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Principal Design Researcher
Melbourne, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Brisbane, Australia
About the Role
13-Month Contract
We're seeking an experienced Principal Strategic Researcher to join our Design and Research practice in a senior leadership capacity. This is a unique opportunity to influence enterprise-wide decision-making by delivering strategic customer, market and behavioural insights that shape business direction and digital transformation initiatives.
As a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders, you'll lead large-scale research programs, uncover emerging opportunities, and translate complex data into actionable recommendations that help drive better customer and business outcomes.
In addition, you'll lead the evolution of AI-enabled research practices across the organisation, helping establish the standards, capabilities and governance required to responsibly leverage AI in generating deeper insights, accelerating research outcomes and informing strategic decisions.
Working across multiple portfolios, you'll partner closely with Design leaders, Research Managers and executive stakeholders to ensure research informs strategic priorities, innovation initiatives and enterprise planning. This role combines strategic influence, research excellence and thought leadership, making it ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments and enjoys solving high-impact business challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver large-scale strategic, foundational and longitudinal research programs that influence enterprise-wide decisions.
- Partner with executive stakeholders to provide evidence-based insights that inform business strategy, investment decisions and prioritisation.
- Identify customer, market and behavioural trends to uncover future opportunities and guide innovation.
- Synthesise complex qualitative and quantitative research findings into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.
- Drive research excellence by establishing best practice standards, mentoring researchers and elevating capability across the research community.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and influence outcomes across product, design, technology and business teams.
- Lead the evolution of AI-enabled research practices across the organisation, establishing frameworks, standards and governance that enable the responsible, effective and scalable use of AI throughout the research lifecycle.
- Drive thought leadership in AI-assisted research, identifying emerging tools, methodologies and opportunities to enhance research quality, efficiency and impact while maintaining research integrity and customer trust.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the Research Community of Practice.
About You
You are a highly experienced strategic researcher with a proven ability to influence senior leaders and shape business outcomes through customer-led insights. You bring a balance of research rigour, commercial thinking and leadership, with the confidence to navigate ambiguity and solve complex organisational challenges.
To be successful, you'll bring:
- Extensive experience leading strategic research initiatives within complex organisations.
- Deep expertise across qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
- Demonstrated success influencing executive and C-suite stakeholders through evidence-based recommendations.
- Strong capability in translating customer and market insights into business strategy and decision-making.
- Experience leading end-to-end research programs and operating effectively in ambiguous environments.
- A passion for mentoring others, driving research excellence and advancing the research discipline.
- Demonstrated experience leading the adoption and advancement of AI-enabled research practices, including establishing best practices, evaluating emerging technologies and embedding appropriate governance to ensure ethical, reliable and impactful research outcomes.
- Recognised expertise in AI's application within research and insights functions, with the ability to influence executive stakeholders on opportunities, risks and strategic investment decisions.
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management and storytelling skills.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic research leader who wants to make a meaningful impact, influence senior decision-makers and help shape the future direction of a large and customer-focused organisation.
Why Work with Bupa
When you become a part of the Bupa team, you're joining a company that values innovation, collaboration, and making a positive impact on people's lives. We offer a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages your professional growth and development.
If you're ready to lead change, drive customer retention, and contribute to Bupa's success, we want to hear from you! Apply now and be a part of our journey towards delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Here at Bupa your wellbeing, identity, and personal story are respected and valued. We are committed to building diverse teams that are reflective of the communities we serve and fostering a fair and inclusive workplace free from discrimination, bullying and harassment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ applicants and are dedicated to removing barriers to participation.
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