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- Tasks: Lead a new research team to deliver impactful consumer panels shaping utility policy.
- Company: Join an independent advocate for utility consumers, driving fairness and change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Civil Service Pension, flexible hybrid working, and 3 paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by amplifying consumer voices and influencing major utility services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in managing consumer panels and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with only 8 office days per month in Birmingham or Cardiff.
The predicted salary is between 48800 - 55400 £ per year.
Lead a new research team delivering impactful consumer panels that shape utility policy. Hybrid role in Birmingham or Cardiff. Salary up to £55,400. Shape national change through the power of public voices. We’re hiring a strategic leader to launch and manage a brand-new team responsible for delivering a suite of impactful consumer panels across England and Wales. This is your opportunity to champion the consumer voice and help reshape the services delivered by major utility providers.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Our client is an independent and passionate advocate for utility consumers, committed to fairness, support, and change. They help thousands each year—offering free advice, resolving complaints, and ensuring that consumer insights influence government and industry decisions. Their work leads to tangible improvements in customer service, policy, and access. If you care about real outcomes, this is where your research leadership will matter.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As part of a government-backed initiative to strengthen consumer representation, you will lead a newly created team and build the infrastructure to deliver multiple regional consumer panels. These panels will collect independent feedback to influence utility companies' planning and operations.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Leading and developing a team of two Consumer Panel Managers
- Overseeing the design and delivery of regular, effective consumer panels
- Managing research agency relationships and ensuring robust methodology
- Turning insights into actionable recommendations that improve policy and service delivery
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to amplify consumer impact
This role offers a hybrid working pattern with only 8 office-based days per month, from either Birmingham or Cardiff.
ABOUT YOU
We’re looking for a confident leader with:
- Proven experience managing consumer panels or public engagement forums
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Experience leading or mentoring teams
- A background in research agency or client-side insight functions
- Ideally, exposure to public sector research or citizen forums
You MUST have the right to work in the UK - sponsorship is not available.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 3 paid volunteering days per year
- Flexible hybrid working (total of 8 days per month in the office)
- A meaningful, mission-driven role where your work creates real change
Ready to make an impact? If you’re passionate about amplifying consumer voices and leading research that drives transformation, we want to hear from you. Apply now to help shape the future of utility services through insight and action.
Senior Research & Insights Lead/Manager - Consumer Panels employer: Stopgap - Marketing, Digital & Creative Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Stopgap - Marketing, Digital & Creative Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research & Insights Lead/Manager - Consumer Panels
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current landscape of consumer panels and public engagement forums. Understanding the latest trends and methodologies in this area will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the utility sector and research community. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and industry leaders, which can provide valuable insights and possibly even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the goals of consumer advocacy and public engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s mission and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely invested in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research & Insights Lead/Manager - Consumer Panels
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight key phrases that resonate with your experience, especially around leading teams and managing consumer panels.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience in managing consumer panels or public engagement forums. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for consumer advocacy and your strategic vision for the role. Mention how your background aligns with the company's mission and how you can contribute to shaping utility policy.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have in research agency relationships and turning insights into actionable recommendations. This will show your ability to influence policy and service delivery effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stopgap - Marketing, Digital & Creative Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Research & Insights Lead/Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in consumer panels or public engagement forums.
✨Understand the Consumer Voice
Familiarise yourself with the importance of consumer insights in shaping utility policy. Be ready to discuss how you can champion the consumer voice and provide actionable recommendations based on research findings.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the role's emphasis on collaboration, expect questions about your experience with stakeholder engagement. Think of specific instances where you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Research the Company and Its Mission
Make sure you understand the company's commitment to fairness and consumer advocacy. Being able to articulate how your values align with theirs will show your genuine interest in the role and the impact you wish to make.
