Director – Insights Practice

Role Overview

• Lead, inspire and develop a growing team of researchers, data scientists and analysts.
• Drive the integration of Insights to deliver a unified value proposition for clients.
• Create a culture that values experimentation, innovation, accountability and best-in-class delivery.
• Shape and execute the long-term vision for the Practice aligned with Madano’s broader strategic goals.
• Oversee capability development, recruitment and workforce planning in line with the growth trajectory.
• Serve as a senior commercial leader accountable for revenue generation within the Insights function.
• Lead the proactive identification of new opportunities through your own networks, industry engagement and market scanning.
• Act as pitch lead on RFPs, supporting teams to convert opportunities into revenue.
• Champion strong account management, ensuring the practice identifies internal and external opportunities to expand existing client relationships.
• Be commercially disciplined, overseeing utilisation, productivity, write-off management and accurate forecasting.
• Partner with other Madano Practices to create integrated proposals and cross-sell insight-driven services.
• Build and maintain a visible presence across the research, analytics, data science and communications ecosystem.
• Represent Madano at industry events, conferences and roundtables; develop relationships that open commercial pathways.
• Develop thought leadership on AI-enabled insight, productised intelligence, predictive analytics and strategic forecasting.
• Support external marketing efforts to enhance Madano’s reputation and align visibility with priority clients and sectors.
• Oversee the delivery of mixed-method insights that combine:
• Advanced data science and modelling
• Qualitative & quantitative research
• Digital & social intelligence
• Behavioural insight and audience understanding
• Shape the strategic application and commercialisation of productised insight tools (e.g., advanced analytics platforms, rapid AI-enabled products).
• Ensure insight approaches are scalable, efficient and aligned to evolving client needs.
• Ensure high operational standards, including robust project governance, resourcing and QA processes.
• Uphold best practice in GDPR, data ethics and responsible AI.
• Contribute to leadership processes, frameworks and rituals that improve delivery consistency across the team.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience within an insights, research or, data science or analytics function — ideally within consultancy, advisory or communications.
• Strong capability in data-science-led insight generation, along with fluency across research methodologies and digital analytics.
• Demonstrated ability to lead commercial growth through networking, relationship development and strategic business development.
• Proven ability to manage, grow and inspire multidisciplinary teams of 10+ people.
• Strong track record of leading pitches, converting opportunities and driving revenue growth.
• Comfortable operating in complex topics (healthcare experience an advantage but not essential).
• Clear strategic thinker with excellent communication, storytelling and influencing skills.
• Experience developing or commercialising AI-enabled or productised insight tools.
• Background in integrated or multi-discipline consultancies.
• Understanding of the consultancy shift towards rapid, product-driven insight cycles.
• Commercially minded with strong instinct for opportunity.
• Highly collaborative and comfortable working across multiple disciplines.
• Practical, grounded and calm under pressure, with strong judgement.
• Passionate about elevating insight through innovation and productization.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days alongside length of service)
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• Private Medical insurance (for you and your family)
• Income Protection insurance
• Life Assurance at 4x your salary
• Financial support and advice
• Travel insurance (for you and your family)
• An annual wellness benefit of £150
• Four-week sabbatical after every 5 years’ service.