Research Director

London - Hybrid (remote first)

At Bolt Insight, we build research technology that gives FMCG and CPG brands faster, deeper, and more actionable consumer insight. Our platform combines AI-powered qualitative and quantitative research and we need a Research Director who can bring rigour, curiosity, and strong quantitative craft to everything we do.

This is a hands-on role with real client exposure. You'll lead projects end-to-end, mentor junior researchers, and help push the boundaries of what AI-assisted research can deliver. If you have a strong quant foundation, love translating data into compelling stories, and thrive in a fast-moving environment, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Lead projects end-to-end

• Own the full project lifecycle for global clients from methodology design and scoping through to fieldwork, analysis, and final reporting.

• Work closely with junior Research Executives, guiding their execution, output quality, and professional development.

• Ensure clear, proactive communication with all stakeholders, delivering strategic insights and actionable recommendations on time.

Own the client relationship

• Serve as the primary point of contact for your client portfolio, building trust and tailoring research solutions to their specific needs.

• Lead client calls, contribute to proposals, and follow through on every project commitment.

• Maintain strong ongoing relationships that drive repeat engagement and client satisfaction.

Deliver rigorous quantitative research

• Design and execute complex quantitative studies including MaxDiff, conjoint, regression, factor analysis, and segmentation independently and to a high standard.

• Work fluently in SPSS and Excel (advanced level), including chart production, cross-tabulation, and statistical reporting.

• Manage Quant AI (BoltQ) projects end-to-end: questionnaire design, logic setup, automated analysis, and report storytelling.

• Ensure all quant outputs are accurate, clearly structured, and meet client expectations for rigour and insight depth.

Craft strong research narratives

• Produce output decks that combine analytical clarity with compelling storytelling — findings that clients can act on, not just read.

• Translate complex quantitative outputs into clear strategic implications for non-technical audiences.

• Quality-assure AI-generated outputs and ensure all deliverables meet Bolt Insight's standards.

Drive innovation and process improvement

• Contribute to the development of BoltChatAI and BoltQ by gathering client feedback and identifying improvement opportunities.

• Collaborate with Product and Engineering teams to enhance AI-driven research capabilities.

• Develop and refine internal workflows to improve research efficiency and quality across the team.

Develop the team

• Mentor and train junior researchers in both traditional and AI-assisted methodologies.

• Foster a culture of learning, collaboration, and professional growth within the research team.

• Provide input on team expansion and recruitment where needed.

What We're Looking For

Strong quantitative foundation — You've independently delivered complex quant projects — MaxDiff, conjoint, regression, factor analysis, segmentation — and you're comfortable with SPSS and advanced Excel. This isn't a nice to have; it's the core of the role.

End-to-end project ownership — You take full responsibility for delivery, from brief to debrief, and you don't need to be chased to keep things moving.

Client-facing confidence — You're comfortable leading client calls and building relationships. You listen carefully, communicate clearly, and know when to push back constructively.

Storytelling through data — You can turn a MaxDiff output or a regression model into a clear, compelling narrative that actually influences decisions.

AI research curiosity — You're open to — ideally already experienced with — AI-powered research tools. You understand their value and their limits.

Team player and mentor — You enjoy bringing junior colleagues on, sharing what you know, and building team capability over time.

A note on quantitative depth

We'll explore your quant experience directly in the interview process — not to catch you out, but because it matters for this role. We're looking for someone who has genuinely delivered advanced techniques (MaxDiff, conjoint, segmentation) independently, not just observed them. If there are areas where you'd benefit from development, be upfront — we invest in our people and we'd rather know where we can help than find gaps later.

Why Work for Bolt Insight?

At Bolt Insight, we’re a vibrant and growing start-up mentality business with a passionate team that thrives on innovation and collaboration. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:

• Remote working and the flexibility to work in a nomadic way – Enjoy the best of both worlds, balancing work and life your way.

• Flexible working environment – We trust you to manage your time and work in a way that suits you best.

• Private Medical Insurance - Your health and well-being are important to us, and we’ve got you covered.

• Business referral bonus – If you know someone who’s a great fit for the team, we’ll reward you for it!

• Employee referral bonus – You get the chance to shape our team and be rewarded for bringing great people onboard.

• Virtual or local team gatherings – Whether online or in person, we love to connect and celebrate our successes together.

• In-house recognition awards – We celebrate our ‘lightning bolts’ (those who go above and beyond) and show our appreciation for hard work!

• Annual Bonus System – If the company meets its targets, you’ll receive a bonus payment of up to two months’ salary! We win together.

At Bolt, curiosity, creativity and passion matter most. If you’re excited about shaping the future of research and contributing to a culture built on innovation and collaboration, we’d love to hear from you.

Bolt Insight is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, diverse and professional workplace for all. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals, no matter their background or identity, feel valued and supported.

If you have specific requirements throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to a member of our HR team who will make the appropriate adjustments.

Apply today and join a dynamic, international team driving innovation across borders!