Research Manager

Research Manager

Salary: £37,578 + Excellent Civil Service Benefits

Location:

Birmingham (Hybrid working – minimum 8 days per month in office)

Employment:
Permanent | Full Time | 37 hours per week

Gi Group is partnering with the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) to recruit a Research Manager to lead the organisation’s research programme.

CCW is the independent voice representing water consumers in England and Wales, supporting thousands of people each year with free advice and complaints assistance. As a government arm‑sized body, CCW conducts research that influences water companies, government and regulators. CCW upholds the values of Positive Energy, Respect, Innovation, Delivery of promises and being Engaged as One (PRIDE).

The Research Manager is responsible for delivering CCW’s research programme, ensuring all research is robust, credible and aligned with organisational priorities. The role manages externally delivered research projects and translates findings into actionable insight.

• Manage CCW’s research portfolio from proposal through procurement and delivery
• Identify and develop research solutions and opportunities for innovation
• Translate research briefs into procurement specifications in line with the Procurement Act
• Represent CCW on externally led research working groups and workshops
• Ensure all research complies with MRS Code of Conduct and maintain up‑to‑date research skills
• Identify key issues within research findings and shape the narrative for insight reports
• Join up evidence across projects, identify contradictions, gaps or new questions and propose further testing
• Produce regular insight reports grounded in robust research
• Identify comparative engagement approaches used by water companies, highlight gaps and best practice
• Provide evidence‑based recommendations to strengthen consumer engagement across the sector

Essential Skills & Experience

• Project management experience
• Recent experience in customer research and a range of research techniques
• Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
• Member of the Market Research Society, or willingness to obtain membership within six months
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative findings
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Research development skills and strong IT capability

• Hybrid working policy – minimum 8 days per month office‑based
• 25 days annual leave plus 10½ days public and privilege holidays
• Flexi time with accrual and time off in lieu
• Generous Civil Service Pension
• Health & Fitness allowance
• Paid allowance days for voluntary work
• Wellbeing hour once a month
• Onsite coffee shop
• Free eye test every 2 years and annual flu jab