Researcher (Customer Insight & Smart Technology)

ExtraCare Charitable Trust; Coventry; On-site; GBP 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in elderly care is seeking a Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology) to enhance services through applied research. You will investigate how smart technologies can improve the lives of older adults, focusing on customer behaviours and needs. The role requires excellent communication skills and experience in retirement services. You will translate research into actionable insights, making a significant difference in residents' lives. This full-time position offers a salary of £32,000 and various benefits, including generous leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension (up to 9%)

Buy and sell holiday

Free life insurance

Cycle2work scheme

Attendance reward

Free use of on-site location gyms

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting applied research in elderly care.
• Understanding of smart technologies and their benefits for older adults.
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on customer values and behaviours.
• Investigate effectiveness of smart technologies for older adults.
• Evaluate smart devices for usability and impact.
• Translate findings into insights for leaders.
• Support development of projects based on research insights.
• Monitor trends affecting older adults.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience in retirement communities or services for older adults

Ability to interact comfortably with older adults

Job description

Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology)

We are seeking a Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology) to play a pivotal role in strengthening our evidence base and shaping the future of our services. You will conduct applied research that strengthens customer experience, independence, and digital inclusion through smart technologies.

Working across our villages you will focus on understanding the needs and behaviours of current and future residents by exploring how smart home solutions can enhance wellbeing, safety, and autonomy. You will maintain and develop the Innovation Apartment, assess smart technology solutions, and generate insights that influence strategy, operations, and service design.

This is a great opportunity to see your research make a tangible, real-world difference to the lives of older people.

Benefits of the role include;

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension (up to 9%)
• Buy and sell holiday
• Free life insurance
• Cycle2work scheme
• Attendance reward
• Free use of on-site location gyms

Role Details

• Role: Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology)
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time, permanent)
• Location: Head Office, Coventry, CV3 2SN
• Salary: £32,000 per annum

Key Duties:

• Conduct research to understand the values, behaviours, and expectations of both current and future retirement living customers;
• Investigate the effectiveness of smart technologies in supporting independence, safety and wellbeing in older adults;
• Evaluate smart devices (e.g. sensors, voice assistants, health monitors) for usability and impact;
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders and operational teams;
• Support the development of pilot projects and future-living concepts, ensuring they are informed by robust insight;
• Monitor developments in the UK retirement living sector and broader social trends affecting older adults.

Our ideal candidate will have experience working within retirement communities or older adult services. You should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact comfortably with older adults. You should possess a genuine care for enhancing older adults' quality of life.

PLEASE SEE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY!

Do not miss out! Click ‘apply’ now to make an invaluable impact to the lives of our residents as our new Researcher (Customer Insight and Smart Technology).

Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026

• Proposed interview date: Week commencing Monday 12th January 2026, and/or week commencing Monday 19th January 2026

ExtraCare strives to create a workplace that fully reflects society. We want our staff to feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work and be part of a safe and supportive community.

ExtraCare is committed to making our recruitment practices as fair and inclusive as possible for all. This includes making reasonable adjustments to support candidates throughout the recruitment process.

ExtraCare does not participate in the current “UK Visa Sponsorship” scheme, and we would not be able to facilitate sponsorship.

ExtraCare reserve the right to close this advertisement early. Be one of the first to apply!