Company Overview

RED C Research Group is Ireland and UK’s fastest-growing and leading independent market research agency. We have a big passion for helping brands understand people. From uncovering emerging trends to shaping product and communications strategy, we combine curiosity, creativity, and data-driven thinking to deliver insights that make a difference.

We focus on deep insight, decoding behaviour to uncover the human truths that drive decisions. For over 20 years, we’ve combined behavioural science with strategic thinking to deliver insight that drives action, not reports that sit on shelves. We build client partnerships based on trust, use human intellect supported by AI, and share compelling stories that make our clients more successful.

Our work spans a wide range of sectors, including Telecoms, FMCG, Financial Services, Retail, Transport, Government, and high-profile polling. We are a young, dynamic team committed to innovation and the highest quality standards, with a track record of sustained growth and client satisfaction.

At RED C, we are committed to ongoing learning and embracing new ideas, ensuring our clients benefit from fresh perspectives and the latest insights. We strive for high standards in everything we do, while maintaining a friendly and down-to-earth approach.

Brand Ambition

The RED C brand ambition is to be recognised as the leading provider of research-based consultancy services in each market we work in.

RED C is currently the largest independent full service primary research and insight agency in Ireland and has a fast-growing team in our UK office. Between us we employ over 80 highly experienced and skilled staff look after the insight needs of our clients worldwide, delivering research stories to more than 40 markets during 2025.

We deliver clarity to our clients by utilising three key pillars.

1. Understanding Behaviour – We measure behaviour, needs, and attitudes to better understand opportunities and target the market
2. Building Brands – We know how to build brands, through mental availability, distinctiveness, emotional connections and differentiation.
3. Improving Experiences – We map customer journeys, understand pain points, and monitor moments of truth to help you delight and retain customers.

Our culture is friendly, fast-paced, and supportive, perfect for people who love continuous learning, asking questions, and collaborating on varied, interesting projects.

The Position

Associate Director – Qualitative Research

We are looking to recruit a talented and motivated Associate Director to join the team from May/June 2026.

Experience Required

This is a key client‑facing role, ideal for an experienced qualitative researcher ready to take a step up in responsibility, with increased exposure to senior clients, project leadership and people development, while continuing to be hands‑on with research design, moderation and storytelling.

You will likely already be at Associate Director level or at an RPM level with a minimum of 4-5 years’ experience. You will have considerable experience in qualitative research, and an understanding of quantitative research techniques and analysis.

You will work closely with Qualitative Directors and the wider senior team, contributing to high‑quality delivery, team development and the continued growth of the qualitative business.

You will also:

• Have proven experience designing, running GDPR-compliant research practices
• Be familiar with ESOMAR/MRS codes of conduct
• Be confident moderating a range of qualitative methodologies (groups, depth interviews, communities, ethnography and workshops etc.)
• Ability to frame research around human behaviour, culture and context
• Be able to translate insight into clear, actionable recommendations
• Have strong storytelling, reporting and presentation skills
• Be organised, detail‑focused and comfortable managing multiple projects at once
• Have proficiency with AI and a good understanding of how it can support qualitative research
• Be client‑focused, with the ability to build credible and positive client relationships
• Have a good understanding of quantitative research and how qual and quant work together
• Have experience supporting or mentoring junior team members and contributing to team development
• Ideally have agency experience

You will also be encouraged to:

• Support client retention and organic growth
• Contribute to proposals and pitches
• Spot opportunities to add value for clients

Soft but vital skills

• Clear, confident and engaging communication
• Strong judgement and decision-making
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced environments
• Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset

Why join RED C?

RED C is a strong brand in the research industry, with exciting opportunities for growth and development afforded by the brand as part of the Business Post Group. Within this role you will have..

1. An opportunity to help develop and contribute to the future direction of one of Ireland and the UK’s leading insight and consultancy business.
2. Involvement in a variety of interesting projects, utilising the latest techniques for clients across many industries, including Media, FMCG, Retail, Travel & Tourism, Telecoms, Banking, and the Public Sector.
3. The opportunity to work with our leading expert partners across the WIN network around the world, as well as the close working relationship we have with marketing experts such as Peter Field, Karen Nelson-Field etc
4. Support and encouragement to develop at all levels is embedded in the RED C culture and achievement is rewarded.
5. A strong renumeration package, including competitive salary and good performance related bonus, as well as hybrid working (2 days in office) and an very flexible working environment designed to meet both your and the company’s needs. This includes:

1. 2 days per week in the office
2. Full flexi time with core hours between 10am – 4pm
3. Finish at 1pm (based on 9am start) every 2^nd Friday
4. Qualitative team get additional time off to account for after-hours groups

How to Apply

If you are interested in this position and are suitably qualified for the role, please send your CV in confidence to Ciara Reilly, Managing Director, RED C at [email protected]. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss this role in confidence, please contact Ciara at 01 8186316.