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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful social research projects to shape the future of water regulation.
- Company: Join Ofwat, a key player in the water sector's transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in customer policy and environmental outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in social research and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40024 - 52500 £ per year.
Join Ofwat's Customer Policy & Insights Team as a Senior Researcher.
About Us
We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. Our mission remains to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment.
The Role
The Senior Researcher role has an important contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments. The role sits within the Customer Policy & Insights team, which is part of the Casework, Enforcement and Customer Directorate. You will report directly to Ofwat's Principal, Customer Insights, while working closely with colleagues across the customer policy team and price review Directorate.
This role will work on projects and issues across the customer team and price review directorate, using and developing a range of different skills and knowledge including qualitative and quantitative research methods, report writing, policy consultations, licence condition reviews, and reviewing and advising on company research used to inform business planning.
About You
Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:
- Proven experience in developing and delivering social research projects from start to finish, using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Strong understanding of research methodologies and their application.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to draw out key insights from research findings.
- Understanding of policy development and interest in economic regulation.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and contractors.
- Excellent planning, time management and project management skills.
Why You Should Join Us
- People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat; you'll be given the autonomy and support to do your role in the best way.
- Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working with a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with in-person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
- Excellent employer pension contributions of nearly 29%.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
- Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services.
- Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
- Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
- Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
- Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.
Closing date: 23.55 on 22 March 2026.
Senior Researcher (Birmingham) employer: Ofwat
Contact Detail:
Ofwat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher (Birmingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water sector or those who work at Ofwat. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research methodologies and policy development. We want you to feel confident explaining your experience and how it aligns with Ofwat's mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've drawn key insights from research findings. This will demonstrate your ability to make complex information engaging and relevant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher (Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your passion for water regulation and customer insights aligns with our mission at Ofwat.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social research projects. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve used qualitative and quantitative methods to drive results, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate strong written communication skills, so keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your findings and how they relate to policy development.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofwat
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this role requires a strong understanding of research methodologies.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to draw insights from research findings. Think about how you can explain complex data in a way that's engaging for both technical and non-technical audiences.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Be ready to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders. Highlight specific instances where you've built relationships and collaborated effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing your findings or policy development. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, so consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.