Senior Director | Public Division

Savanta is seeking a Senior Director to join our Public team, playing a pivotal role in shaping strategy, delivering outstanding client service, and building a high‑performing team.

Savanta is a data, market research and advisory company with teams in the UK, Americas, and APAC. Working with high‑profile organizations and some of the world's best‑known brands, we inform and inspire our clients to make better decisions through powerful data, empowering technology and high‑impact consulting.

Savanta is on a bold journey transforming from a traditional market research firm into a tech‑first, insights‑driven leader.

The Public Team's clients include government, public bodies, charities, higher education institutions, think tanks, and political parties – and our research is often in the public eye.

• Be a senior leader within the Public team, supporting key targets and fostering a culture of excellence.
• Drive revenue growth, manage client accounts, and ensure the highest standards in project delivery.
• Mentor mid‑junior team members, championing efficiency, innovation, and profitability.
• Lead the design and delivery of quantitative and qualitative research projects using diverse methods.
• Advise clients on strategy, ensuring insights are actionable and commercially relevant.
• Champion digital and tech‑enabled approaches, mentoring the team to uphold best practices.

Strong expertise in research methodologies, with solid analytical skills and deep knowledge of the education and charity sectors.

• Strong experience in research methodologies and analytics (quantitative and qualitative).
• Deep knowledge of the charity and education sectors, including work with education providers.
• Commercial mindset with a track record of developing proposals and innovative solutions to client briefs.
• Ability to design research materials and approaches tailored to diverse client needs.
• Identify new opportunities and revenue streams, leveraging technology for sustainable partnerships.
• Excellent client relationship management, able to articulate and present insights clearly.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior colleagues.
• Confidence to challenge established practices and champion technology adoption.
• Natural curiosity and appetite for continuous learning, strong organisational skills.

• Experience with AI‑driven research or tools is beneficial but not essential.

You will thrive in a fast‑paced environment, working autonomously while providing support and leadership for others in the team.

• Salary range: £70,000 - £85,000
• Commission scheme
• Unlimited annual leave
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing training & development
• Flexible working practices
• Health & wellbeing package
• Financial health (pension, life assurance, etc.)
• Team & company socials
• Committees for health & wellbeing, charities & volunteering and DE&I

With offices in the US, Canada, India and the UK, over 500 staff globally, and ambitious growth plans, Savanta offers the benefits of scale while maintaining a boutique agency feel. Our client portfolio includes Google, Meta, Pandora, Vodafone, Samsung, Heineken, LEGO, Aston Martin, Unilever, and the Cabinet Office.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

All candidates will be considered equally; unfortunately we are unable to offer sponsorship.

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