Insights Senior Researcher

Overview

Since its foundation in 2007, It’s Nice That has become a trusted source of creative inspiration online, in print and through our events. Winner of a Webby Award for Best Cultural Website, It’s Nice That is a leading platform in the creative world reaching over 8.3 million people each month.

In addition to showcasing inspirational work and collaborating with brands to engage our audience, It’s Nice That’s Insights department also partners with brands to educate and inspire in-house creative teams on emerging visual trends, and offers insight into the opinions and perspectives of the global creative community.

We collaborate with brands of all sizes, from local creative agencies to global companies like Spotify, Nike, Apple, and Google,leveraging our expertise and global network to shape the visual direction of leading brands. Our Insights department also creates bespoke editorial projects for It’s Nice That’s audience, such as The Lazy Report, Global Type and our series exploring the role of AI, Shades of Intelligence.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-loved and ever-growing creative platform, and play an important role in growing the creative ambition and quality of It’s Nice That’s Insights department.

Job Purpose

This role will focus on researching and analysing cultural and industry trends to inform both commercial and editorial projects. You will conduct in-depth desk research, gather audience insights, carry out interviews with expert talent within our network, and engage with creatives across industries to identify shifts shaping the creative landscape. Alongside research, you will play a key role in developing client relationships, shaping briefs, developing strategic insights, writing reports, driving brand partner proposals, and shaping the narrative of Insights-led work.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this role is an individual with a strategic mindset and a deep understanding of creative culture and how it intersects with industry sectors such as tech, fashion, sports, and cultural institutions. You have experience in a client-facing role and are either already operating at a senior level or looking to take the next step up in your career. You’re capable of balancing big-picture thinking with operational efficiency. You will be confident in leading projects, overseeing a team of researchers, and working closely with the wider It’s Nice That team to drive insights-led work forward.

Below summarises the key qualities we are looking for:

• Previous experience in a strategic, or research-focused role within the creative industry, with commercial and client-facing responsibilities;
• Skilled in creative and cultural research, with the ability to identify and interpret trends across various creative disciplines;
• A strong communicator, capable of articulating ideas clearly – through writing and presentations;
• A proficient writer who can write with precision, clarity and personality, in line with It’s Nice That’s approachable tone of voice;
• Passionate about creativity, and its role within the industry;
• Organised and solutions-oriented, able to oversee multiple projects simultaneously and ensure smooth workflows and keep teams on track;
• Knowledgeable about the creative industry and with good creative and global cultural awareness;
• Curious and inquisitive, not afraid to ask questions, always keen to find out more;
• Open-minded and creative when faced with a challenge;
• Proactive and confident in representing Insights externally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead mid-to-large-scale Insights projects from a research perspective, driving strategic direction from brief to delivery;
• Act as a key client-facing representative, strengthening relationships and identifying new business opportunities;
• Collaborate with the Insights Editor to conduct and analyse research, ensuring findings inform commercial and editorial output;
• Stay abreast of industry news, technological advancements and cultural shifts to inform Insights’ commercial and editorial output;
• Line manage one team member, including supporting their personal development and setting goals
• Work with senior leadership to shape and refine the team’s methodologies, workflows, and long-term strategy;
• Support proposal responses and present research to clients;
• Represent the business externally, contributing to thought leadership and industry conversations;

Tasks and Skills

• Oversee teams of researchers and external collaborators to ensure smooth project execution;
• Conduct and synthesise industry and cultural research to inform projects and editorial direction;
• Conduct interviews with industry talent, thought leaders and the wider creative community to gather qualitative and quantitative data;
• Based on an understanding of the cultural landscape and creative industry, contribute ideas for Insights content;
• Present research, proposals and editorial ideas to clients, alongside team members;
• Write research-led content for It’s Nice That’s commercial Insights work and creative platforms;
• Build and maintain a network of strategy, research and editorial collaborators;
• Line management and leadership skills
• Analyse and report on the effectiveness of Insights work, using data to refine strategies and outputs.

Key Details

• Application Deadline: We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of strong candidates. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• Contract: Permanent and Full Time
• Level: Senior Level
• Reports To: Head of Projects
• Start Date: ASAP
• Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 depending on experience
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am — 5.30pm (flexible hours between 8.30am – 6.30pm)
• Location: Hybrid working - 2 days based in our London studio on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the rest of the week at home

Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position, so candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

• 23 days annual leave, along with a Christmas shutdown period of 5 days and a day off for your birthday
• Flexi-time hours
• 20 days Remote Work from Anywhere
• Enhanced sick leave
• Mental health support via our EAP
• Health cash plan
• 5 week paid sabbatical after 5 years
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Learning and Development programmes