Pauline McGowan
Trowbridge,Wiltshire
Summary
Hello! I'm an experienced, expert and enthusiastic researcher who has been working in a Head of Strategy role for the past two years, developing skills across a multitude of roles. Having spent 20 years in one company has been a fantastic place to learn and grow as the company and the role has changed so much (growing from 6 to 50 employees). It now feels time to develop in a different direction and transfer this learning and experience to a new opportunity, in a creative and energised company that is seeking to grow.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Strategy
The Nursery Research & Planning
London
03.2025 - Current
- Qualitative specialist researcher with 20 years + experience in core skills such as moderation, analysis, presenting, writing and consultancy.
- A history of successfully delivering on tasks within tight deadlines.
- A team leader who consistently supports with training, mentoring and leadership.
- A creative and enthusiastic leader who has developed and delivered internal strategic change programmes.
Associate Director
Simons Priest Associates
London
03.2004 - 03.2005
- An associate director and team manager, leading research programmes in consumer and media teams.
Research manager
Millward Brown
London
03.2001 - 03.2004
- A qualitative specialist, managing the London qual team and specialising in consumer communications research
- Working closely with the quantitative team to co-ordinate brand tracking and creative evaluation work.
Senior research executive
MORI
London
03.1999 - 03.2001
- A hybrid researcher working across qualitative and quantitative social, political and corporate communications and behaviour change projects.
- Manager of syndicated studies for specialist audiences such as MPs, Journalists and Captains of Industry.
Research executive
Jones Rhodes Associates
Nottingham
09.1997 - 03.1999
- Graduate researcher role learning core qualitative and quantitative research principles including moderation and data analysis.
- A core member of a small team working as hybrid researcher primarily working on brand and product development.
Nurse for people with learning disabilities
HSE Ireland
Dublin
09.1991 - 09.1993
- Management of residential and daycare service for people with learning disabilities at different levels including care and learning plans, unit budgets and staff rotas.
- A key member of a multidisciplinary team with psychologists, social workers, GPs, physiotherapists and occupational therapists creating individual plans for residents.
Education
Post graduate diploma in Psychology - Psychology
The Open University
UK 06.2004 - 06.2005
Market Research Diploma - Market Research
Market Research Society
United Kingdom 09.1998 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - European Economics
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham 09.1993 - 06.1997
Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disabilities - Nursing and Psychology
Cregg House Nursing School
Sligo 09.1988 - 09.1991
Leaving Certificate -
Sacred Heart School
Ballyshannon, Co Donegal 09.1983 - 06.1988
Skills
Research application and expertise: a hugely experienced researcher, used to working across research methods and disciplines to produce findings valued by clients
Leadership: an experienced team leader and board member creating company wide growth plans
Strategic: a creative thinker and strategic planner across learning, development and innovation
Communication: a long history working in communications research and developing core persuasive communication skills
Speaker: an experienced senior presenter and speaker with experience in board rooms and conferences
Affiliations
- An avid reader and learner who makes the most of Future Learn courses ! I believe that life long learning is the key to happiness, ideas, relationship building and empathy with others. I am also a culture vulture who loves exhibitions, museums, galleries and shows. Nothing is too high brow or low brow to escape my attention. Happiest in nature with my gorgeous westie, or watching football with my teenagers. A reluctant gym goer.
Timeline
Head of Strategy
The Nursery Research & Planning
03.2025 - Current
Post graduate diploma in Psychology - Psychology
The Open University
06.2004 - 06.2005
Associate Director
Simons Priest Associates
03.2004 - 03.2005
Research manager
Millward Brown
03.2001 - 03.2004
Senior research executive
MORI
03.1999 - 03.2001
Market Research Diploma - Market Research
Market Research Society
09.1998 - 01.1999
Research executive
Jones Rhodes Associates
09.1997 - 03.1999
Bachelor of Arts - European Economics
Nottingham Trent University
09.1993 - 06.1997
Nurse for people with learning disabilities
HSE Ireland
09.1991 - 09.1993
Registered Nurse in Intellectual Disabilities - Nursing and Psychology
Cregg House Nursing School
09.1988 - 09.1991
Leaving Certificate -
Sacred Heart School
09.1983 - 06.1988