Research Consultant (Quantitative)

ORIMA Research is a private Australian-owned professional services firm that provides market and social research, data analytics, organisational performance improvement and related advisory services. We are a genuine public sector research specialist, whereby over 90% of our clients are in the government sector. Established in 1996, we now have around 70 professional staff working across four offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. 

ORIMA is a values-based organisation and we pride ourselves on our service ethos, high performance culture, innovation, integrity and focus on helping our staff to thrive. We are:

• People who believe in the value of evidence-based approaches to inform government decision making;
• Lateral thinkers and problem solvers – we find the best solutions for our clients; and
• From a diverse range of qualifications and professional backgrounds.

Due to growth, we are seeking a researcher with a minimum of three years’ experience in quantitative research to support social research projects, involving survey methodology, across a range of areas including education, community sentiment, communications campaign development, customer/client experience and more, including partnering with qualitative research teams as required. The nature of the projects requires flexibility in research design, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly understand client needs and identify how research can be used to address them.  

We are looking for an experienced quantitative researcher with strong written and communication skills, as well as solid understanding and application of evidence-based research design and quantitative methods. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind, strong attention to detail, high quality written skills, professional presentation and communication capabilities, and who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with three or more years of relevant experience. This role provides the researcher the opportunity to further develop their quantitative data analysis and client management skills, as well as do meaningful research.

The researcher would work within a small team of highly skilled researchers with a passion for making a difference to the clients we serve. We are looking for a self-starter who will uphold privacy and confidentiality in all that they do, and who will contribute to a supportive, positive and engaged office culture. The role is based onsite, in our bright, new Melbourne office in Collingwood.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing projects effectively, including management of contractors (e.g. panels); and ensuring projects are managed within time and budget, and to client expectations
• Client liaison and co-ordination to deliver outputs to agreed timeframes
• Questionnaire design and, where relevant, incorporating key insights from qualitative research and stakeholder input 
• Providing operational oversight and support for survey administration processes
• Analysing and interpreting data (using Q/SPSS and Excel), including higher level statistical analysis where required
• Deducing key findings and overall project ‘narrative’
• Communicating research findings clearly and concisely in written, oral and graphical form; using and preparing data visualisation to optimise reports – such as through infographics and charts
• Preparing reports in PowerPoint and Word formats to publication standard – including primary drafting and reviewing input from other team members
• Collaborating on or overseeing projects with team members and staff across the organisation
• Supporting and training less experienced staff 
• Assisting in preparing proposals and maintaining relationships with existing clients with the view to become their research provider of choice

We are seeking:

• Australian Citizens (preferred)/PR
• 3 or more years of relevant work experience
• Relevant graduate or postgraduate qualification/s - ideally in Commerce, Marketing, Psychology, Social Science, Economics and / or Statistics or other relevant degree

Technical Skills

• Strong quantitative data analysis skills with ability to translate results into meaningful findings and recommendations  
• Experience in managing research or consulting projects
• Competency in Excel and utilisation of statistical packages such as SPSS, R, and/or Q
• Experience with statistical analysis and statistical methods used in the market and social research industry 
• Competency in PowerPoint and Word
• Understanding of how to explain quantitative data in a way that is accessible and insightful
• Client management and project management skills 
• Experience or interest in the public sector and/ or social research

General Skills

• Very strong attention to detail 
• Strong communication skills – both verbal and written
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, organise work and achieve objectives within timelines and budget
• Able to work in a small team environment and be a genuine team player
• Self-motivated with a positive mindset, resilience and ‘can do’ attitude; understanding the benefits of a positive attitude on others
• Ability to work under pressure and in a constructive and helpful manner
• Motivated to pursue excellence 
• Strong learner with a desire to advance consulting skills and grow in leadership 
• Humble, versatile and prepared to apply self to whatever is required to advance projects and meet client needs. Evidencing a service ethos to others – externally and internally
• Proactive and responsive – thinking ahead in monitoring and guiding projects