📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Freelance Researcher - Global Sports Brand
🔹 Company: Burson
🔹 Location: London, England, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Freelance
🔹 Category: Research, Sports Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Researching talent for global sports brand
- Providing comprehensive reports on talent's career, editorial footprint, and brand partnerships
- Processing talent's social and online footprint
- Working independently with strong project management skills
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the sports industry, influencers, and social media platforms to effectively research and analyze talent.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Research talent (e.g., influencers or creatives) and provide comprehensive reports on their career, editorial footprint, partnerships with brands, and potential brand & reputational risks
✅ Process the social and online footprint of talent and provide actionable summaries of findings for review
✅ Format and scope of research will be dictated; it is not part of the role to provide additional research solutions or strategies
ASSUMPTION: The researcher should be comfortable working independently and managing their time effectively to meet deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline)
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in research, preferably within the sports industry or a related field
Required Skills:
- Strong research expertise and comfort with independently curating desk research from start to finish
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Strong project and time management skills
- Strong knowledge of social media platforms
- Strong cultural knowledge and awareness to process the social and online footprint of talent
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with global sports brands
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g., social media listening platforms, research databases) may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum (pro-rated for the 1-2 month contract, estimated at £12,500 - £17,500)
Benefits:
- Professional development opportunities
- Mentorship programs
- Vibrant company culture
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a research role with 2-5 years of experience in the UK.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: Not specified
Company Description:
- Burson is the global leader in communications, purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation
- Reinvents how reputation creates competitive advantage for clients
- Focuses on inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, and cultivating meaningful experiences
Company Specialties:
- Public Relations
- Communications Services
- Sports Marketing
Company Website: www.bursonglobal.com
ASSUMPTION: Burson is a well-established global communications leader with a strong focus on reputation management and strategic communications.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Sports team lead
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (on-site 4 days a week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential full-time employment after the contract period
- Opportunities to work with high-profile sports brands and organizations
- Access to professional development opportunities and mentorship programs
ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities within the company and the sports industry, as well as the chance to work with prominent clients.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site 4 days a week)
Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom
Geographic Context:
- London is a major global city with a vibrant sports industry
- Home to numerous sports teams, events, and brands
- Offers ample networking opportunities and cultural experiences
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, fostering flexibility and work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the Sports team lead
- Final interview with the Burson HR team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Research skills and experience
- Writing and editing skills
- Project management skills
- Cultural awareness and understanding of the sports industry
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant research experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of the sports industry and global sports brands
- Showcase your ability to work independently and manage projects effectively
ATS Keywords: Research, Sports Marketing, Influencer, Global Brands, Social Media, Project Management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their research skills, industry knowledge, and ability to work independently during the application and interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media listening platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Research databases (e.g., Factiva, LexisNexis)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in relevant research tools and software is essential for this role, as the researcher will be expected to process and analyze large amounts of data efficiently.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inspiring bold ideas
- Fostering constructive dialogue
- Cultivating meaningful experiences
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and focused on delivering excellence
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the sports industry?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex research project independently?
- How do you approach working with diverse teams and stakeholders with varying perspectives?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their cultural fit with Burson's values and work style, as well as their ability to thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple research projects simultaneously
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing sports industry
- Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing on-site and remote work
- Navigating the complexities of global sports brands and their partnerships
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple projects, adapt to change, and work effectively in a hybrid environment to succeed in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other research positions in its focus on the sports industry and global sports brands
- Industry-specific context requires a strong understanding of the sports landscape and its key players
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to opportunities in sports marketing, public relations, or brand management within Burson or the broader sports industry
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other research positions in the sports industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Researching and analyzing the social media presence of prominent sports influencers for a global sports brand
- Investigating the brand partnerships and endorsements of high-profile athletes for a sports marketing agency
- Evaluating the reputational risks associated with potential brand ambassadors for a sports organization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the types of research tasks the successful applicant may encounter in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the Sports team?
- How does Burson support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30 days?
- How does Burson approach working with global sports brands, and what are the unique challenges and opportunities in this space?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for growth within Burson?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their eagerness to contribute to Burson's success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant research experience and skills
- Prepare examples of your research work or projects to showcase your abilities
- Follow up with the Burson HR team one week after submission to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
