Senior Research Consultant

ORIMA Research is Australia’s leading market and social research consultancy, specialising in data analytics and advisory services for government and not-for-profit clients. With over 90% of our work supporting the public sector, we help shape decisions that positively impact communities. Established in 1996, we’ve grown to a team of 80 professionals across Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane. We pride ourselves on our values-driven approach, high-performance culture, and commitment to innovation, integrity, and staff development.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Research Consultant (7+ years) with a strong background in quantitative research to lead impactful social research projects. You will work closely with government and not-for-profit clients across diverse areas such as public health, communications campaign evaluation, community sentiment, and client experience.

This role is perfect for a self-starter with exceptional analytical skills, a passion for evidence-based research, and the ability to deliver high-quality insights that inform decision-making. Please see the position description on our careers website for a detailed overview of the role and its requirements.

Duties

1. Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Advising clients on research strategy, optimal research design, and project planning, translating objectives into effective solutions
• Leading client relationships, acting as the primary point of contact, building trust, managing expectations, and identifying opportunities to deepen relationships and generate new work

2. Research Design and Execution

• Designing, conducting, and managing research projects from development through to analysis and reporting, ensuring delivery to agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Managing internal and external resources, including contractors such as online panel providers and field researchers, to ensure efficiency and high standards.
• Conducting questionnaire design and incorporating insights from qualitative research and stakeholder consultation.
• Analysing and interpreting quantitative data using tools like Q/SPSS and Excel, including multivariate statistical analysis.

3. Reporting and Communication

• Synthesising findings, identifying key insights, and developing a clear, compelling research narrative that addresses client objectives.
• Communicating research findings clearly in written, oral, and visual formats, using effective data visualisation techniques such as infographics and charts.
• Preparing high-quality, publication-ready reports and presentations in PowerPoint and Word.

4. Team Leadership and Business Development

• Managing, mentoring, and supporting less experienced staff to build research capability and maintain quality standards.
• Contributing to business development by identifying new client opportunities, writing proposals, preparing research approaches and budgets, and converting opportunities into new business.
• Leading internal business improvement and R&D/innovation projects.

About You

Eligibility
Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents (required for government contracts).

Qualifications

• 7 or more years of relevant work experience 
• Relevant graduate or postgraduate qualification/s, ideally in Psychology, Commerce, Economics, Marketing, Social Science, and / or Statistics or other relevant degree 

Technical Skills

• Strong quantitative data analysis skills, including proficiency in SPSS, Q, and Excel, with experience in multivariate statistical analysis.
• Expertise in questionnaire design and translating research objectives into effective tools.
• Advanced data visualisation skills, including creating infographics and clear presentations of complex data.
• Proficiency in preparing high-quality, publication-ready reports and presentations using PowerPoint and Word.
• Experience managing external suppliers, such as online panel and CATI providers, and overseeing their deliverables

General Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Proven client management skills, including building trust and providing strategic advice.
• Self-motivated with a positive, resilient, and proactive mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment and contribute to a supportive office culture.

Applications will ONLY be accepted via the careers portal on our website.

Applications must include: 

1. CV 
2. Academic records (including transcripts of tertiary qualification/s) 
3. Cover letter (of no more than 2 pages) addressing the key job requirements. 

We strongly advise prospective candidates to submit their applications promptly, as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis with suitably qualified candidates for ASAP preference start dates. Positive Police check checks required. Must be able to work full-time at the office as we have a collegiate, supportive office based working culture. 

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for the next stages of the selection process. 

For more information, please contact our HR team on 03 9526 9000 or at hr@orima.com