Research & Innovation Manager (Behavioural Science) in Birmingham

Join us, be part of more.

We’re so much more than an energy company. We’re a family of brands revolutionising how we power the planet. We\'re energisers. One team of 21,000 colleagues that\'s energising a greener, fairer future by creating an energy system that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, whilst living our powerful commitment to igniting positive change in our communities. Here, you can find more purpose, more passion, and more potential. That’s why working here is #MoreThanACareer. We do energy differently - we do it all. We make it, store it, move it, sell it, and mend it.

Research & Innovation Manager (Behavioural Science)

Location: London | Windsor, UK | Hybrid working

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Team

Energised Futures is a new in-house research and innovation incubator created to accelerate a new energy future and deliver on Centrica’s purpose to energise a greener, fairer future. We’re building a highly skilled team of researchers to perform cutting-edge innovation across six themes: flexibility, automation, connectivity, markets, access, and engagement.

We work in a hybrid, Flexible First way—typically 1–2 days a week in our office. You’ll also have the opportunity to travel to our Antwerp office to connect with the wider team. Whether you need to adjust your hours to fit your lifestyle or have specific needs that require a tailored schedule, we’re here to accommodate. Let’s work together to find a solution that works for you and benefits the team.

The Job

As Research & Innovation Manager you’ll shape strategy and processes while driving innovation in the energy industry. As an adaptable, experienced Behavioural Scientist, you will tackle complex challenges and understand how people and society will engage with energy now and in the future. You will lead and mentor research teams, oversee project definition and execution, and own the strategy and roadmap for our Engagement and Access themes. Working closely with our dynamic research team, you’ll propose experiments, analysis, and interpretations that will help us accelerate a decarbonised, cheaper, and more reliable energy system.

Your work

• Identify relevant research topics and projects, evolving trends, and potential solutions. Assist in designing impactful experiments and plan research activities.

• Support and execute research projects, maintain quality, and refine processes. Engage stakeholders and ensure project goals are met. Publish findings and present at conferences.

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of Behavioural Scientists and User Experience researchers. Foster collaboration and support professional development.

• Identify evolving trends, likely future challenges, and potential solutions and approaches (e.g., technological, commercial models, communication) that could impact the wider business and energy industry.

• Assist in the design of experiments, ensuring project goals and research questions are relevant, impactful, and achievable in line with our research framework.

• Prioritise and plan research activities in coordination with the team’s other R&I Managers and the Project Management Office.

• Maintain research quality and refine internal processes to support high standards.

• Disseminate insights and recommendations through internal reports, white papers, blog posts, workshops, and presentations.

• Work with commercial teams to bring research outcomes to market, ensuring practical application of findings.

Key skills and experiences

• Strong background in Psychology, Sociology, or Economics research. Experience in experiment design and interpreting results. Familiarity with key theories like nudge theory and diffusion of innovations.

• History of publication within academic and research circles. Experience writing research papers, white papers, and technical reports. Ability to present findings at conferences and workshops.

• Excellent communication abilities to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders. Collaborative mindset to work effectively with cross-functional teams. Shows empathy towards team members and stakeholders.

• Business acumen to define, evaluate, and prioritise research proposals for maximal impact and alignment with broader company objectives.

• Demonstrates accountability and responsibility for the success of research and innovation projects. Takes initiative to drive projects forward and ensure high-quality outcomes.

• Understanding of smart energy, generation technologies and energy markets, including retail supply. Knowledge or experience with government policy and regulations around energy.

• Ideally, a strong network within academic and research circles, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing.

And remember: If you don’t meet all the requirements but feel excited about this role, we still encourage you to apply. We’re building a diverse, talented team where different perspectives spark better ideas.

Why should you apply?
We’re not a perfect place – but we’re a people place. Our priority is supporting all of the different realities our people face. Life is about so much more than work. We get it. That’s why we’ve designed our total rewards to give you the flexibility to choose what you need, when you need it, making sure that you and your family are supported not only financially, but physically and emotionally too. Visit the link below to discover why we’re a great place to work and what being part of more means for you.
https://www.morethanacareer.energy/centrica

If you\'re full of energy, fired up about sustainability, and ready to craft not only a better tomorrow, but a better you, then come and find your purpose in a team where your voice matters, your growth is non-negotiable, and your ambitions are our priority.

Help us, help you. We would love for you to share any information about yourself throughout our recruitment process so that we can better understand you and help shape your journey.