Job Title: Research Analyst

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible to: Head of Public Affairs and Research

Responsible for: n/a

Primary duties: Production, analysis and development of CRA surveys and reports

Controls to measure performance: Timely and accurate production of surveys and reports

Background:

The Charity Retail Association is the UK campaigning and trade association for charities which have retail chains, representing 80 per cent of the sector – from large national charities like Oxfam and the British Heart Foundation, through to hospices and charities which might have one or two shops. We lobby and campaign as the voice of the sector, provide business insight to charities through research, and put on high profile networking and learning events to support our members.

The Association provides high quality monthly and quarterly market analysis reports to our members which gives them trusted and valued information on income trends, shop growth, and other indicators to help them benchmark their performance. We also produce specialist reports on other areas of interest to charity retailers, such as salary surveys, as well as conducting one off surveys to support our lobbying and campaigning activity. The successful candidate will take the lead on the Association’s research programme – managing the content, consulting with members and the CRA team, designing and sending out surveys, encouraging charities to participate, conducting the analysis and communicating the findings to the Association’s members.

Objectivesof the job:

Manage the delivery and development of the Association’s research programme, in line with members’ and public affairs priorities.
To producequarterly and monthly market analysis reports on the Charity Retail sector
To produce specialist market research and benchmarking reports on other key areas of interest to charity retailers
To work collaboratively with colleagues to identify themes for additional members surveys and deliver them in line with agreed plans
To providesupport to the public affairs team in delivery of the Association’s key policy and public affairs projects as agreed

Key tasks and responsibilities

To manage the survey process (from design of questions to chasing responses)
To analyse the data and produce regular (quarterly and monthly) benchmarking reports for the Association’s members
To consult with members and the CRA team to identify topics for additional research
To plan the content research programme for the year ahead, advising members and the CRA team of key research dates
To produce a regular email update onkey research findings to be sent to the Association’s members
To brief the CRA team on key researchfindings
To maintain internal datasets and briefings with the latest statistics
To answer member queries about the research and surveys
To undertake other tasks as required to support the Association’s policy and public affairs activity
To work collaboratively with colleagues to facilitate any evidence requests.

Person Specification

Degree in Social Sciences/Business and Economics or equivalent
Experience working with large datasets
Experience of data analysis and drafting surveys
Advanced Excel, including pivot tables, advanced formulas, charting and some knowledge of using macros
Knowledge of primary research methods
Understanding of / interest in the economy and business environment particularly the retail sector
Experience of drafting high quality briefings and correspondence to a variety of audiences
Clear writing style and excellent written communication skills
Highly organised, with experience in managing multiple projects/priorities
Experience in a customer facing role
Ability to work flexibly in a small team

Package

Salary £25k-£30k

Pension 10% after satisfactory completion of 6 months’ probation

Holiday 25 days plus week between Xmas and New Year

Hours 35 hours (9am to 5pm but flexibility offered)

Childcare vouchers