Senior Research Executive (Quantitative Focused) – Sydney or Melbourne

At SEC Newgate, our people are at the heart of everything we do - and they’re what set us apart. We create an environment that stimulates and rewards our people, where staff are supported to contribute ideas and embrace opportunities to achieve their goals.

We are Australia’s largest full-service strategic communications firm for complex issues and high-stakes decisions, serving as trusted advisers to some of Australia’s most preeminent organisations. SEC Newgate’s Research team provides deep experience, expertise and data-driven advice to our clients to help manage sensitive issues, steer through a crisis, bolster reputations, communicate with key stakeholders and the community, and roll out effective advocacy campaigns.

We look for people who are curious, self-motivated and collaborative. If you are like-minded and are motivated by working with a talented team on issues that matter, keep reading to see what’s on offer.

About The Role

We’re looking for an experienced, quantitative focused Senior Research Executive with at least 3–5 years’ experience in market or social research to join our Research team in either our Sydney or Melbourne office.

You’ll be responsible for project managing high-profile quantitative research projects for a diverse mix of government and corporate clients, with the opportunity to contribute to qualitative and engagement work as well. You’ll manage day-to-day project operations, from questionnaire design and survey programming through to data analysis, reporting and ensuring high-quality and accurate client delivery.

This role will suit a quantitative researcher with a strong technical background in market or social research, a keen eye for detail, and a genuine interest in wanting to work on and lead research projects that can influence the lives of thousands of Australians.

This is a full-time role offering flexible hybrid working arrangements — with most of our team typically spending around two days each week working from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Confidently and autonomously manage day-to-day quantitative project operations, including contributing to the design, fieldwork and analysis of quantitative research data, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are continuously met
• Liaise independently with clients and quantitative fieldwork partners and build strong relationships
• Draft question lines and technical questionnaires to support project design
• Set up and manage data templates to agreed data specifications with senior team members
• Program surveys using Qualtrics or other survey software
• Independently generate tables, charts, cross-tabs, significance testing, weighting and other analyses using Q and other tools
• Manage tracking studies, including merging and validating large data sets
• Produce logical first draft question lines/questionnaires and accurate reports and presentations for review
• Proactively support with the budget tracking, invoicing, timelines, and client and supplier management, to control costs and improve efficiency
• Contribute to proposals, tenders and internal capability initiatives

Skills & Experience

• At least 3–5 years’ experience in a quantitative market or social research role (agency-side preferred)
• Strong technical and analytical skills, including experience using Q (essential) and other data analysis software (e.g. SPSS) and data visualisation packages (e.g. Tableau) (desirable)
• Demonstrated ability to generate and interpret quantitative analyses and translate findings into clear insights in plain English
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – collaborative, adaptable and curious
• High-quality writing, reporting and presentation skills
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Interest in public policy, current affairs and social issues
• While we’re more interested in your professional experience, you will need to have tertiary qualifications in a relevant area Experience with both government and corporate clients (desirable)
• Experience programming surveys using in-house tools or platforms (desirable)
• Exposure to qualitative research and an interest in developing in this area (desirable)

Why Sec Newgate?

• We want people to thrive. We believe our people should be in the driver’s seat of their growth but within a supportive environment.
• We work on stuff that matters. We are proud to work on complex projects and issues that make a material difference to our clients and communities. This provides a stimulating and motivating environment to grow and contribute. 
• We can be flexible on how we get there but not on delivering excellence. We support a flexible work environment with a focus on balancing what’s needed to deliver exceptional client outcomes with personal needs and preferences 
• We aim to think and act beyond ourselves. We strive to improve ESG outcomes for our clients and ourselves, focusing on inclusion, diversity and sustainability. 
• Connection is at the heart of our culture. We connect daily, encourage constructive and active contributions to ideas and discussions, and want to encourage genuine collaboration to deliver better outcomes for our clients.  
• We’re good people to work with. Our staff and our clients tell us they enjoy working with us. We believe that providing a nurturing and supportive environment and sharing a passion for what we can achieve, are important parts of our success. 
• We relish being ‘Glocal’. We enjoy the strength of a global vision and network co-created with a local flavour. We are empowered to shape our future and opportunities within the Australian business, whilst embracing the benefits of a global organisation 

Are we a match?

If this sounds like the right fit for you and your eager to develop your career within a dynamic research team, we would love to hear from you – apply today!

Please submit both your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for applying — applications without both documents will not be considered.

SEC Newgate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, people with disabilities and people from any gender identity or sexual orientation.