Higher Education Research Director

The opportunity We have a well-established Higher Education (HE) portfolio and a strong reputation across the sector, working with organisations such as Jisc, HESA, the Office for Students and the Department for Education. We're now looking for an experienced HE insights, research or consultancy professional to help us build on that success and further expand the work we are building up with universities and other sector bodies. This is a highly visible role that combines sector expertise, relationship building and commercial impact. With a particular focus on growing our university client base, you will play a leading role in strengthening IFF's presence within HE, helping clients understand the value of insight and evidence, identifying new opportunities and supporting the continued growth of our HE offer. Working closely with colleagues across the business, you will help shape opportunities, build trusted client relationships and ensure that IFF continues to deliver high-quality research that addresses the sector's evolving needs. As a HE expert within our team, you will: Support the growth of IFF's HE portfolio by developing existing relationships and identifying new opportunities. Lead high-profile research projects that support universities, policymakers, and HE bodies and help shape studies that address the sector’s key challenges. Act as an ambassador for IFF, helping clients understand how research, insight and evidence can support decision making and strategic priorities. Contribute to proposal development, commercial discussions and work-winning activity. Work with colleagues to shape innovative research approaches and solutions that meet client needs. Help strengthen IFF's profile in the sector through networking, thought leadership and engagement with HE stakeholders. Support the development of our HE offer, bringing insight into emerging sector priorities, challenges and opportunities. This role is particularly focused on helping grow our presence within HE and expanding the impact of our work across the sector. About you We're looking for someone who combines an expert understanding of the HE sector with a collaborative and commercially aware approach. You’ll be confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, able to adapt your style to different audiences, whether speaking with marketing and student recruitment teams, institutional leaders, policy stakeholders or sector partners. You’ll be naturally curious about the challenges facing universities and motivated by helping clients identify solutions through insight and evidence. You may currently be working within a research agency, consultancy or insights environment, or have built your expertise through a HE-focused role with expertise in areas such as strategy, policy, student experience, communications, marketing, insight or research. Most importantly, with your understanding of the sector, you will have the ability to build relationships,…