Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Related Interests
References
Timeline
Generic

Amber Ireland Ahearn

Sydney,,Australia

Summary

I am a Sydney-based Research Consultant with over 5.5 years in experience in traditional Market Research, currently pursing a transition into Social Research. Driven by deep curiosity and a strong sense of purpose, I am passionate about conducting meaningful research on social issues that will lead to positive outcomes for communities. I am eager to apply my strong ability to uncover valuable insights, collaboratively solve problems, and strategically deliver findings in a Social Research setting. I hold a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Southampton, including a first-class qualitative dissertation on drug use. As a natural qualitative researcher, I bring advanced moderation and interpersonal skills, allowing me to quickly build rapport, navigate sensitive topics and effectively engaged with diverse audiences. Disciplined, proactive and adaptable, I thrive in dynamic and challenging environments. I offer strong communication and project management skills, a proven work ethic and genuine enthusiasm for mentoring and line managing junior team members. I am eager to apply my existing skills to Social Research to make a meaningful impact, while continuing to develop professionally and expand my skill set.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Consultant (RM)

Lucid
Sydney, Australia
04.2024 - Current
  • Primarily led qualitaTve projects including managing end-to-end project execuTon, client communicaTon, research material development, moderaTon, analysis, reporTng, and presentaTon
  • Excels in qualitaTve moderaTon including face-to-face and online depth interviews and focus groups along with online communiTes
  • Developed quanTtaTve research skills including Q Research Sohware
  • Experience across: CX & UX Research (e.g., Customer Needs, Journey Mapping, User Personas, Cultural Deep Dive, Usability TesTng), Brand & Comms Research (e.g., Brand PosiToning, Comms TesTng, Ad TesTng), Product & Pricing Research (e.g., Concept TesTng, New Product Development), Consumer Immersions (e.g., Stakeholder Sessions)
  • Akended client briefing calls and wrote proposals, including research design and costs
  • Built client relaTonships and supported the CEO in new business development
  • Developed online community offering and onboarded RecollecTve plalorm through previous industry contacts
  • Expanded client porlolio to include Uber, Uber Eats, Toyota Finance, Adica and PetSure
  • Gained extensive APAC market experience in AU, JP, SK, NZ, HK and TW
  • Supported the new employee recruitment process including interviewing candidates
  • Line managed two junior team members (weekly one-to-one meeTngs, detailed development plan, workload management)
  • AcTvely engage in the Sydney Market Research network through akending events and parTcipaTng in the WIRe Mentorship Program as a Mentee

Insight Consultant (RM)

Bryter
London, UK
10.2021 - 09.2023
  • Led qualitaTve projects from proposal to final delivery for both small and large mulT-market studies. Supported on quanTtaTve projects
  • Independently ran qualitaTve fieldwork including face-to-face and online focus groups, depth interviews, online communiTes, gaming sessions, vox pops and in-store observaTons
  • Delivered impaclul reports, presentaTons and workshops to help clients understand their business and make beker informed strategic decisions
  • Contributed to the team's commercial targets by responding to client briefs, wriTng proposals, and overseeing a public sector Ofcom roster applicaTon
  • Worked on a large mulT-method qualitaTve project for Samsung with children from the UK, Germany and USA. Adapted research materials to beker suit the needs of children and conducted depth interviews.
  • Focused on excelling qualitaTve skills by akending MRS webinars and independent reading
  • Line managed a junior team member, providing qualitaTve skills training and mentorship
  • Notable clients: Samsung, Vodafone, Bosch, Ogilvy, Lynk & Co, Tictales and QubeGB

Senior Insight ExecuTve

Bryter
London, UK
10.2021 - 02.2023
  • TransiToned to leading all qualitaTve projects and increased proposal wriTng responsibiliTes
  • Ran large mulT-market studies (e.g., Germany, Sweden, US, Italy, Romania, Portugal)
  • Conducted research with children, adapTng recruitment, wriTng guides and running tailored fieldwork
  • ConTnued to work on quanTtaTve projects including Vodafone Sponsorship Tracking for Wimbledon and BST Hyde Park

Senior Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
London, UK
04.2019 - 10.2021
  • Led smaller projects and closely support larger projects in a wide range of sectors (e.g., Public Sector, Banking and Finance, Telecoms, Health, Retail, UTliTes and Transport)
  • Managed external fieldwork and advanced strong organisaTonal skills
  • Worked in fast-paced condiTons, managing Tme across several projects and quickly responding to client requests and adapTng to evolving project Tmelines
  • Consistently communicated with clients during calls around project updates, analysis and business strategy
  • Worked alongside the Senior Team on a high-profile Public Sector project for Post Office Ltd, involving 60 indepth interviews with UK Postmasters and a naTonwide quanTtaTve survey and segmentaTonal
  • Ran a qualitaTve project for Transport Focus, a non-departmental public body which is sponsored by the UK Department for Transport. The research successfully provided recommendaTons on how to improve the train riding experience during Covid for consumers and specifically consumers disabiliTes.
  • Notable clients: Lloyds Banking Group, adidas, M&S, TalkTalk, Transport Focus, Big Bus Tours and SSE

Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
London, UK
01.2020 - 11.2020
  • Developed qualitaTve and quanTtaTve skills, project management experTse, and delivered smaller client debriefs
  • Gained hands-on experience in face-to-face (in-home and on-street), telephone, and video-call in-depth interviews, as well as online focus groups and communiTes
  • Conducted interviews on sensiTve topics such as personal finances with consumers in a lower income bracket

Trainee Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
London, UK
04.2019 - 12.2019
  • Gained an understanding of ad-hoc project life cycles, supporTng senior team members in a fast-paced environment

Education

BSc - Sociology and Criminology

University of Southampton
07.2018

A levels - English Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Physical Education and Welsh Baccalaureate

Pontypridd High School
08.2015

Skills

  • Research design
  • Qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • F2F & online focus groups / depth interviews moderation
  • Discussing sensitive topics
  • Research with children
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Proposal writing
  • Project management
  • Client management
  • Communication
  • Problem solving
  • Think strategically
  • Presenting
  • Multi-market research (UK, EU & APAC)
  • Line management and mentoring
  • Training and development sessions
  • Interest in social issues including health

Volunteer Experience

  • 06/01/25, Community Connect Program, Holdsworth, Completed National Police Check and due to complete First Aid training to take part in a Community Connect program which gives social connection to Sydney residents over age 65
  • 09/01/15, Peer Mentor Programme, University of Southampton, 10-week training course to become a peer mentor. Mentored fellow students by practicing active listening and signposting to relevant mental health support services

Related Interests

  • Health Promotion: Currently enrolled in a Health Promotion Advocacy: Strategies for Change short course delivered by Curtin University on behalf of Australian Health Promotion Association.
  • Physical Activity: Practice a healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity and healthy eating. Regularly read and listen to sources on health to keep up to date with news, trends and emerging findings.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Research Consultant (RM)

Lucid
04.2024 - Current

Insight Consultant (RM)

Bryter
10.2021 - 09.2023

Senior Insight ExecuTve

Bryter
10.2021 - 02.2023

Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
01.2020 - 11.2020

Senior Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
04.2019 - 10.2021

Trainee Insight ExecuTve

Quadrangle Consultancy
04.2019 - 12.2019

BSc - Sociology and Criminology

University of Southampton

A levels - English Literature, Philosophy and Religion, Physical Education and Welsh Baccalaureate

Pontypridd High School
Amber Ireland Ahearn