Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid).
We are seeking an experienced Senior User Researcher to join our growing team on a permanent basis. You will have a passion for understanding and championing the user. You will have experience of working on products and services in a public sector environment, conducting user research on projects to a high ethical standard, with knowledge of government service standards and principles.
Responsibilities
- work with client product managers/owners to devise appropriate research strategies that generate focused insights to support product development
- collaborate within a multidisciplinary team by including colleagues in research and analysis activities
- advocate for users, effectively communicating their needs and perspectives to support the design of intuitive and accessible services
- draw together, present and test reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and/or complex evidence and data
- take appropriate action or make decisions even when details are not clear
- weigh up data from various sources, recognising when to bring in additional Methods support
- identify the main issues in complex problems; clarify understanding or stakeholder expectations to seek the best option
- convincingly and tactfully persuade sceptical colleagues and stakeholders about the value and purpose of research
- effectively capture, use and share user/customer insight and views from a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure better policy and delivery
- support the Head of User Research in coordinating quality user research across the Digital Delivery portfolio through the research community
- guide, coach and mentor other user researchers in Methods and our clients
- work closely with colleagues to identify, develop and share good practice
- set and monitor standards for research, e.g. in ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentation
- provide formalised peer-review to services, for quality assurance or as part of an assessment panel
Day-to-day activities
- confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, using strong interpersonal skills to develop and improve relationships within and outside of user research
- actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts
- evaluate how Methods' user research compares to government and competitor best practice and identify necessary and desirable improvements
- advocate for user-centred design and be an active part of the user research community within Methods and across government
- take responsibility for your own learning and development and seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and experience
- project support, guidance, coaching and mentoring (as appropriate) to less experienced user researchers
- support bids, alongside the Head of User Research
- help recruit contract or permanent user researchers where more capacity is needed
Essential Skills
- demonstrable passion for behavioural research
- leadership skills
- ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues
- understanding the research question which needs to be answered, and choosing the best way to answer that question
- correctly applying a variety of research and analysis techniques
- ensuring research is representative and inclusive, enabling products/services to be designed to work effectively for anyone who may need it
- communicating research in a way others can understand
- running workshops and facilitating service design through collaboration with other professions
- identifying the ‘so what’ and communicating it in a compelling way
- working in an agile environment
Qualifications
- Relevant industry experience
Benefits
- Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
- Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
- Strong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadership
- A supportive and collaborative environment
- Development opportunities through a management development programme and training
- Wellness resources, flexible working, social activities, time off, volunteering, pension, discretionary bonus,
life and private medical insurance, worldwide travel insurance, enhanced maternity/paternity pay, and travel benefits
For a full list of benefits please visit our website: www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits
#J-18808-Ljbffr