Grade VII – Research Manager

Job description

Grade 7 – Research Manager

Location: Dublin
Salary: €61,217 per annum
Contract Type: 1 year contract
Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
Work Arrangement: Office Based

About the Role

Our client is seeking to recruit an experienced and highly organised Research Manager. The Research Manager is responsible for leading and managing the Organisation’s programme of research, analysis, evaluation and data-driven projects to support evidence-informed policy development, service improvement and strategic decision-making across the local government sector.

The role oversees the delivery of complex research projects from inception to completion, manages research staff and external providers, develops strategic stakeholder relationships, and ensures the production of high-quality research outputs, policy insights and performance information.

Working collaboratively with local authorities, committees, government departments, academic institutions and sectoral stakeholders, the Research Manager promotes evidence-based decision-making and supports the achievement of local government strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership and Programme Management

• Lead and contribute to the development and delivery of the Organisation’s annual research programme.
• Manage quantitative and qualitative research projects from initiation through to publication and dissemination.
• Identify research priorities and opportunities that support local government policy and service delivery objectives.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and to a high professional standard.
• Monitor research quality, progress and outputs across the Research Unit.

Policy Research and Analysis

• Conduct and oversee policy-related research, evaluation and analytical studies.
• Analyse complex information, administrative datasets and performance indicators.
• Translate research findings into practical recommendations and policy insights.
• Develop evidence-based reports to support decision-making across the local government sector.
• Provide methodological, analytical and statistical advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Data Management and Evidence Development

• Support the collection, analysis and reporting of performance, customer service and climate action data.
• Work closely with the Organization’s Central Data Unit on the development of data products, indicators and dashboards.
• Contribute to the use of administrative data and evidence to inform policy and operational decision-making.
• Promote data quality, consistency and effective data governance practices.
• Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities through analysis of data and research findings.

Research Project Delivery

• Manage commissioned research projects and external research providers.
• Oversee procurement processes associated with research and analytical projects.
• Ensure appropriate project planning, governance and resource management arrangements are in place.
• Monitor budgets, deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Ensure project outputs meet quality assurance standards.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Build and maintain productive relationships with:
• Local Authorities
• Committees
• Government Departments
• NOAC
• Academic Institutions
• Sectoral Organisations
• Policy and Research Networks
• Facilitate collaboration between stakeholders on research and policy initiatives.
• Present research findings and recommendations to senior management, committees and external audiences.
• Represent the Organisation on relevant working groups, committees and external forums.

Leadership and Staff Management

• Manage and support Research Officers, students and project teams.
• Provide mentoring, supervision and professional development support.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing and innovative team culture.
• Allocate and manage resources effectively across multiple projects.
• Support continuous improvement within the Research Unit.

Governance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure robust governance, quality assurance and record management processes are maintained.
• Oversee research standards, documentation and publication processes.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of research activities, outputs and project documentation.
• Promote best practice in research governance and evidence generation.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of research methodologies and policy analysis.
• Experience leading complex research, evaluation or analytical projects.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex information and present clear recommendations.
• High-quality report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Experience working with data, evidence and performance information.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Sound judgement, initiative and decision-making capability.
• Commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and professional development.

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A recognised NFQ Level 9 qualification (or higher) in a relevant discipline such as:
• Public Policy
• Social Science
• Economics
• Statistics
• Research Methods
• Geography
• Data Analytics
• Political Science
• Business
• Or a related field

Experience

• Minimum five years’ relevant experience in research, policy analysis, statistics, economics or a related discipline.
• Experience managing complex research projects from inception to completion.
• Experience supervising staff, contractors or multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience producing reports, briefings and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Experience working with policy-related data, evidence and performance information.
• Experience within public sector, local government or policy-focused environments.
• Knowledge of the Irish local government policy landscape.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience managing commissioned research or consultancy projects.
• Experience in programme evaluation, benchmarking or performance measurement.
• Experience supporting advisory groups, committees or working groups.
• Experience working with large or complex datasets.
• Experience using statistical and analytical software.
• Knowledge of:
• Power BI
• SPSS
• Tableau
• Additional postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline.