Research Advisor in Manchester

At Ofgem, understanding how consumers experience the energy system is critical to shaping decisions that are fair, effective and grounded in real life. We’re seeking a Research Advisor to ensure those insights are at the heart of our work. Ofgem is Great Britain’s independent energy regulator, driving toward Net Zero whilst protecting consumers, especially vulnerable people. We’re offering a permanent opportunity within our Consumer Insight & Behavioural Science function, part of the Analysis profession, where you’ll contribute to work that informs policy across the organisation.

Working across research, analysis and policy, you’ll ensure that consumer voices are reflected in decision‑making. From large‑scale tracking surveys to in‑depth qualitative and deliberative research, you’ll play a key role in building a richer understanding of how people experience the energy system and how that should shape future policy. You’ll have the chance to work across multiple projects, engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders and helping translate complex policy questions into clear research approaches that deliver insight that informs high‑profile decisions.

With strong experience in both quantitative and qualitative research, you’ll bring experience of designing and delivering end‑to‑end research projects and working with methods such as surveys, in‑depth interviews and deliberative approaches. Comfortable working with data and evidence, you’ll be able to interpret complex information, draw clear conclusions and communicate your findings in a way that resonates with non‑specialist audiences. Strong relationship‑building skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities will also be key.

In return, you’ll join a collaborative and supportive team working on issues that have a direct impact on consumers across Great Britain. You’ll have the opportunity to develop your expertise, work across a wide range of policy areas and contribute to shaping how consumer evidence informs the future of the energy system. We have a critical purpose to ensure the energy system works in the interests of consumers, now and in the future. Join us and help ensure consumer insight remains at the centre of decision‑making.

• Working with policy teams and stakeholders to understand their requirements and translate these into high quality research proposals.
• Scoping, designing and delivering quantitative, qualitative (including deliberative) and mixed methods research projects, helping to ensure the consumer voice is central to Ofgem’s policy decisions.
• Conducting quantitative analysis of large datasets to draw insights.
• Lead on project management and procurement for commissioned research projects including preparing briefs, liaising with Procurement, reviewing tenders etc, managing research agencies.
• Support with research activities delivered in‑house including review, assess and summarise research and evidence conducted by energy industry and other external stakeholders.
• Promote the ‘voice of the customer’ across Ofgem and externally including through provision of advice, and effective and creative dissemination of research outputs.
• Responding to ad‑hoc requests for data and insight from internal and external teams including input to policy consultations, briefings, senior speeches and ensuring research is effectively interpreted and communicated in policy papers.
• Design engaging PowerPoint presentations and deliver presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders e.g. peers in other regulators or government departments and research agencies.

• Knowledge, expertise and experience of leading the end‑to‑end design and delivery of quantitative/qualitative research projects and analysis.
• Ability to build strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and to translate policy needs into clear research plans.
• Ability to draft high‑quality, engaging research reports and presentations.
• Ability to evaluate, interpret and synthesise evidence from a variety of sources, coming to logical conclusions and communicating this effectively to senior non‑specialists.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and move flexibly between longer‑term project delivery and reactive rapid advice and analysis.
• Experience analysing large data sets using tools such as SPSS, R or Python.