Research Executive – 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 ambitious Research Executive with 1–2 years’ experience in a market or social research agency in a client service or project delivery role, to take the next step in their career and join our Research team in either our Sydney or Melbourne office.

In this role, you’ll work across both quantitative and qualitative research, supporting projects for a diverse mix of government and corporate clients. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to research on issues which can influence the lives of thousands of Australians, across all stages of the research process—from survey design and data analysis to reporting, client liaison and stakeholder engagement.

This role will suit someone with a strong numerate background, great attention to detail, and a keen interest in public policy and current affairs. You’ll be continuously supported with structured training and a dedicated senior mentor to further develop your technical and consulting skills across research, communications and engagement.

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:

• Support the project management of multiple qualitative and quantitative research studies from start to finish
• Assist with fieldwork logistics, data entry and validation, charting and data visualisation, note-taking, data analysis and report writing
• Confidently liaise with clients, fieldwork partners and qualitative recruiters and build strong relationships
• Contribute to new business activities including proposals and tenders
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to workshop and design research approaches that address client challenges
• Take ownership of project quality control processes and support ISO compliance

Skills & Experience:

• 1–2 years’ experience in market or social research agency in a client service/project role
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills, with a demonstratable ability to interpret both qualitative and quantitative data and propose insights and key findings in plain English
• A proactive approach to work, with the ability to confidently manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – collaborative, adaptable and curious
• Excellent writing, organisation and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail
• Interest in public policy, current affairs and social issues
• Experience in using Q or other data analysis software (e.g. SPSS), or data visualisation packages (e.g. Tableau) is an advantage
• Experience with both government and corporate clients is an advantage
• While we’re more interested in your professional experience, you will need to have tertiary qualifications in a relevant area

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.