senior research executive

Nau mai, haere mai – join us in shaping meaningful social impact in Aotearoa

At Ipsos, we believe powerful social research flourishes when grounded in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and deep respect for the communities we serve. We're seeking a Wellington-based Senior Research Executive who thrives in culturally anchored research spaces and brings curiosity, rigour, and empathy to issues facing all people across Aotearoa.

We're open to considering candidates from Graduate level through to those with around 1-3 years' experience and will shape responsibilities accordingly.

About the Role:

This role sits within our Public Affairs team and plays a key part in delivering several of our largest and most meaningful programmes. You'll support the design, management, and delivery of high-impact social research for predominantly government and not-for-profit clients.

You will be a core contributor to research programmes in areas such as:

· Patient Experience

· Mental Health

· Supporting development and measurement of government programmes and initiatives

· Ipsos' own research including the Ipsos Issues Monitor and Understand Aotearoa New Zealand research series

With the Patient Experience Programme expanding in 2026 to include two additional surveys, this role is essential to maintaining programme continuity and supporting future growth. You'll work closely with our Senior Research Manager throughout a comprehensive transition period to ensure seamless knowledge transfer and ongoing delivery excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

· Support the end-to-end delivery of large-scale social research programmes, ensuring high quality, cultural integrity, and meaningful insights.

· Build trusted and respectful relationships with clients, acting as a kaitiaki for their research aspirations.

· Assist in shaping research methodologies, survey tools, fieldwork design, and analysis approaches.

· Contribute to high-quality reporting, insight development, and presentations that drive positive social outcomes.

· Work collaboratively with senior team members across multiple programmes, supporting planning, timelines, and project co-ordination.

· Contribute to proposals, tenders, and new business opportunities aligned with our values and vision.

About You:

· Tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Psychology, Public Health, Business, or a related field.

· We welcome applications from recent graduates with strong potential, as well as those with one to three years of experience in research or evaluation environments (experience with government or not-for-profit organisations advantageous).

· Strong applied quantitative skills; qualitative research experience also valued.

· Familiarity with culturally centred research approaches, particularly with Māori and Pacific communities, and an appreciation for tikanga-aligned research practice.

· Experience contributing to medium or large-scale research projects, with strong attention to detail and excellent project coordination abilities.

· Strong questionnaire design, analysis, and report-writing skills.

· Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, managing competing priorities, and collaborating across teams.

· Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); familiarity with statistical software is a bonus.

Why Ipsos?

Ipsos Aotearoa is committed to growing our kaupapa Māori research capability - we know there's much to learn, and we're eager to do this alongside the right people. Based in our central Wellington office, we deliver quantitative and qualitative research to public sector and commercial clients, helping shape positive outcomes across Aotearoa. You'll join a dynamic and supportive team focused on meaningful impact and genuine professional growth.

As well as strong local presence, Ipsos has the backing of a global organisation dedicated to investing in ensuring our offerings are best practice and leading-edge.

Employee Benefits:

· Regular social events and learning & development programmes.

· Paid leave days for volunteering, celebrating your birthday, and health insurance.

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flexible work environment, and the opportunity to work overseas for up to 6 weeks per year.

· Centrally located Wellington office.

Awarded the Most Effective Research Agency at the Research Association Awards in 2024, Ipsos is a leading global market and social research company with offices in 90 countries, including Auckland and Wellington. We are passionate about insights, solving problems, and delivering best-in-class research solutions for our diverse range of clients.

If you're interested in this role and meet the criteria, please submit your CV and cover letter by clicking "Apply Now." We look forward to hearing from you

Note: This position is only open to applicants with the right to live and work in New Zealand.