Research Manager
£40,000-£45,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Senior Opportunity Development Manager
Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement
Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Location Home-based
Closing date: 05th April 2026 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: Competency base interview
Interview date: 16th April
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We’re looking for a motivated Research Manager to lead research excellence across identification, conversion, and retention workstreams to maximise supporter value through the Relationship Management pipeline model.
This role will drive intelligence gathering that enables Cancer Research UK to identify, cultivate, and retain high-value supporters through prospect research, data-driven insights, and collaborative practices within the centralised Relationship Management pipeline model .
Lead a team of researchers to deliver high-quality intelligence supporting all three workstreams of the RM pipeline model (identification, conversion, retention).
Collaborate closely with the Senior Opportunity Development Manager to design and implement research approaches that directly support pipeline optimisation, prioritising efforts based on data-led analysis and potential supporter value.
Develop and maintain comprehensive management information systems across all RM audience groups, providing intelligence that informs strategic decision-making within the centralised pipeline management approach.
Oversee the delivery of detailed supporter profiles and research insights that enable personalised interventions at key decision moments across the supporter journey.
Maintain a comprehensive overview of market trends and competitor analysis to inform strategic planning and identify new opportunities for supporter engagement across all pipeline stages.
Communicate and present research findings in a compelling manner to colleagues, leadership, and the wider RM function to drive evidence-based decision making.
Work collaboratively within the matrixed structure, partnering with Governance and Stewardship Managers to increase knowledge sharing and optimise the supporter journey.
Lead on developing pipeline monitoring and reporting systems to track performance across identification, conversion, and retention stages, supporting continuous improvement.
Guide the implementation of research approaches that directly contribute to tactical, data-led personalised interventions to maximise pipeline value.
Comprehensive understanding of relationship management pipelines and the role of research in supporting the optimisation of supporter journeys.
Advanced analytical skills and ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations that support personalised supporter engagement.
Proficient in the use of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), data visualisation tools, and research databases to extract and present meaningful insights.
Excellent organisational and people management skills – able to lead a team while operating effectively within the matrixed workstream structure.
Innovative approach to research with ability to identify opportunities for process improvements across the supporter journey.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Experience with data protection regulations and their application throughout the research process.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
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Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.