At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects that shape water consumer advocacy and policy.
- Company: Join CCW, the independent voice for water consumers in England & Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, health perks, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in consumer rights while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in project management and customer research.
The predicted salary is between 37578 - 37578 £ per year.
Salary: £37,578 + Excellent Civil Service Benefits
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid working - Non-contractual policy currently in operation with a minimum of 8 days per month office attendance)
Permanent | Full Time | 37 hours per week
Introduction
Gi Group is delighted to be partnering with CCW (Consumer Council for Water) to support them in their recruitment of a Research Manager.
About CCW
CCW is the passionate, independent voice representing water consumers in England & Wales. We support thousands of people each year, providing free advice and helping people to resolve their complaints with their water company in an easy, caring way. We champion everyone's needs and interests, completing and showcasing research that influences water companies, government, and regulators to make change happen. We are a government Arm's Length Body sponsored by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
CCW values: We expect and support all CCW colleagues to embody and celebrate CCW's values through Positive Energy, Respect for all, Innovative Spirit, Delivery of our Promises and being Engaged as One (PRIDE).
The Role
The Research Manager is responsible for delivering CCW's research programme, ensuring that all research is robust, credible and aligned with organisational priorities. The role manages externally delivered research projects, and ensures findings are translated into actionable insight that strengthens CCW's evidence base and informs policy, engagement and consumer advocacy.
Key responsibilities:
- Manage CCW's research portfolio from proposal through procurement, delivery
- Identifying and developing research solutions and opportunities for research innovation
- Translate research briefs into procurement specifications in line with the Procurement Act
- Represent CCW on externally led research working groups and workshops
- Ensure all research complies with the Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct and maintain up-to-date research skills
Develop CCW's evidence base to maximise insight:
- Identify key issues within research findings and shape the narrative for insight reports
- Join up evidence across projects, including consumer panels, identifying contradictions, gaps or new questions and proposing further testing
- Produce specific insight reports throughout the year, grounded in robust research
Lead CCW's assessment of water company consumer engagement:
- Identify comparative engagement approaches used by water companies during business planning, highlighting gaps, inconsistencies and good practice
- Provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen consumer engagement across the sector
The Person
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Project management experience
- Recent experience in customer research and a range of research techniques
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
- Member of the Market Research Society, or willingness to obtain membership within six months
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative findings
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Research development skills and strong IT capability
Benefits & Offering
- Hybrid working policy - non contractual policy of minimum of 8 days per month office-based
- 25 days annual leave plus 10½ days public and privilege holidays
- Flexi time is available, with the ability to accrue and take time off in lieu
- Generous Civil Service Pension
- Health & Fitness allowance
- Paid allowance days for voluntary work
- Wellbeing Hour once a month
- Onsite coffee shop
- Free eye test every 2 years and annual flu jab
How to Apply
Gi Group is proud to support CCW in this recruitment campaign. If you have the expertise, judgement and commitment, we are keen to hear from you. To be considered for this role, please click on the link provided. If you would like any further information about this vacancy, please feel free to contact.
Closing date: Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.
Research Manager in Birmingham employer: Gi Group
Gi Group is an excellent employer for those passionate about renewable energy, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises mentorship and collaboration. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee growth, you'll find meaningful opportunities to contribute to the UK's clean energy transition while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Manager in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Gi Group, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Gi Group. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Gi Group. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Gi Group. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gi Group
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Gi Group. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Gi Group to drive research projects forward.
