Methods Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Senior User Researcher
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom — Hybrid
Overview
Senior User Researcher with experience in public sector environments, conducting user research to high ethical standards and applying government service standards and principles. The role involves leading and maturing user research activities within Methods, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, and coaching others.
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 with colleagues 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-centered 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 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 with leadership abilities
* ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues
* understanding the research question to be answered and choosing the best method to answer it
* 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
* ability to communicate research concepts clearly to non-research audiences
* facilitating workshops and collaborating with other professions in service design
* identifying the implications and communicating them clearly
* experience 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 programs and training
* Wellness programs and employee assistance
* Flexible working including home working and part time
* Social activities and charitable engagement
* 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with option to buy 5 extra days
* 2 paid volunteering days per year
* Pension with employer and employee contributions
* Discretionary company bonus
* Life Assurance (4x base salary) and Private Medical Insurance for dependants
* Worldwide Travel Insurance
* Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
* Travel benefits such as season ticket loan and cycle to work
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Information Technology
* Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)
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