About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for a Research Manager (Grade 7) to join the LGMA Research Unit, which comprises of a Head of Research, two Research Managers and a Research Officer. The Research Manager will be a key member of the research team and will report directly to the Head of Research.

This is a middle management supervisory position in the LGMA. S/he will be responsible for the efficient management, direction, and deployment of resources for the Research Unit. S/he will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Research Unit, including supervising and supporting research staff and commissioned researchers.

S/he will play a principal role in the delivery of an interesting and varied annual programme of research work which will require engagement with colleagues across the organisation, as well as a range of external senior stakeholders including local authority staff, senior officials in various government departments and agencies, and academic stakeholders.

The successful candidate will be involved in setting up and managing Data Working Groups (DWGs) across key policy areas for the sector. The DWGs report to the CCMA policy committees and are the primary structure through which administrative data is analysed to generate evidence for the sector. The Research Team engage daily the LGMA Central Data Unit to ensure the delivery of the DWG work programmes.

The Research Manager may also be required to engage with the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in relation to sectoral performance indicators and customer service topics.

The Research Manager should enjoy a fast paced and structured environment where deadlines need to be adhered to. They will need to be an effective and focused communicator, with extensive skills in presenting data to a range of different stakeholders and enjoy engaging positively with people. S/he should be detail oriented and understand the importance of carrying out detailed quality checks on all outputs from the Research Unit as well as documenting processes and decisions.

S/he will be a contributor to the development and implementation of policies and strategies within the LGMA. They will be required to support the further development of an on-going research programme on local government policy and practice including:

•The production and dissemination of a range of high-quality research reports inconsultation with sectoral stakeholders.
•The production of a range of high-quality policy relevant reports for the various localgovernment committees.
•Provision of technical assistance and advice to LGMA colleagues and partnering stakeholders regarding methodological and statistical issues.
•Management of policy Data Working Groups which includes engagement with theLGMA Central Data Unit to develop Business Requirement Documents, finalising data dashboard, interpreting findings, presenting findings to a range of stakeholders, and the development of data stories.
•Overseeing the annual collection of data for NOAC’s Local Government National performance Indicators report and production of a sectoral report.
•On-going engagement with NOAC and the CCMA policy committees on the development of new local government KPIs and modification of existing KPIs.
•Oversee the annual collection of customer service data via surveys and focus groups,in conjunction with NOAC, and the production of an annual report, and extensive dissemination of outputs and action programmes.
•Oversee the annual collection of Climate Action KPI data, production of a report and extensive dissemination of outputs as well as on-going engagement on the development of additional KPIs for the sector.
•Engagement with LGMA Communications Team and various sectoral representative groups to promote and maximise the dissemination of findings.
•Strategic engagement with key stakeholders in DHLGH.
•Representation on national committees and membership of national and sectoral research related groups.
•Supporting other researchers and organisations to engage with the sector to produce relevant research outputs.
•Maximising linkages with academic, statistical, and research institutions.

For further information see Candidate Information Booklet