Savanta is seeking a Senior Director to join our Public team, playing a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering outstanding client service, and building a high‑performing team.
Savanta is a data, market research and advisory company with teams in the UK, Americas, and APAC. Working with high-profile organizations and some of the world’s best-known brands, we Inform & Inspire our clients to Make Better Decisions through powerful data, empowering technology and high-impact consulting.
Savanta is on a bold journey transforming from a traditional market research firm into a tech-first, insights-driven leader.
About the Role
The Public Team’s clients include government, public bodies, charities, higher education institutions, think tanks, and political parties - and our research is often in the public eye.
As Senior Director, you will
Be a senior leader within the Public team, supporting key targets and fostering a culture of excellence.
Drive revenue growth, manage client accounts, and ensure the highest standards in project delivery.
Mentor mid-junior team members, championing efficiency, innovation, and profitability.
Lead the design and delivery of quantitative and qualitative research projects using diverse methods.
Advise clients on strategy, ensuring insights are actionable and commercially relevant.
Champion digital and tech-enabled approaches, mentoring the team to uphold best practices.
About You
As well as a strong expertise in the application of research methodologies, success in this role will require solid analytical skills and a strong knowledge of the education and charity sectors.
To fulfil the delivering of high-quality end-to-end primary research projects while being a trusted advisor to clients, the ideal candidate should also have solid expertise in a research capacity and demonstrate a track record of :
Strong experience in research methodologies and analytics (quant & qual).
Deep knowledge of the charity and education sectors, including work with education providers.
Commercial mindset with a track record of developing proposals and innovative solutions to client briefs.
Ability to design research materials and approaches tailored to diverse client needs.
Identify new opportunities and revenue streams, leveraging technology for sustainable partnerships.
Excellent client relationship management, able to articulate and present insights clearly.
Experience mentoring and developing junior colleagues.
Confidence to challenge established practices and champion technology adoption.
Natural curiosity and appetite for continuous learning, strong organisational skills; experience mentoring juniors.
Experience with AI-driven research or tools is beneficial but not essential .
You will thrive in working in a fast-paced environment, being able to work autonomously whilst also providing support and leadership for others in the team.
And in return, Savanta offers
Unlimited annual leave
Ongoing Training & Development
Team & Company Socials
Committees for Health & Well Being, Charities & Volunteering and DE&I
Why Join Us
With offices in the US, Canada, India and the UK, over 500 staff globally, and ambitious growth plans, Savanta offers the benefits of scale, whilst our specialists with their deep expertise and nimble teams, make life at Savanta feel more like working at a ‘boutique’ agency.
Our client portfolio includes some of the world’s most recognisable and valuable brands such as Google, Meta, Pandora, Vodafone, Samsung, Heineken, LEGO, Aston Martin, Unilever, and the Cabinet Office.
The company was founded on the belief that tech should be integral to its success, and this culture of tech innovation makes us best placed to put Savanta at the heart of our clients’ businesses offering solutions before they even know the problem.
Part of the vibrant Next 15 Communications Group, we have an entrepreneurial and inclusive company culture that actively recognises and values its people and offers unrivalled scope for career development, including mentoring, coaching as well as extensive training programs.
Savanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and continuously strives to be an employer of choice. Our people are our greatest asset - we value workplace diversity and inclusion, oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination, and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
All candidates will be considered equally, however, unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.
We encourage authentic responses to demonstrate your experience and approach, rather than relying on Generative Al tools to write your cover letter or any questions in the application process. We may use Al Decoders as part of the review process and if answers match to a high extent that may be factored into the review.
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