Senior Research Analyst

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Researcher is a core role within DEPT’s growing Research team, leading both qualitative and quantitative projects from start to finish. A key focus is helping design and deliver our monthly Category Signals programme—turning cross-client questions into repeatable, scalable insight outputs for priority clients. This person is skilled at understanding people and markets, comfortable working with audience datasets and research platforms (e.g. GWI), and able to translate complex findings into simple, actionable stories that help clients move faster. They bring energy and initiative, take ownership, and help build a research function designed for speed, invention, and impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead research projects end-to-end (scoping, design, fieldwork, analysis, and delivery), choosing the right qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the brief;
• Plan and run interviews, ethnographies, workshops, focus groups, and other qualitative approaches that uncover real human behaviour;
• Use audience datasets and research tools (e.g. GWI and others) to build audience profiles, map behaviours, and support media and creative planning;
• Synthesize multiple sources (qual + quant + desk research) into clear narratives and practical recommendations for stakeholders and clients;
• Turn findings into direction that shapes brand strategy, media planning, creative development, and customer experience;
• Collaborate closely with strategists, creatives, media teams, data/tech specialists, and product teams to ensure insights land and are used;
• Own the end-to-end insight process for selected Category Signals clusters—shaping briefs with cluster/client leads and delivering monthly outputs;
• Translate top cluster/client questions into focused, answerable briefs, balancing trend scanning with category and client context;
• Help refine Category Signals into a format that is repeatable, efficient to produce, and easy to read and act on (not long reports);
• Reuse and adapt cross-category themes (e.g. AI, profitability, sustainability) while keeping signals relevant to each category;
• Work with the Research Lead to connect Category Signals to clear follow-on offerings (e.g. audits, field sprints, subscriptions) so each delivery has a simple “next step” story;
• Support training and enablement across DEPT: create templates, guides, and best practices; mentor junior researchers;
• Lead research on pitches and larger projects with minimal oversight; manage external partners/freelancers when needed; ensure deliverables are robust and client-ready;
• Contribute to the growth of DEPT’s research discipline, including new methodologies and scalable research “products,” in a fast, iterative environment.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• At least 5 years of experience in research/insight/strategy roles (agency, consultancy, or client-side);
• Strong qualitative expertise (interviews, ethnography, workshops, focus groups) and confidence leading sessions with clients;
• Solid quantitative capability: comfortable working with audience datasets and tools such as GWI, and able to learn new platforms quickly;
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Social Sciences, Market Research, Anthropology, Psychology, data-focused disciplines, or similar) is considered a plus;
• Excellent synthesis and storytelling skills—able to turn complexity into simple, human, actionable narratives;
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to run stakeholder/client sessions;
• Highly organised and dependable, able to manage multiple projects at once without sacrificing quality;
• A collaborative, proactive “builder” who brings momentum, supports others, and helps shape how the research team operates;
• Curiosity about emerging technology (including AI) and how it can speed up and strengthen insight generation;
• Bonus: mixed-method experience, multidisciplinary collaboration across media/brand/creative/data/product, and experience linking research to measurable outcomes (e.g. conversion lift, brand impact, CX improvements);
• Full working proficiency in the English language;
• Located and directly available to start working from our Macedonian offices.

WE OFFER

• Hybrid working: you have the choice to work from our office or remotely;
• Monthly public transportation card as part of our ongoing effort to protect the environment;
• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform and access to private health insurance;
• Health and wellness benefits through a Sportmaster card with which you may do sports activities each day in different locations;
• Profit-sharing bonuses at the end of each year along with a referral bonus upon each successful hire;
• Refreshments are provided in the office all week, as well as drinks at 4pm on a Friday (more details about the office life can be found here);
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards;
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications;
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.