Social Researcher

Social Researcher

Final date to receive applications: 18 January 2026

Department: Data and Intelligence

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Principal:
Insights and Analysis Insight

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

• Hours: 37 hours (Full Time)
• Contract: Fixed Term - 24 Months
• Salary: Grade 10 £ 47,181 - £50,269
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

Are you passionate about using research to improve outcomes for the people of South Yorkshire?

We’re looking for a skilled and experienced Social Researcher who can lead complex projects, translate evidence into meaningful insight and is confident working across disciplines with diverse stakeholders.

This is an exciting time to join South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. As a Strategic Authority, we’re unlocking the highest level of powers and funding through devolution, including eligibility for an integrated settlement from April 2026. This means we can better align the priorities of our communities with how we invest in their future.

Our Mayor’s commitments—spanning growth, communities, the environment, and health—are underpinned by six principles that guide how we work. As part of this, we’re expanding our analytical capacity and capability, putting evidence at the heart of our thinking and embracing innovative approaches.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal. Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

This new role will generate insight from research and provide expert advice to senior leaders, focusing on Mayoral priorities and embedding our principles in everything we do.

You’ll design, procure, commission and manage research projects that put people at the heart of decision‑making, identifying and reporting on social trends that matter to South Yorkshire.

• Lead the scoping and design of research projects, working with senior leaders to influence policy and service design.
• Review and synthesise the findings of existing research to inform evidence‑based policies.
• Identify and apply the most appropriate research methods to collect robust evidence.
• Procure, commission and manage qualitative and quantitative research projects, creating primary datasets in line with ethical standards.
• Analyse data to generate insight, ensuring quality assurance throughout.
• Produce clear, engaging reports and presentations tailored to a range of audiences, including senior officers and the public.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including local authorities and universities.
• Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, working with external suppliers to maintain pace and quality.

• Education to degree level, with relevant training in social research.
• Proven experience applying qualitative research methods and conducting qualitative analysis.
• Strong statistical analytical skills, including designing data collection or evaluation methods.
• In‑depth knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of data collection and disclosure control.
• Experience managing multiple research projects from scoping to dissemination.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex insight to non‑technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with analysts and policy colleagues internally and externally.

Please refer to the full person specification in the role profile when submitting your application.

• Holiday Entitlement: From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working: Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles…