Job Title: Research Manager
Employer: Mediavest t/a Core
Location: Dublin 2, - Ireland
Salary: €34,009 per annum
Hours: 39 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
OVERVIEW
The Research Practice helps clients make data-driven decisions that maximize the impact of their marketing and business strategies. The Research Manager is a senior, hands-on role responsible for leading research projects from design through delivery, ensuring insights are actionable and drive strategic decision-making. This role blends strategic thinking with practical execution, requiring both leadership and operational involvement in project delivery.
RESPONSIBILITIES
A successful Research Manager is both strategic and operational, capable of managing multiple complex projects while mentoring junior team members. The role requires a strong understanding of research methodologies, analytical rigour, and the ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations. The Research Manager will partner closely with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure that research outputs deliver tangible business impact.
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
- Lead the design and execution of research studies, from qualitative and quantitative research to market and consumer insights
- Establish strong relationships with clients, understanding their business objectives and becoming a trusted advisor
- Manage and mentor junior researchers, providing guidance and fostering professional development
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure insights are integrated into strategic planning and creative execution
- Oversee project budgets, timelines, and deliverables to ensure high-quality outputs on schedule
- Support business development activities, contributing to proposals and client presentations
- Continuously improve research processes and methodologies, ensuring best practices are applied across the team
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Research Design & Execution
- Work with clients and internal teams to define research objectives, scope, and methodology
- Develop research proposals, questionnaires, discussion guides, and analysis plans
- Ensure data collection and analysis adhere to the highest quality standards
- Synthesize findings into clear, actionable reports and presentations
Client Management
- Maintain close communication with clients throughout projects
- Present findings and recommendations in a compelling, actionable manner
- Advise clients on research strategy, methodology, and implications for business decisions
Team Leadership
- Mentor and manage junior researchers, supporting skill development and knowledge sharing
- Allocate resources across projects, balancing team capacity and client needs
- Foster a culture of curiosity, learning, and continuous improvement
Project & Budget Management
- Track project budgets, timelines, and deliverables
- Ensure research projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
- Reconcile costs, review invoices, and support financial reporting as required
EXPERIENCE
- 2+ years’ experience in market research or insight roles, preferably in a client-facing capacity
- Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Proven track record of managing complex research projects end-to-end
- Experience presenting insights to senior clients and stakeholders
PERSON SPECIFICATION
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent project management and organizational abilities
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to build relationships across teams and clients
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and accuracy
- Energetic, proactive, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Curious, innovative, and keen to apply new methods and approaches in research
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Work your way – Flexible, hybrid working that gives you the freedom to do your best work while fitting around your life.
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Keep growing – Invest in your development with 24/7 internal learning programme access, structured mentoring and clear opportunities to progress your career.
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Work that keeps things interesting – Partner with leading brands across sport, retail, food & drink, alcohol, insurance, banking and many more, with no two days the same.
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Time to switch off – Enjoy 21 days' annual leave with an additional increment with your time with us. Separate to this celebrate your birthday off, Christmas closure days and early finishes before bank holiday weekends.
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A culture that supports balance – We genuinely value work–life balance and encourage you to take the time you need to perform at your best.
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Support for every stage of life – From enhanced maternity and paternity leave & other family leaves, to fertility support, phased returns, we're here for life's important moments.
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Your wellbeing matters – Access mental health and wellbeing support, plus paid private health insurance for you and your dependants under 18, an Employee Assistance Programme, annual wellness contributions, free flu vaccinations, wellness events, fresh fruit, subsidised massages and more.
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Plan ahead with confidence – Benefit from a contributory pension, life assurance cover and access to professional financial advice.
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Make an impact beyond your role – Join our Diversity & Inclusion, CSR, Green, Social or Great Place to Work committees and even earn an extra day's annual leave for your contribution.
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Join an award-winning workplace – Proudly recognised as a Great Place to Work® Certified organisation, ranked 4th in the Great Place to Work® Best Large Workplaces, and awarded Gold accreditation for our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience.
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A genuinely inclusive culture – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion isn't just a policy here; it's part of who we are. Through our dedicated D&I initiatives, employee networks and inclusive policies, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered.
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We know how to have fun – From summer and Christmas parties to team socials, fundraising activities, birthday celebrations and company-wide events, we make time to celebrate our people.
And that's just the start...
OUR COMMITMENTS
Our industry relies on creativity and innovation – these are skills that are not bound by gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, membership of the Traveller community, marital or family status, disability, age, socio-economic background, or any other attributes. Core is committed to diversity in its workplace and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to all applicants. If you need reasonable accommodation for any reason at any part of the interview process, please contact us and let us know the nature of your request and we will do our best to help.
€34,009 per annum
Core is Ireland's largest marketing communications company with over 400 people working across the key areas of marketing communications - research, data science, strategy, planning, creative development and implementation. We are now a collective of nine practices, working towards a single purpose - to expand the possibilities of what brands can achieve. At Core, we believe that change can move us forward and compel us towards new possibilities. Our wonderful people are at the centre of our success. It is essential that we keep building a high-trust working environment that supports our people and enables them to flourish. There is no magic formula for becoming a great place to work. Instead, it involves working together, through constant change, to match the personal dreams and ambitions of our people with the aspirations of the organisation.
Over the years, we have cemented our position as a great place to work, with 2026 being voted 4th Best Large Workplace in Ireland. Additionally, we are recognised as a Best Workplace for Women, and Best Workplace for Health & Wellbeing. 2026 is our best year yet, and we're excited to have you join us and our continued success.
