Senior Market Research Officer

The role

This newly created Senior Market Research Officer role sits within the Market Research & Insight team and plays a critical role in delivering high-quality research & actionable insights that inform brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and strategic planning across the University.

You’ll work with a range of data sources, from audience research and market trends to brand performance and campaign evaluation, to uncover insights that enhance how we understand and engage with our audiences.

Reporting to the Head of Market Research & Insight, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the Strategic Communications & Marketing teams, helping to ensure all activity is insight-led and strategically aligned.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact by shaping how the University positions itself in a competitive market and how we connect meaningfully with our audiences.

Please note that this is a maternity cover post: starting ideally on the 1^st December 2025 and concluding 15 January 2027, or on earlier return of the post-holder). 

Please note: We are happy to consider applications on a secondment basis.

In addition, this role follows a hybrid working pattern, with 3 days working from home (Monday, Tuesday, & Friday) and 2 days working on campus (Wednesday & Thursday).

What will you be doing?

• Lead market research projects to generate insights on audiences, trends, brand perception, & competitors that inform strategic priorities.
• Gather, analyse, and interpret data from multiple sources to support evidence-based marketing and planning decisions.
• Develop and present clear, engaging insight reports and dashboards tailored to different stakeholders.
• Embed research-driven insights into campaign planning, audience targeting, and long-term marketing strategy.
• Maintain and enhance audience personas, segmentation, and campaign performance evaluations to guide optimisation.
• Champion best-practice research methods, innovation, and compliance with ethical and data protection standards.

You should apply if

• You have proven experience in market research, data analysis, or insight generation, ideally within higher education or a related sector
• You’re skilled in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey design, focus groups, and competitor analysis
• You can interpret complex data, identify trends, & translate findings into clear, actionable insights that influence decision-making
• You’re confident using tools such as Excel, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics, and comfortable working across diverse datasets.
• You have excellent communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling reports & presentations for senior, non-technical audiences.
• You have a solid understanding of GDPR and ethical research principles, and a proactive approach to maintaining data integrity.
• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a social science, marketing, or analytical discipline is preferred.

For a full view of the requirements and responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact:

Cellach Harrison - Director of Marketing, Brand and Digital - cellach.harrison@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Fixed-Term Contract until January 2027 or earlier return of the post-holder.

Please note: Applications on a secondment basis will also be considered.

Work pattern: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week.

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday, 25th November.

The interview date will be confirmed in due course.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. 

Available documents

• Senior Market Research Officer JD.pdf

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