At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social research projects and analyse customer insights to shape water policy.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the regulator for the water sector in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and excellent pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water services and customer experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in social research and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive setting.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with in-person collaboration.
- 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 various 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 (Not Specified) in Kensington employer: Ofwat
Contact Detail:
Ofwat Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher (Not Specified) in Kensington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission, especially around customer insights and policy development. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to confidently explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Senior Researcher. Keep it engaging and relevant to what Ofwat is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Ofwat and making a difference in the water sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher (Not Specified) in Kensington
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 research 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: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate strong communication skills, so make it easy for us to understand your key insights and how they relate to the role.
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 various methodologies.
✨Understand Ofwat's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's goals and the current changes in the water sector. Being able to articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about your experiences working with different stakeholders. Be prepared to share examples of how you've built relationships and collaborated effectively, as this is crucial for the Senior Researcher position.
✨Practice Clear Communication
Since strong written and oral communication skills are essential, practice explaining complex findings in simple terms. You might be asked to present your insights, so clarity is key!