Graduate Research and Business Development Executive

At a glance: 

• Location – London, United Kingdom  
• Start Date – August 2025 
• Contract Type – 12 months Fixed Term Contract
• Working Arrangement – Hybrid 

Here’s a summary of the role:

We are looking for an analytically and commercially minded sports enthusiast to join the YouGov Sport team.

You will help some of the biggest domestic and international sports rights-holders, sponsor brands, agencies and media owners to make better and more informed decisions through market leading research solutions.

This graduate role will have a dual focus, allowing you to gain experience in two of YouGov Sport’s key departments: Consumer Research and Sales/Commercial.

During your time with the Consumer Research team, you will be exposed to our global data capabilities through hands-on management of research projects, which generally involves creating surveys to better understand how fans engage with various sports and sponsors then analysing the data to deliver actionable insights and reports for our clients.

Working with the Commercial team, you will support our new business and account management sales cycles. The role will provide exposure to commercial responsibilities from lead generation to contract closure. Your focus will be to uncover opportunity for YouGov Sport to work with organisations across the sports and entertainment industries.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do (not all of it, just the important stuff):

• Project management: to co-ordinate and manage research projects of varying complexity either independently or as part of a team.
• Proactive client service: by way of management, guidance and communications with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Data analysis: identifying trends while keeping an eye out for potential discrepancies and errors. Extrapolating and estimating data using robust samples, data models and logic
• Report production: producing bespoke analysis and reports for clients; creating a clear narrative from the data that enables the client to make data-driven decisions.
• Learn all about our global data tools: helping subscribed clients make the most of the data in the tools
• Ability to identify new business leads and their decision makers through research, LinkedIn and other networking platforms
• Book and support discovery sales calls/meetings with qualified prospects, (marketers, sponsorship professionals or research experts)
• Utilise our sales enablement and CRM tools to organise daily sales activity, build sales pipeline projections and analyse personal sales performance

These are the essentials you’ll need to get an interview:

• High level of interest and knowledge in the sport sector
• Organised with the ability to juggle multiple projects/tasks
• Numerical reasoning ability – identifying trends and stories from numeric data, understanding of basic numeric calculations and manipulations - don’t worry we have specialised teams/tools for advanced statistical methods
• A team player – enjoys working as part of a team, and open to learning from and passing knowledge on to others in the team and wider business unit
• Microsoft Office proficiency essential, including Excel and PowerPoint to a high standard
• Educated to at least degree standard
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Active listening skills to build rapport

It would be great if you had these to, but we’ll support you if you don’t:

• A flair for the creative and coherent presentation of data-driven results; visually bringing the story alive
• Confident presenter – presenting reports and findings to clients
• Negotiation skills or sales experience

What to expect from the hiring process:

• Call with Talent Partner
• Assessment/Practical Interview
• Final Interview with the hiring team

Graduate Programme Overview:

Our Graduate Programme is designed to accelerate your career and provide a comprehensive foundation for success. Here's what you can expect:

• 12-Month Development Programme: A structured programme featuring role-specific training and professional skills development to equip you for success.
• Real-World Experience: Engage in meaningful tasks and projects, gaining hands-on experience from day one.
• Exposure to Senior Leadership: Benefit from direct interactions with our CEO, graduate sponsor, and functional leaders, offering invaluable insights and mentorship.
• Comprehensive Support System: Enjoy continuous guidance from the People Experience and Development team, as well as your dedicated line manager.
• Pathway to Promotion: Successful completion of the programme can lead to a permanent role and promotion, contingent on your performance.
• Graduate Alumni Network: Stay connected with your cohort and join a vibrant community of programme alumni to support your long-term growth.

Our programme offers an incredible opportunity to build your skills, expand your network, and shape your career in a supportive and dynamic environment.

What can we offer you:

We are driven by a set of shared values. We are fast, fearless, and innovative. We work diligently to get it right. We are guided by accuracy, ethics, and proven methodologies. We respect and trust each other, bringing these values into everything that we do.

• A cohesive, fun, inclusive and supportive team environment.
• From day one, you'll have the opportunity to engage with our fast-paced, innovative teams and make meaningful contributions. We encourage innovative thinking, and when combined with our collaborative culture, it creates an enjoyable and inspiring experience for all.
• A good work-life balance. Because we all work better when we are rested. Your wellbeing is as important to us as your career growth. Access curated resources for your physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing at your convenience, anytime, anywhere.
• Exclusive LinkedIn Learning license offering unlimited access to a vast library of high-quality, expert-led training courses that are designed to elevate your skills and foster continuous growth.
• An extra day off to celebrate yourself – enjoy an additional day to relax and celebrate your birthday.

Ready to take the first step? Apply now and be part of our next generation of leaders!