What does a Research Manager do?
Research managers lead the execution of research projects by drafting proposals, selecting methods, supervising teams, managing budgets, and presenting findings. A market research firm may employ them, where they hold meetings with clients to discuss project objectives and agree on a budget; or in a university where they initiate specific research projects. Research managers identify potential ideas to pitch to directors of research and innovation, or they may submit a proposal to be approved.
Research managers select appropriate methodologies and techniques for assigned projects, acquire supplies and equipment from vendors, put together an effective team, and ensure completion of the project on time and on budget. They are responsible for planning and supervising research projects, monitoring project progress, supporting team members, implementing new methodologies, and writing reports. When a project has concluded, they present research findings. Research managers need a bachelor's degree in an occupation-specific field and vast research experience.
- Ensure research programs are transparent, accountable, and scientifically sound.
- Supervise and participate in the integration, design and development of new reporting software.
- Serve as a liaison with internal and external operations teams.
- Work toward team goals and participate actively and supportively in team decisions.
- Provide protection and care for the money and valuables of each resident.
- Mentor and provide best practices with more junior members of the research team.
- Develop and maintain relationships with research leaders and organizations in the field.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of appropriate physical plant regulations.
- Conduct client presentations, workshops and data discussions to ensure project success.
- Responsible for the accuracy, thoroughness, quality, and timeliness of projects.
- Ensure hands-on QC throughout the entire project process, including financial management, so that projects/accounts are profitable.
- Work with project teams to integrate change management activities into overall project plans.
- Ability to design studies, write questionnaires and plan/ create insightful and actionable reports.
- Develop, evaluate, recommend, and implement procedures for performance improvement and QC.
- Understand the appropriate use of advanced analytics, various sampling approaches and weighting.
- Liaison with external research partners including media, consulting firms, and academia.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in business, computer science, information systems, or information technology or equivalent experience.
- Prior experience in a consulting position.
- Demonstrated experience with SPSS, cloud, machine learning, and R language software and systems.
- Experience with writing protocols and frameworks.
- A leader who also turns to creative thinking during decision-making and problem-solving.
- Demonstrated sound work ethic and attention to details.
- Demonstrated experience with math assessment and statistics.
Research Manager Salaries
Average Base Pay
Research Manager Career Path
Learn how to become a Research Manager, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Research Manager Insights
Streetbees“The product has lots of great potential and I am really excited to see where Streetbees goes.”
MetrixLab“There are plenty of learning opportunities here and is a great place to start your career.”
Kantar“Salary not bad but have to ask for it or would be way below average.”
Post Office“Great bonus scheme where you achieve 10% of your salary if you reached targets.”
Defaqto“A little patience may be required but opportunities do present themselves and the company does actively support personal growth and development.”
Doceree“Great and excellent place to work.”
V/Line“People generally open to change and enjoy working at VLine and improving the way things are done.”
Weill Cornell Medicine“Doctors were absolutely amazing and kind and hardworking and really make your time worth learning”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Research Manager
- Research Analyst
- Research Fellow
- Researcher
- Research Scholar
The most common qualifications to become a Research Manager is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.