At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful customer research to shape water policy and improve customer experiences.
- Company: Join Ofwat, the regulator for the water sector in England and Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the water industry while developing your research and analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong research skills and a passion for customer engagement are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Customer Research Specialist to join our Outcomes Team, at Senior Associate level. We need someone that can help understand the impacts on water customers of innovative approaches by water companies. The role will suit someone who is knowledgeable about research methods, has an eye for detail, feels confident critiquing research and who enjoys working at a fast pace.
Strong research and analytical skills are essential, including the ability to evaluate the quality of customer engagement, assess the validity of results, and consider their broader implications and application for policy development. We are embracing change and will need you to be ready to support others. You will need to be keen to develop new skills in policy development, taking advantage of opportunities to develop, review, and enhance our current policies, then assist with the implementation of new ones.
Key Deliverables
- Help water companies produce robust unbiased evidence on the impacts that different technologies of replacing water mains can have on water customers.
- Assess water company research methodologies and work collaboratively with companies to ensure approach is consistent with Ofwat's standards for high quality research and engagement.
- Provide advice on the appropriate scale of trials that will build statistically valid results across a range of customer groups especially those that are vulnerable.
- Analyse the results, share key findings with the Outcomes Team, and offer policy design recommendations while highlighting any limitations.
- Take the lead in interpreting customer research evidence from a range of sources, triangulating evidence and making recommendations on its reliability and use in informing Price Review policy.
- Manage the delivery of projects, including engaging with colleagues to understand requirements and scope as well as making recommendations on approaches, developing workplans, writing invitations to tender and managing procurement.
- Promote research findings and reports, making connections to the work of others.
- Work on wider projects with Ofwat’s Principal, Customer Insights, who is part of the customer policy team.
- Work on wider projects in the outcomes team applying transferable skills working with other team members.
Location: London, Birmingham
Contract type: Full time, Permanent
Profession: Analysis, Consumer, Research
Working pattern: Flexible working, Hybrid
Closing Date: 01/06/2026
Senior Associate (Customer Research Specialist) in Birmingham employer: UK Regulators' Network
Ofwat is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Senior Associate (Customer Research Specialist) role. With a commitment to employee development, we offer numerous opportunities for growth in policy development and research methodologies, all while promoting a flexible working environment in vibrant locations like London and Birmingham. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the water sector and contribute to shaping policies that benefit customers across England and Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate (Customer Research Specialist) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ofwat or in similar roles on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your research methods and analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've critiqued research in the past and how you can apply that to customer engagement.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for policy development! Think of examples where you've helped implement new policies or improved existing ones, and be ready to share those stories during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate (Customer Research Specialist) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with research methods and customer engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Customer Research Specialist, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since strong research and analytical skills are essential for this role, be sure to include specific examples of how you've evaluated research methodologies or assessed results in your previous work. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and provide insights!
Keep It Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still demonstrating your passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at Ofwat!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Regulators' Network
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on various research methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past roles, especially in customer research. This will show that you understand the technical side of the job and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your analytical abilities. Think about times when you've evaluated research quality or assessed results. Being able to articulate how you’ve made recommendations based on data will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Policy Development
Since the role involves policy development, come prepared with ideas on how you would approach this. Familiarise yourself with Ofwat's current policies and think critically about how they could be improved. This shows initiative and a genuine interest in the organisation's work.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
The role requires collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you work with others. Share examples of successful teamwork and how you’ve supported colleagues in the past. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute positively to the team.
