Overview
We are seeking a highly organised and enthusiastic individual; motivated by providing a robust data-driven and evidence based approach to inform the University’s student recruitment aims,through collaborative working and with a tireless dedication to excellence.
The Market Research Manager role is intended to further strengthen the student recruitment insight provision offered by Communications and External Relations (CER)
Experience of data analysis and interpretation, alongside confidence in delivering and commissioning market research is essential and we are interested in candidates who have previous experience of project management within this field.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Lead on the development of a range of market research projects
- Design, conduct, process and feedback the outcomes of quantitative and qualitative research
- Disseminate market research findings through reports, presentations and meetings.
- Using evidence from your work and that of the team, highlighting areas of opportunity and concern and through appropriate channels
- Negotiate with and commission research external agencies (eg in relation to market research) as appropriate
- Participate in appropriate external professional networks to facilitate service benchmarking and improvement.
- Monitor and assess competitor behaviour, including new initiatives and developments.
- Contribute to the development of our portfolio, identifying market opportunities and initiatives, sharing these with stakeholders.
- Increase understanding of prospective student, current student and global audiences’ behaviour of colleagues, providing insights from a range of sources, to support strategic objectives
- Promote good practice in data-collection, evaluation and monitoring approaches.
- Drive the use of data and research in student recruitment and admissions decisions and processes.
- Any other duties as required including attendance at events and other critical business activity throughout the year including evenings and weekends.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Knowledge and understanding of current issues in Higher Education, as well as policies and processes relating to student recruitment (admissions, student recruitment and widening participation)
Experience of working in a market research role, delivering customer-facing research activity including, but not limited to; surveys, focus groups, interviews and other field work
A high level of literacy and numeracy coupled with experience of producing analysis of data from multiple sources
Demonstrable project management skills with proven evidence of measurable success
Ability to understand and interpret the requirements of others and develop systems that meet the needs of key stakeholders
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and report writing skills, and the ability to present complex information in a concise user-friendly way.
Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts throughout their own work area
Excellent time management skills, including the ability to prioritise a busy and varied workload, work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, and deliver projects to deadlines
Commitment to personal and professional development shown by a willingness and ability to learn new skills and undertake training where necessary
Experience of working within the UK Higher Education sector
Further Information
£38,784 - £47,389 per annum with the potential to progress to £51,753 through sustained exceptional contribution. [As of January 2026]
12months fixed term (Maternity Cover)
Head of Product and Market Research
For informal enquiries about this job contact Jennifer Scott, Market Research Manager on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 6 October 2026. This will consist of Interview and task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 14 September 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kathryn Dawson on
[email protected]Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
