Skills and Workforce Research Manager

Skills and Workforce Research Manager
Merrifield Consultants is delighted to be working with a respected professional membership body to recruit a Skills and Workforce Research Manager.

The organisation works to improve education and career pathways while helping science and technology sectors secure the skills they need. This newly focused role will strengthen its understanding of workforce trends, skills shortages and routes into education and employment.

Salary: £50,000 to £52,000
Contract: Permanent
Location: London
Working pattern: Hybrid
Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Management: One direct report

You will lead research and analysis, drawing together data and stakeholder insight to identify gaps, explain their significance and inform practical responses. A central part of the role will be turning complex evidence into clear reports, briefings and narratives that can influence policy, investment and collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the evidence base: Lead a programme of research into workforce needs, skills shortages, education pathways and the health of the wider skills system.
• Turn analysis into insight: Interpret quantitative and qualitative data, identify meaningful trends and communicate the findings clearly to specialist and general audiences.
• Shape the narrative: Produce credible research reports, briefings and other materials that explain complex workforce issues and support external influence.
• Identify practical responses: Use research and sector intelligence to explore policy solutions, investment priorities and opportunities for partnership.
• Build sector knowledge: Develop relationships with employers, education providers, skills bodies, members and other stakeholders to gather intelligence and test emerging findings.
• Support policy work: Collaborate with policy and public affairs colleagues to strengthen advocacy and develop clear, well supported calls for action.
• Manage delivery: Oversee a varied portfolio of projects, manage relevant budgets and support the work and development of a Project Officer.

Person profile
You will understand how education, training and employment pathways connect, and how data can be used to examine workforce and skills challenges. Knowledge of technical education, higher education or vocational routes would be particularly valuable.

You will bring:

• Strong research, data analysis and interpretation skills
• Experience of examining workforce trends, skills gaps or education pathways
• The ability to turn complex data and evidence into clear, engaging written narratives
• Sound knowledge of the UK education and skills landscape
• Confidence working with stakeholders to gather insight, test ideas and build support
• Experience of managing several projects and priorities through to completion
• Good judgement, with the ability to identify risks and maintain focus on measurable outcomes
• A collaborative approach and the ability to guide, support and delegate to a direct report

To apply or discuss the role in more detail, please contact Merrifield Consultants.

We practice a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all we work with, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. As an organisation, we encourage applications from all backgrounds and will ensure measures are met when required, to allow a fair process throughout.