Senior Quantitative Research Officer

You will be working in the newly formed Market Research function, with responsibility for both leading and supporting on the commissioning and managing of research projects, with a particular focus on quantitative research, as well as supporting and advising teams across the ICO on their research. You’ll work closely with qualitative researchers, insight specialists, and research managers within the function to deliver strategically important research programmes, and develop processes and initiatives to raise service standards within the department.
You’ll be collaborating closely with colleagues across the ICO, including in policy, economic analysis and corporate communications to ensure a joined up approach to research, insight and evidence gathering to build a research culture across the ICO. You will also support the team as they scope the needs of the organisation and identify evidence gaps that require research., + Leading and supporting on procuring and managing quantitative market and social research, including quality control processes, supplier management and relationship building, oversight of key outputs, keeping colleagues updated and ensuring milestones are met.
+ Disseminating findings internally in compelling and engaging ways, including to senior colleagues.
+ Working with policy professionals across the ICO to champion the value and importance of research, identify priority areas for research, build ongoing relationships and ensuring early understanding of research needs.
+ Working collaboratively with colleagues to understand key policy concerns and the evidence required, and identify the most effective, timely and value for money research approaches to exploring those needs, including advising on the most appropriate methodology, sample etc.
+ Identifying opportunities for bringing together and disseminating research and evidence both internally and, where appropriate externally, including information gathered from external research sources.
+ Inform and educate colleagues on best practice and ensuring that high standards are adhered to.
+ Proactively develop market research expertise, keeping abreast of developments in quantitative research methods.

+ Strong track record in leading the design and delivery of quantitative market and social research projects, with relevant research experience (minimum of two years quantitative research experience), gained from a relevant research environment – for example within a research agency, public or private sector research team, think tank or academic institution.
+ Excellent research management skills with the experience of managing quantitative research projects from concept to deliverables, including sample design, questionnaire drafting, analysis of findings, managing supplier relationships, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are high quality.
+ Experience of interpreting complex questions into clearly scoped research projects, including identifying research objectives, methodologies, samples, managing procurement processes and overseeing engaging and impactful deliverables.
+ Strong MS Excel skills for data analyses of large survey datasets.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including being able to communicate research findings in a persuasive and compelling way to a range of stakeholders and the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with ICO stakeholders, research agencies and external stakeholders.
+ Ability to draw together research findings into high quality outputs that tell a clear story and bring the issues being explored to life.
+ Knowledge and experience of research techniques beyond quantitative research e.g. qualitative or mixed methods.
+ Experience in using quantitative research software e.g. SPSS, Power BI, Smart Survey, Snap surveys.
Essential criteria assessed at interview
+ Excellent research management skills with the experience of managing quantitative research projects from concept to deliverables, including sample design, questionnaire drafting, analysis of findings, managing supplier relationships, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are high quality.
+ Experience of interpreting complex questions into clearly scoped research projects, including identifying research objectives, methodologies, samples, managing procurement processes and overseeing engaging and impactful deliverables.
+ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including being able to communicate research findings in a persuasive and compelling way to a range of stakeholders and the ability to foster and maintain effective relationships with ICO stakeholders, research agencies and external stakeholders.
+ Ability to draw together research findings into high quality outputs that tell a clear story and bring the issues being explored to life.
+ Knowledge of a wide range of quantitative research techniques and the ways in which they can be most appropriately and responsibly used.
+ Knowledge and experience of research techniques beyond quantitative research e.g. qualitative or mixed methods.
+ Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities., Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.
As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

Salary: £40,565 - £45,948 pa, with potential for further progression to £51,730 pa with our pay progression scheme.
Location: Flexible
Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, through hybrid working we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.
Why work for the ICO?
+ Pay progression scheme.
+ Hybrid and flexible working options.
+ 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
+ Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
+ Pension (employer contribution around 26.6%).
+ Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
+ Health Cash Plan.
+ Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website ., Alongside your salary of £40,565, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £10,952 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.