Our three core values: Excellence, Connected Teams and Bold Leadership are kept at the heart of everything we do. We strive for the highest levels of technical excellence, achieving the best results through teamwork, both locally and internationally, and reward innovative thinking through encouraging all colleagues to think as leaders. We offer clear and well supported pathways for career development and qualification attainment, a competitive remuneration package including a bonus and private healthcare, an electric car scheme and a broad suite of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

Flexibility
Because we value who you are as much as what you do, we want you to feel supported at work. We offer hybrid working, balancing the benefits of working from home with time in our modern, well-equipped offices for that crucial in-person contact, team development and collaborative working. We also recognise that life doesn’t always run to the same schedule for everyone, so we have a dedicated flexible working policy to support you in tailoring your work life to reach your full potential, for more details on this, please get in touch.

Diversity & Inclusion

We provide a warm welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people who can enrich our company and offer perspectives which will drive better solutions in a truly inclusive environment. Our employee led working groups and clearly defined strategy help us to keep at the leading edge of important issues and keep us accountable. We want our colleagues to feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work and continually seek new ideas and contributions to ensure we continue to grow and develop in this space.

Wellbeing

It’s no surprise that people do their best work when they feel physically and mentally supported. Our SYSTRA Wellness Programme offers a wide range of support; from Wellness champions, to free health checks, healthy eating workshops and regular seminars, alongside access to a wide range of external support. We offer two paid days for charity work and an ever-growing social calendar.

Apply and find out more about how Systra can support you in your career journey. If you require any adjustments or financial assistance to support you in your application or interview process please email:

reasonableadjustments@systra.com where your request will be treated confidentially and with respect. We pledge to offer an interview to any candidates with a disability who apply for a role and meet the minimum criteria.

As we are always looking to expand our team, we would still be interested in hearing from you if you fulfil most, but not all, of the relevant criteria for the role – you could still be just what we are looking for.