Associate Director Operations
London – UK Operations
Reports to: Operations Director
Overview
At Research Clever, we're on a mission to transform market research into a seamless, friction-free experience, removing roadblocks, solving challenges fast, and delivering results that are accurate, efficient, and high-value.
As Associate Director Operations, you will play a key role in leading day-to-day operations, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards while building a strong, high-performing team.
You will oversee complex, multi-market research projects while supporting the development of processes, people, and client relationships. Working closely with the Operations Director, you will help shape how we scale the business while maintaining our commitment to delivering high quality work and exceptional client experience.
This is a senior client-facing role where you will work closely with both clients and internal teams, ensuring delivery is smooth, transparent, and consistently high quality.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Project Management & Delivery
* Oversee the delivery of research projects from initial brief through to final output, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at every stage.
* Support teams on complex and high-value projects, acting as a point of escalation where needed.
* Partner with survey programmers and data processors to ensure projects run on time, on budget, and to specification.
* Translate client requirements into clear and actionable technical briefs for internal teams.
* Monitor project progress, identify risks early, and ensure issues are resolved quickly and effectively.
* Drive high standards of quality across fieldwork, data delivery, and overall project execution.
Commercial Impact
* Maintain oversight of project budgets, ensuring delivery is both efficient and commercially sound.
* Support proposal development by contributing to timelines, feasibility, and cost estimates.
* Identify opportunities to improve margins, efficiency, and overall project performance.
* Contribute to client retention and growth by ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality work.
Collaboration & Culture
* Lead, mentor, and support Project Managers and Executives, helping them develop and succeed.
* Build strong relationships with colleagues across operations, commercial, and technical teams.
* Create a collaborative environment that encourages accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
* Live and promote Research Clever's values in every interaction.
Client Engagement & Delivery
* Build strong, trusted relationships with clients through clear and professional communication.
* Act as a senior point of contact for clients on key projects.
* Ensure clients receive regular updates, clear timelines, and transparent communication throughout project delivery.
* Take a consultative approach, providing guidance and recommendations to improve outcomes.
Professional Growth & Brand Influence
* Continue to build expertise in global quantitative research operations.
* Confidently engage with clients, suppliers, and internal teams across markets and time zones.
* Support the growth of Research Clever by contributing ideas, improving processes, and strengthening delivery standards.
* Represent the company in a professional and credible way in all interactions.
About You
You're an experienced operations professional within market research, with a strong background in project delivery and team leadership. You're confident managing complex projects, working directly with clients, and leading teams in a fast-paced environment. You're proactive, organised, and focused on delivering high-quality results while continuously improving how things are done.
Skills & Experience
* Strong experience in market research operations or project management within an agency environment.
* Proven experience managing complex, multi-country research projects.
* Experience leading or mentoring teams.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and project performance.
* Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
* Experience working with global teams and across time zones.
Key Performance Indicators
* Success in this role will be measured through the following:
* Delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to agreed quality standards.
* High levels of client satisfaction through consistent, professional communication and delivery.
* Strong project oversight with clear visibility of timelines, risks, and progress.
* Effective team leadership, including development and performance of Project Managers and Executives.
* Contribution to commercial performance through efficient delivery, cost control, and client retention.
Our Values
At Research Clever, how we work is just as important as what we deliver. We are guided by the following values:
* Agility - We respond quickly, adapt to change, and keep projects moving forward.
* Value - We focus on delivering the right balance of quality, speed, and cost for our clients.
* Strong Communication - We communicate clearly, proactively, and professionally with clients and colleagues.
* Premium Service - We take pride in delivering a consistently high standard of work and client experience.
* Consultative Approach - We act as trusted advisors, offering guidance and solutions that add value.
* Teamwork - We collaborate closely across teams and markets to achieve the best outcomes.
Why Join Research Clever
* Be part of a fast-growing agency with a clear mission to make research easier, faster, and more impactful.
* Work closely with senior leadership and play a key role in shaping how the business scales.
* Lead and develop a high-performing operations team.
* Gain exposure to a wide range of global research projects and clients.
* Join a collaborative culture where your ideas are valued, and your growth is a priority.
* We offer a hybrid working model with 2 days of remote work and 3 days in our office, supporting a balanced and collaborative work environment.