Human & AI Research Lead (Research & Commercial Innovation)

Why this role / Why now   AI is reshaping how   organisations   grow, operate and compete, but the market is increasingly clear that technical capability alone is not enough. The leaders who will create lasting advantage are those who can connect AI to human   behaviour ,   organisational   change, workforce implications and societal trust. This role is an opportunity to lead at that intersection: to shape one of The Dock’s most distinctive capabilities, guide a high- calibre   multidisciplinary team, and build research, thought leadership and client impact in an area that is rapidly becoming central to boardroom agendas and competitive differentiation.   Role Purpose   The Dock’s Research capability is   recognised   across Accenture, by our clients and in the market for its distinctive perspective on the human impact of AI across   organisations , societies and everyday life. It combines applied research excellence with a provocative point of view, original data-led thinking and a clear ambition to challenge convention. The result is work that brings   rigour , relevance and fresh perspective to some of the most important questions facing business and society.   This role will lead and evolve   The Dock’s   Research capability, shaping a market-leading agenda that combines research depth with commercial impact. The successful candidate will ensure research is client-relevant, future-facing and directly connected to growth, innovation and strategic differentiation. They will embed research more deeply into The Dock’s portfolio, bringing critical thinking, intellectual challenge and differentiated insight   to   the experiences, propositions and opportunities we create.   The current team comprises approximately 14 researchers spanning   behavioural   science, psychology, anthropology, sociology and economics. It is a multidisciplinary, high- calibre   group with experience drawn from both academic and commercial environments. Diverse in outlook and rich in debate, the team is highly client- centred , alert to emerging business and societal shifts, and well positioned to shape distinctive thinking in a market where human- centred   AI leadership is becoming an increasingly important source of competitive advantage.   Core Responsibilities   As a member of The Dock Leadership team, this role will support the overall strategy and success of The Dock and will be responsible for the following:   - Set the strategic direction for The Dock’s research team, building a strong and forward-looking backlog that balances intellectual   rigour   with applied business relevance, while fostering a culture of bold thinking, experimentation and healthy challenge.   - Develop distinctive points of view on the   organisational , workforce and societal impact of AI that shape client agendas and strengthen Accenture’s differentiation in the market. Translate emerging AI and   behavioural   insights into compelling narratives that support origination, executive engagement and growth.   - Lead the Research Community of Practice, investing in the craft, capability and development of the team so it continues to thrive in a commercial environment while remaining aligned to Accenture’s strategic priorities and client needs.   - Lead high-quality, market-facing research   programmes   from framing through delivery, ensuring strong quality assurance and translating insights into propositions, offerings, experiences and revenue opportunities for both clients and Accenture.   - Build and maintain a commercially aligned portfolio of research themes, identifying emerging ideas and signals that can inform The Dock agenda, the   Research   community and future client opportunities.   - Lead senior client engagements, including executive workshops and C-suite conversations, and support early-stage origination by shaping research themes, framing investment cases and articulating the potential value of new work.   - Build a strong body of thought leadership in human- centred   AI and   behavioural   insight, distilling lessons and market signals and promoting the team’s work across Accenture and beyond.   Success Measures   - Produce distinctive, high-impact research that strengthens The Dock brand, inspires clients, colleagues and partners, and is known for its quality, relevance and originality rather than volume alone.   - Build a strong pipeline of research themes and projects with clear business relevance, alignment to The Dock portfolio and credible line of sight to funding, client demand and value   realisation .   - Achieve stronger integration of research across The Dock portfolio, including product-led work and client innovation experiences, using data, market testing and emerging methods to generate sharper hypotheses and more provocative client conversations.   - Establish visible leadership in the field of AI and its human impact,   building   recognition for both the individual and the team, and   continuing   to evolve The Dock’s   Resear ch   capability as a premium, differentiated service in the market.   - Develop the team’s craft, confidence and commercial maturity, creating an ambitious, innovative culture that attracts talent, builds influence and secures its place in strategic conversations across The Dock and Accenture.   #LI-EU Candidate Profile   - Deep grounding in human sciences,   behavioural   research or adjacent disciplines, with a strong understanding of their relevance to business, public service and society.   - Proven ability to translate research and insight into commercial value, strategic choices and client impact, with the confidence to debate, defend and elevate the work.   - An exceptional communicator, both written and verbal, with a distinctive voice and the range to engage credibly across senior leadership, clients, partners and multidisciplinary teams.   - Strong executive presence and credibility with senior stakehol