Research Operations Lead

Be at the heart of it

We have a clear ambition to be the world's most customer-centric healthcare company. To bring our ambition to life, we are elevating the focus on digital and data, evolving how we do things to create value for our customers now and into the future.

Our global mission is to help our customers live healthier and happier lives. Just imagine the impact you could make

We are looking for a Research Operations Lead to join our Digital Experience APAC team. You will play a pivotal role in enabling our research community to deliver high-quality insights that shape product and business decisions. From tooling and governance to capacity planning and community building, you will help create a seamless research environment that supports innovation and impact.

This role is being offered as a 12mth Fixed term contract and can be based in Melbourne or Sydney. Bupa offers a hybrid working environment, with a mix of working from home and in office days (team collaboration and event days etc).

How will you make an impact?

You will be the engine behind our research operations—designing and managing the infrastructure, processes, and tools that empower our researchers to do their best work. You will foster a strong research culture, advocate for ethical practices, and ensure our research activities are aligned with organisational goals and timelines.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Oversee research tooling, infrastructure, and vendor relationships to support seamless operations.
• Develop governance policies and ethical standards for research, ensuring privacy and compliance.
• Optimise research processes and implement quality assurance protocols.
• Manage research data securely and ensure accessibility for the team.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive view of team capacity across portfolios and work types.
• Foster Communities of Practice and promote inclusive design and behavioural science integration.
• Design and deliver training programs to support professional development and capability building.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention of research talent, promoting a collaborative culture.

About You

You are a strategic thinker with a passion for research and operational excellence. You thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy building systems that support people and processes. You're collaborative, detail-oriented, and proactive—ready to lead change and elevate the impact of research across the organisation.

Key skills and experience required:

• Minimum of 4+ years in research and/or design operations, project management, or related fields, ideally within user and/or behavioural research
• Experience with research repositories and participant recruitment processes
• Strong organisational, project management, and communication skills
• Proficiency in research tools and platforms, and familiarity with data privacy regulations
• Ability to manage vendors, budgets, and cross-functional collaboration
• Experience in agile environments and software development contexts
• Strong attention to detail, high-quality standards, and ability to manage multiple initiatives
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, HCI, or equivalent experience

What's in it for you?

As well as a competitive salary, a range of Bupa benefits and flexible working arrangements, you will be encouraged to innovate. You will collaborate with various teams to deliver exceptional outcomes and have access to internal development courses and a supportive career development environment. We trust, respect, and consider everyone, knowing your difference will make the difference.

To learn more about working at Bupa please visit our website:

At Bupa, we are striving to create and sustain a safe and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all cultural backgrounds, genders, and abilities. If you require any adjustments to participate in our recruitment process, please let us know at the time of your application.

Interested in exploring some more? Click on the links below:

Bupa puts First Nations Health at the centre of Reconciliation Action Plan

Because being you at Bupa matters